Are FIRST robots actually robots?

[Jaine Perotti]

Originally Posted by Paul Copioli

Cars are not robots as they do not work by remote control (cars you and I drive). Microwaves could be a robot I guess.

I would agree with you if we were talking about the earlier generations of cars, which were purely mechanical devices. However, I think most cars nowadays do fall under the category of being a robot. Most cars have advanced computer systems and sensors incorperated into their mechanical systems. The computers and sensors enhance it's ability to drive well, and also monitor for possible problems. Every day, it seems like cars are becoming more intelligent. Have you seen the commercials for the Lexus LS460? This car can park all by itself, with minimal human input. And of course, lets not forget the DARPA Grand Challenge!

The key to determining whether or not something is a robot is whether or not it has artificial intelligence. Any device which recieves input, interprets that input, and makes appropriate output based on those decisions - has artificial intelligence and is a robot. Purely mechanical devices are not robots, even if they are powered electrically by an on/off switch (that is operated by a human). However, if the device can gather data, and make independant decisions based on that data - it is a robot.

Under this classification, many everyday devices that we would not normally think of as robots - are in fact, robots. My answering machine, cell phone, thermostat, washing machine, computer, air conditioner, etc. - are all robots.

FIRST robots and RC cars are robots too. They take a radio signal, process it, and make intelligent output decisions based on the information it is given. Even if the output is merely to turn a motor on - it is still a robot because it has the intelligence (controls system) to convert a radio signal to a mechanical movement. It may not seem very advanced, but a device need not be complex to be considered a robot. It needs only one, basic characteristic - artificial intelligence (taking an input, thinking about it, and making an appropriate output).

--Jaine