Robotics is the branch of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering

and computer science that deals with the design, construction,

operation, and application of robots as well as computer systems for
their control, sensory feedback, and information processing.

Robotics
What Is Robot?
Czech word ‘Robota’ = 'Forced labor'.

The term first used in K. Capek's play R.U.R. 'Rossum's

Universal Robots' (1920).

ORIGIN OF WORD
 Robot
• “A robot is re-programmable,
multi-functional manipulator
designed to move material,
parts, tools, or specialized
devices through variable
programmed motions for the
performance of a variety of
tasks.”
(Robotics Institute of America)
Robotics Timeline

Ancient robots

Al Jazari, Banu Musa &

the Islamic golden age

Leonardo da Vinci

Ada Lovelace and the Analytical

Leonardo da Vinci
Engine
(1452- 1519)
 Joseph Marie
Jacquard

Automatons

Karakuri ningyo

Karel Capek and

R.U.R.

Fritz Lang's
Metropolis

An Automaton

ROBOTICS
TIMELINE
Classification

• Variable-Sequence Robot : A device

that performs the successive stages of
a task according to a predetermined
method easy to modify

• Playback Robot :A human operator

performs the task manually by leading
the Robot
Classification
• Numerical Control Robot
The operator supplies
the movement program
rather than teaching it
the task manually.
 Classification
• Intelligent Robot :
A robot with the means to
understand its environment
and the ability to
successfully complete a task
despite changes to the
environment.
Space Robotics • For unstructured, uneven
terrain based on biologically
inspired innovative
locomotion concepts

• Multi-functional robot
teams usable for different
tasks

• Reconfigurable systems for

planetary exploration
Underwater Robotics:
• User support in remote-
controlled underwater vehicles
employing virtual immersion
methods

• Image evaluation and object

recognition

• Design of control methods for

next-generation autonomous
underwater vehicles
Electric Mobility
• Development and demonstration of
innovative vehicle concepts 

• Design of new approaches to mobility and

traffic control, application support,
technology integration 

• Data collection by fleet tests with

technologically different electric vehicles

• Coordination of the regional project office

Fast, self-learning image recognition and classification to identify
production faults

"Visual Servoing"-methods to sort piece goods

Intelligent production memory based on RFID chips in logistic chains

Handling of deformable piece goods

LOGISTICS, PRODUCTION AND

CONSUMER (LPC)
Search and Rescue (SAR) & Security
Robotics

• Autonomous systems that are able to identify potential victims (SAR) or intruders (Security)

• Application of state-of-the-art sensor technology based on radar, laser scanner, and thermal
vision to identify objects and persons, resp.

• Embedding of robot systems into existing rescue and security infrastructures

Assistance- and Rehabilitation Systems

Core topics include:

• Concept development, design and construction
• Intelligent hardware-system architectures
• Software architectures
• Embedded bio signal analysis, e.g. using information from:
– muscle (EMG)
– eye (eye tracking, EOG)
– or from brain activity (EEG)
– fusion of different sensors
Assistance- and Rehabilitation Systems

• direct online signal

processing (hard- and
software)
• robust learning systems
capable to adapt
• joint communication
layers for better human-
machine interaction
Agricultural Robotics
• Methods for autonomous planning and
navigation of outdoor machinery

• Methods for environmental recognition in

agricultural machinery control

• Methods of infield logistics to optimize

cooperation and resource consumption
between multiple agricultural machines 

• Interoperability at the level of

communication, processes and knowledge
processing
 
Others
• Industrial robots 
Others
• Domestic or household robots 
Others
• Medical robots 
Others
• Military robots 
Others
Entertainment robots