Robot Companions: Technology for Humans

TL;DR

This paper provides an overview of robotic technologies, including bio-hybrid and collective systems, highlighting their historical development and applications in various service sectors.

Contribution

It offers a comprehensive review of robotic technologies, emphasizing recent advances in bio-hybrid and collective systems and their practical applications.

Findings

Robots have evolved from simple mechanical devices to complex autonomous systems.

Bio-hybrid and collective robotic systems are emerging areas with diverse applications.

Robotic technologies continue to expand into service and assistance roles.

Abstract

Creation of devices and mechanisms which help people has a long history. Their inventors always targeted practical goals such as irrigation, harvesting, devices for construction sites, measurement, and, last but not least, military tasks for different mechanical and later mechatronic systems. Development of such assisting mechanisms counts back to Greek engineering, came through Middle Ages and led finally in XIX and XX centuries to autonomous devices, which we call today "Robots". This chapter provides overview of several robotic technologies, introduces bio-/chemo- hybrid and collective systems and discuss their applications in service areas.