This book covers robots that resemble human figures (humanoids - and
their various subtypes - and 'metal collar workers' or industrial
robots. Because of their ability to replace manual workers on the
production line, it is the industrial robots which are the far more
significant type, although the humanoids have more popular appeal.
Animated figures capable of performing varied tasks unaided have been
known for centuries and were particularly popular in Victorian times.
Usually driven by clockwork, they are collectively known as automata.
Today the clockwork mechanisms have been replaced by electric motors,
and the mechanical controls by electronic 'brains'. The result may be
something close to a true robot - which may walk, talk, 'see', or even
shake hands! On the other hand the industrial robot, which accounts for
over ninety per cent of today's robot population, usually operates from
a fixed position on the factory floor. The 'body' of the machine may do
no more than support a mechanical arm capable of precise, powerful, and
quite sophisticated movements. The programme 'taught' by its human
operators will be carried out faultlessly for as long as required. More
impressive are the second generation of robots - the first of which are
now appearing - with built-in 'intelligence'. These are the;' thinking'
robots which can carry on where their human teachers left off. The
author carefully charts a fascinating course through the history of
robots and provides full details of how they work with the help of
numerous diagrams and photographs.
