I will try to introduce and define the terms used throughout this site and in other publications to make the trip through the techno-jargon a little bit easier.

A simplified list of Robot types: -

1) Tele-robots - Those guided by remote control by a human operator.
2) Telepresence Robots - Similar to Tele-robots but with feed back of video, sound and other data to allow the operator to feel more like they are actually in the Robot.
3) Static + Industrial Robots - Such as the widely used arms employed in factories and laboratories world-wide.
4) Mobile robots - Those which need to navigate and perform tasks without human intervention.
5) Autonomous Robots - able to carry out their task without intervention and obtain their power from their environment.
6) Androids - Robots built to mimic humans.

(There are more but this is a good start)

Within these types there is much overlap, for example when a normally static robot arm is mounted on a mobile robot. A building with a burglar alarm system which can alert the police or operate lights etc. could even be classed as a robot and indeed many of the sensors such a system uses could be used on robots of the types listed above. A factory production line may have many robot arms, conveyor belts, mobile robotic platforms, all of which must act as an integrated unit - or is that one large, diffuse robot ? So an open mind is probably the first requirement for a trip into the wonderful world of robotics.

In addition the various types of robot mentioned may be required to function in many different environments :-

a) Inside buildings - with problems like stairs and obstacles such as furniture and people.
b) On the flat ground around buildings - with soft ground and weather to contend with.
c) In the wild or "off road areas"- where anything can be expected.
d) On and under water - where pressure and corrosion resistance is required among other things.
e) In the air - where other aircraft, birds and hostile winds will be encountered.
f) In The confused conditions of a disaster - where rescue or decommissioning of a reactor is required.
g) In Space - where distances, time delays, radiation and micro meteors are the order of the day.
h) On other planets - as seen on Mars.
i) Inside the body - performing an operation or as a replacement limb.

In all of these environments and more can be found robots of all types so we have prepared a table of environments and examples of types found in them as a guide.

Technologies involved in Robotics

There are few branches of engineering, science, mathematics and even philosophy which don't touch on robotics to a greater or lesser degree, and often an apparently unconnected science such as biology,( which only a few years ago was seen to have little to do with robotics) can become the new way forward in robotic research.

A brief list of the main areas of general expertise involved in robotics is given below :-

a) Mechanics - mechanisms, structures etc.
b) Hydraulics, pneumatics
c) Electrics and electronics
d) Computer engineering, science and programming
e) Materials science and engineering - from metals to polymers and more
f ) Radio and television transmission
g) Mathematics of many and varied fields
h) A recent subject - Mechatronics

As with all aspects of science and technology today the need to have a wide base of knowledge and expertiees is more and more important - Robotics is the prime example