The history of the industrial robot

A literature survey covering a century of mobile robot development, from wartime teleoperation to today's AI-driven autonomy. Reviews applications across defense, security, delivery, inspection, and healthcare.

Ravi Raj and Andrzej Kos

An overview of how industrial robotics grew from isolated robotic cells into collaborative robots working alongside people. Connects the shift to Industry 4.0, the Internet of Things, and human-robot interaction.

Antoni Grau, Marina Indri, Lucia Lo Bello, And Thilo Sauter

A data-rich report on how automation reshapes jobs and productivity worldwide. Includes a Robot Vulnerability Index by country and a close look at robots entering the service sector.

Oxford Economics

An accessible introduction to what defines a robot and how sensors set robots apart from simple automata. A clear starting point for understanding real-world robot applications.

Mordechai Ben-Ari and Francesco Mondada

Explores how design shapes the way people react to robots and why that matters for public policy. Draws on human-robot interaction research and the design of social robots.

Heather Knight