Robots have become a key element in a number of industries. We see them performing tasks that are otherwise are considered too dangerous or monotonous for humans in manufacturing industries – including the military. The technology is far from new, although it continues to evolve. It’s just now, that this technology has become so widespread, that people are more aware of it. There is still a lot that we bet you don’t know about robots – Check out these facts:
- George Devol invented the first ever programmable and digital robot in 1954. 1954!! Can you imagine that? The robot was named Unimate, and in 1961 General Motors purchased it to be used for picking hot metal pieces out of the die casting machines.
- A robot homicide. We’ll let your eyes adjust to what you just read. In 1981, 37 year old Kenji Uradan, a worker at the Japanese Kawasaki factory became the first person who met his death at the hands of a robot.
- The twin robots, Opportunity and Spirit, sent on Mars in 2004 were built to operate for 90 days. While Spirit got stuck and ceased performing after 5 years (that’s right 5 whole years!); Opportunity is still ruling the Red Planet exceeding its operation plan by more than an astounding 11 years!
- iRobot came out with the innovative robotic vacuum cleaner, the Roomba – packed with the ground breaking environment sensing technology. They managed to sell over 2 million of them once the product hit the market. Talk about making life easier!
- The year 1939 saw the debut of the world’s very first humanoid robot, the Elektro. Standing 7 feet tall, the walking machine built by Westinghouse could speak over 700 words that were stored on 78RPM records to replicate conversation.
- Kevin Warwick, a Cybemetics professor has computer chips entrenched in his left arm. He calls himself the world’s first cyborg. The computer chips allow him to remotely operate an electronic wheelchair, doors, and an artificial hand.
- Robots that run on bacteria. That’s right! Chris Melhuish from Bristol Robotics Laboratory built robots powered by bacteria filled cells. The cells generated electricity from dead flies and rotten apples.
The fun facts on robots listed above left us in awe, and we thought it would be great to share them with you; but these are not all. We will soon be back with more fun facts for you. As mind boggling, and disturbing as they may seem – robots are a reality. They can be programmed to function for almost anything at all. There’s a reason why even used robots have a thriving market! What are you waiting for, buy used industrial robots today.