How Robots Work and Why We Call Them Robots, Not Just Machines

Robots are more than just machines. While all robots are machines, not all machines qualify as robots. The key difference lies in the robot’s ability to perform tasks autonomously or semi-autonomously by sensing their environment, processing information, and acting accordingly.

How Robots Work

A robot typically consists of several components working together:

• Sensors: These help the robot perceive its environment by detecting light, heat, distance, sound, or other physical properties.
• Actuators: These are the “muscles” of the robot, enabling movement or interaction with objects.
• Control System: Usually a computer or microcontroller that processes sensor data and sends commands to actuators based on programmed instructions or AI.
• Power Supply: Provides energy for the robot’s functions, such as batteries or wired power.

Together, these components allow robots to perform complex tasks like navigating obstacles, assembling products, or assisting in surgeries.

Why We Call Them Robots, Not Just Machines

The term “robot” was first introduced in 1920 by the Czech writer Karel Čapek in his play R.U.R. (Rossum’s Universal Robots). Robots are distinguished from ordinary machines because they can:

• Sense their surroundings and respond intelligently.
• Make decisions based on data or AI algorithms.
• Perform tasks autonomously without continuous human control.

Machines, on the other hand, generally perform fixed, repetitive tasks without sensing or decision-making capabilities. Robots combine mechanical parts with software intelligence, bridging the gap between machines and living beings in functionality.

This ability to interact with and adapt to their environment is what makes robots unique and valuable in industries, research, and daily life.

Editor: Er. Rahul Kumar Dubey, Willer Academy