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What is a "Robot"?
What is a "Robot"?
Robot = A (computer) programmable machine that can perform a complex series of actions automatically
This definition includes not just industrial robot arms, but also:
CNC Machines
Self-driving cars
Space Probes
Roombas
…and many more machines
Generally speaking, robots come in two main types:
Flexible Robots, which can be configured to perform a wide range of functions
Specialized Robots, which perform a single dedicated function
History of Robots
History of Robots
“Robot” Etymology
1920 from Czech origin “robota” meaning ‘forced labor’, ‘servitude’, or ‘drudgery’
The term was coined in K. Čapek's play R.U.R. ‘Rossum's Universal Robots’, attributed to his brother Josef Čapek
Unimate
First programmable Robot arm
Patented filed in 1954 by George C. Devol, Jr. & built in 1957
First Unimate ever used on an assembly line was installed at the GM plant in Trenton, NJ in 1961 to unload a die-casting press
PUMA
Programmable Universal Machine for Assembly (PUMA)
First 6-Axis Robot Arm (the most common/standard robot design used today)
Developed in 19XX by Victor Sheinman at Unimation for GM
Ethics of Robots
Ethics of Robots
Skynet?
Robots do only as they are programmed, and they are programmed by PEOPLE
As AI & machine learning become more prevalent, robots will become more autonomous, being able to make some decisions on their own
The programming behind all of this is still done by humans, however
Robot Ethics Thought Experiment #2: Medical Robot “Accident”
Surgical Robot
Complex vision system, programmed designed to pinch off blood vessels if they rupture & cause bleeding. Incorrectly identifies a non-bleeding, key blood vessel to brain/key, pinches it off & causes the patient to die
What are the implications of this?
Who is responsible/liable? The Surgeon? The Programmer? The Robot? The Hospital?
Robot Ethics Thought Experiment #1: Military Robot “Accident”
Sniper "Dog" Robot
Complex vision system, programmed to identify & eliminate targets based on clothing, presence of weapons, skin color, etc.
What are the implications of this?
If the robot shoots an innocent person or “friendly”, who is responsible/liable? The Operator? The Programmer? The Robot? The Manufacturer? The Military? Taxpayers?
1.1✔ CHECKPOINT
1.1✔ CHECKPOINT
Your Thoughts on Robots
Your Thoughts on Robots
What was your first experience seeing or interacting with a robot of any kind? What kind of robot was it? What did you think of it?
What are your thoughts (positive, negative, or otherwise) on the use of robotics in industry and society, both currently and looking forward to the future?
If you could have a robot something so that you didn't have to do it, what would that one thing be?
What do you think are the ethical considerations surrounding the use of robots and AI, and how do we ensure that these technologies are developed and used in a responsible and ethical manner?
What are some of the most innovative or exciting applications of robotics and automation that you have seen recently, and how do you see them evolving in the future?
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