An important part of the automation scene is the area of “Robotics” a multidisciplinary field that involves mechanical, electronics and several other engineering disciplines. Though the ultimate aim is to attempt emulate human activities, something which is extremely difficult to attain, these attempts have resulted in development of robots. These are beneficial in handling hazardous tasks and for operating in hazardous areas like chemical or nuclear plants. Examples of such tasks include plates being x-rayed for inspection of internal cracks and flaws, a routine but hazardous operation.

Where complex movements are involved as in welding along a 3D profile, robots can be used for assuring quality and consistency. In assembly operation of precision and tiny parts, like in watches, robots perform with accuracy and repeatability. (The SCARA robot developed in Japan is one such robot specifically suit5able for precision assembly tasks.) Painting is hazardous to humans and also complex movements are involved (for example in painting a car body) and in such applications robots may replace human beings.

Robots have certain inherent capabilities and limitations, just as any other machine or human being does, and these should be borne in mind when attempting to use them in a given application. A lathe is best used for generating cylindrical objects and milling machines are ideal for producing prismatic parts. One would not attempt to use a lathe for manufacture of prismatic parts or a milling machine to produce cylinders. Thus manufacturing processes are chosen to suit the product and conversely, products should be designed to suit the manufacturing process. This philosophy applies to robotics also. One cannot expect a given robot to execute any arbitrary task or handle any product. Some times it may be beneficial to redesign the product to enable robots to handle them with ease. A wellknown example of designing a product to suit robots is the SONY “Walkman” which has been designed for ease of assembly by robots.

Today robot finds applications in industries, medical and other fields. For example, in eye surgery (replacement of retina), where a cylindrical portion needs to be replaced, the operation is best done by robots. Mobile robots like walking machines, hopping machines are examples of robots, and so also are robotic aircraft and ships. Nuclear and power plants uses fish like robots which move inside pipes for purpose of inspection

Computers are required for higher level control of such complex systems. Computers convert higher level commands to lower level commands for purpose of interpreting sensor outputs and controlling motors in these machines. In autonomous robots, operating at remote locations, endurance of power supply (batteries) may be an issue.