Robotics: Glossary

A

AGV

automated guided vehicle

anthrobot

a robot which resembles or functions like humans

artificial intelligence

the ability of a machine, such as a computer, to perform complex decision-making operations similar to humans

artificial intelligence

the ability to make decisions similar to humans

automated

to function without continuous input

automated/automation

the ability or device which performs a duty without continual input from an operator

automatically

to function independently

automation

techniques that make an apparatus, process, or system operate by itself, independent of human control

autonomous robots

a robot that can perform on its own without continual input from an operator

C

computer programming

the input that tells a computer what actions to perform - a type of language

contaminated

harmful or unclean

cyborg

a person who uses a mechanical device to help them perform their basic bodily functions

D

design

a written or drawn plan

documented

a record was kept

E

educational robots

robots used for a school or teaching experience

electronic

using electricity to run

engineer

a person who designs useful objects or invention

G

General Motors

car company established in 1908 - also known as GM

George Devol

American who invented the first industrial robot

H

hazardous materials

substance that could harm the environment or life

humanoid

resembling the human form

humanoid

like a human

I

industrial

used in the business of making or creating things

interaction

things that work together have interaction

J

Jacques de Vaucanson

French inventor who created early automated machines

Jeopardy

a television game show

Joseph Engelberger

American who began the first industrial robot company

L

Leonardo da Vinci

famous 15th century Italian artist and inventor

M

machine

a device that changes force or motion

mechanics

the science of machines

microprocessor

a small circuit that performs like a computer

mobile robots

a remote control robot for going to places that humans cannot

N

nano-robots

microscopic robots

nanorobot

also nanobot - microscopic robot

P

Pleo

a robotic dinosaur made to look and act like a week-old baby Camarasaurus from the Jurassic period

pneumatic

uses ari, gases, or wind

programmable

able to be given computer instructions

R

repetitive

to repeat over and over

robot

from the Czech word 'robota' - meaning 'forced work'

robot

a machine that does routine tasks

robotics

the science of robots

robotics

related to a robot

S

sensor

a device sensitive to input similar to the way our body responds to our senses

sentient

when a being has personal knowledge that they exist

swarms

a large number of bees or other creatures that function together

T

tech

slang for technology, technician, or technical

technology

the science of creating tools, inventions, materials, etc