A robot is defined as “a reprogrammable, multifunctional manipulator designed to move material, parts, tools or specialized devices through variable programmed motions for the performance of a variety of tasks” (Kapila). What exactly does that mean? These days we see robots making cars or assembling products in a factory, but we also see them taking a role in our homes and personal lives.

In the beginning of the robot era, industrial robots were all that existed. They performed the tasks that were repetitive and boring. Some industries they operated in were “automotive, electronics, rubber and plastics, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and food and beverage” (Wilson). In 1973, there were only 3,000 in use. Then in 2003, the number of robots spiked up to 800,000. In this day and age, the market is worth 9.5 billion dollars. “Industrial robots will always have a place in the economy, but the relative newcomers on the scene are service robots” (Wilson).  


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“Service robots are found in personal and professional settings: a telepresence robot at work, a robot in the operating room, an educational robot helping students learn to write code, a research robot exploring the ocean, a robot in space helping astronauts make repairs, and so on” (Wilson). Having these types of robots in our daily lives could increase productivity and be useful educational tools. Many implications have already been made, but there are more to come in the future. An example of a service robot in our own home would be the Rumba. It is very simple in the way it operates, but a step forward to having these types of robots in the masses. 

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These classifications of robots are the main two types. These machines have made the production industry spike because of their productivity. Consumer robots have also helped increase learning environments and productiveness in the home and on a personal level. If we did not have these robots, many of the advances we have achieved would be unreachable. 


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Thanks







	
Kapila, Vikram. “Introduction to Robotics.” Mechatronics, Tandon School of Engineering, engineering.nyu.edu/mechatronics/smart/pdf/Intro2Robotics.pdf.

Wilson, H. James. “What Is a Robot, Anyway?” Harvard Business Review, Harvard Business Review, 15 Apr. 2015, hbr.org/2015/04/what-is-a-robot-anyway.