Battlebots an Newsweek

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Posted by s_alaniz at 05/25/2001 10:48 AM EST


Other on team #57 from Houston Regional co-ordinator.


In Reply to: Robot Definition
Posted by Joe Johnson on 05/24/2001 11:44 PM EST:




Joe.... with all due respect to the folks at webster their definition of "robot" is influenced by the term's usage and not how it it defined by the people who actually work with robots and robotic systems. The "a" part of this first definition reflects the "SCI-FI" influence on our language.

: 1 a : a machine that looks like a human being and performs various complex acts (as walking or talking) of a human being; also : a similar but fictional machine whose lack of capacity for human emotions is often emphasized b : an efficient insensitive person who functions automatically

Because we can program the FIRST controllers, the "tank drive" formula alone could arguably satisfy the next two definitions since there is some automatic conversion done inside the processors that requires decision and control output.

: 2 : a device that automatically performs complicated often repetitive tasks

: 3 : a mechanism guided by automatic controls

What we don't build in the FIRST competition are AUTOMATONS which is the true definition of "Forbidden Planet" and "Mr.DATA" style robots. (Please remember... computers/ microprocessors are just cute tricks of electronics and the building blocks of anything truly autonomous (at least in silicon) is a few centuries away.)

Language... especially spoken English is often vague and incorrectly used. (Take the term "Fluid Controls" Hydraulics I can see but Pnuematics? Under the definition of what constitutes "Fluid Control" you could argue that the Electronics are fluid controls. But.. I digress.)

My rule of thumb is that if it's a "fly by wire" device, with processor control... it's a "Robot"...If it acts on it's own and can proform tasks without supervision.. it's an "Automaton."

My two cents for today

Steve Alaniz



: Comments and criticisms welcome.

: Joe J.