introduction to roboticsV. Kumar INTRODUCTION TO ROBOTICS What is a robot? The Webster defines a robot as An automatic apparatus or device that performs functions ordinarily ascribed to humans or operates with what appears to be almost human intelligence. The Robotics Institute of America defines a robot as follows: A robot is 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. Some history The term “robot” has its origins in a Czech word “robotnik” meaning worker or serf. It was first introduced by the playwright Karel Capek in a 1920 play. The robot theme was popularized by Isaac Asimov in science fiction in the late 1940’s and the early 1950’s, and subsequently by Hollywood mo……