The autonomous, almost humanoid, robot of many a science fiction yarn, is almost reality. But unlike some of those sci-fi stories where malfunctioning, or otherwise, malevolent robots plot world domination, we’re still in control.
Right?
Today, thanks to the relentless increase in the power of computing, the latest robots are being fitted with sophisticated systems that enable them to see, feel, move and work together. Robot engineers call this “mechatronics”: the union of mechanics, optics, electronics, computers and software. Some factory robots are now smart enough to be released from their safety cages to work among humans. And as they become cleverer and more dexterous, they are starting to move from factories to offices and homes.
