## What is a robot? * (I agree the definition is not super important) * (I agree there are different definitions) * What are the characteristics of a robot * What must it have to be called a robot
### Did you know * [Boston is a global hub for robotics!](https://masstech.org/robotics) * Amazon: Has a major robotics hub in Boston * Boston Dynamics is right here in Waltham * Let's take a look at how robots are impacting the world
## Let's take a look * The scope of the concept of robotics is very wide * The robots are coming - in a good way * **Take away**: There are many directions that learning Robotics can take you!
### Humanoid Robots
**This is the Tesla Optimus, the humanoid robot** * Tesla, Boston Dynamics, Amazon and others * Cool Sci-Fi look * Uncanny Valley * What will it actually do? * Humanoid robots like Tesla Optimus could perform dangerous or repetitive tasks, improving workplace safety for humans. * These robots may provide companionship and social interaction for isolated individuals, potentially reducing loneliness in society.
### Surgical Robots
**The DaVinci Robot from Intuitive** * Why is this consixered to be a robot? * Allows certain kinds of surgeries to be more reliable * They make big claims * Surgical robots improve precision in complex procedures. * They reduce recovery time for patients after surgery.
### Assistive Robots for the elderly
**Cognative Assisive Robots for Dementia Caree** * Also look at [Jennie from Tombot](https://tombot.com) * Allows certain kinds of surgeries to be more reliable * Assistive robots can help older adults maintain independence and age in place comfortably. * These robots can reduce the workload on caregivers and family members, improving their quality of life.
### Autonomous public transportation systems
**Transportation between airport terminals** * Autonomous public transport reduces traffic congestion. * It improves accessibility for those unable to drive. * There is no driver. It is autonomous? * Would you consider it a robot? * What if it were "smart"?
### Bomb Disposal Robots
**Robots to safely examine suspicious packages** * Dangerous situations where a robot can provide safety * Usually a combination of remote control and autonomy * [Many are "research projects" still](https://www.overtdefense.com/2020/11/26/re2-robotics-to-develop-autonomous-casualty-extraction-ugv-manipulator-arms-for-us-army/) * Bomb disposal robots save lives of human technicians. * They reduce the psychological stress on bomb squad personnel.
### Domestic Chore Robots
**Roomba Autonomous Vaccum Cleaner** * Well known product from [iRobot](https://www.irobot.com) * I have two of them (a really old one and a somewhat old one) * Overall assessment: they are a work saver * Domestic chore robots free up time for family activities. * They assist elderly or disabled individuals with daily tasks.
### Agricultural Robots
**Many different farm applications** * This one is an experimental one from [Odd Bot Weedwhacker](https://www.odd.bot) * Pulling weeds reduces the need for herbicides * Greatly reduces the amoung of manual labor * Agricultural robots increase crop yields and efficiency. * They reduce the physical strain on farm workers.
### Manufacturing Robots
**Robots used in manufacturing of all kinds** * Utilizes advanced robotics technology from leading manufacturers. * Increases production precision and reduces manufacturing errors. * Significantly enhances production speed and output capacity. * Improves workplace safety by handling hazardous tasks. * Enables consistent 24/7 operation in manufacturing facilities.
### Science Fiction Robots
**They won't be scifi for long!** * This one is from the [pixar movie Wall-E](https://www.pixar.com/feature-films/walle) * It looks like something we could build today * But if you see the movie you see that has cognition, emotion, reasoning, and more