How robots change the world

Traces how industrial robots evolved from early factory automation and mechanical automatons into programmable machines. Explains how added sensing moved robots from simple pick-and-place work to welding, grinding, and assembly.

Johanna Wallén

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

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