In today's wired world, robots are everywhere, from movies, in space, computer games - maybe even walking among us. This is a look at the rise of robots: how they've developed over time, from early sketches to terrifying battlebots and factory operatives, to the latest AIs running free from their workshops. Presented chronologically, this robot history will focus on landmark robots that have captured the imagination, including creations from popular culture.

Stories from the future of intelligent machines—from rescue drones to robot spouses—and accounts of cutting-edge research that could make it all possible. Tech prognosticators promised us robots—autonomous humanoids that could carry out any number of tasks. Instead, we have robot vacuum cleaners. But, as Dario Floreano and Nicola Nosengo report, advances in robotics could bring those rosy predictions closer to reality. A new generation of robots, directly inspired by the intelligence and bodies of living organisms, will be able not only to process data but to interact physically with humans and the environment. In this book, Floreano, a roboticist, and Nosengo, a science writer, bring us tales from the future of intelligent machines—from rescue drones to robot spouses—along with accounts of the cutting-edge research that could make it all possible. These stories from the not-so-distant future show us robots that can be used for mitigating effects of climate change, providing healthcare, working with humans on the factory floor, and more. Floreano and Nosengo tell us how an application of swarm robotics could protect Venice from flooding, how drones could reduce traffic on the congested streets of mega-cities like Hong Kong, and how a “long-term relationship model” robot could supply sex, love, and companionship. After each fictional scenario, they explain the technologies that underlie it, describing advances in such areas as soft robotics, swarm robotics, aerial and mobile robotics, humanoid robots, wearable robots, and even biohybrid robots based on living cells. Robotics technology is no silver bullet for all the world’s problems—but it can help us tackle some of the most pressing challenges we face.

"Discusses how robots are used to explore and work in places too dangerous for people. Also discusses advances in robotics, and how we benefit from the jobs these robots do"--Provided by publisher.

In Robots at Home, early fluent readers learn about the many kinds of robots built to help people in their daily lives. Vibrant, full-color photos and carefully leveled text will engage young readers as they learn about the fascinating world of robots.

"For someone interested in practical present day robotics it’s a treasure trove. A book-sized Top Trumps rove across the technical domain, with each section containing a photo of the precise robot, an overview of its main components and some context for its aims and purposes." - Electronics Weekly Robots exist all around us. They populate our factories, assist our surgeons and have become an integral part of our armed forces. But they are not just working behind the scenes – impressive inventions such as free-roaming hoovers takecare of your household chores and the iPal is set to become your closest friend. David Hambling reveals the groundbreaking machines – once the realm of science fiction – that are by our sides today, and those that are set to change the future forever. From the Reem robocop that polices the streets of Dubai to the drones that deliver our parcels and even the uncanny Gemonoid Hi-4 built to look just like you, here are fifty unique robots that reach into every aspect of our daily lives. We:Robot examines why robots have become embedded in our culture, how they work and what they tell us about our society and its future.

"Amazing photography accompanies engaging information about robot uprisings. The combination of high-interest subject matter and light text is intended for students in grades 3 through 7"--

This book includes the post-conference proceedings of the 23rd RoboCup International Symposium, held in Sydney, NSW, Australia, in July 2019. The 38 full revised papers and 14 invited papers presented in this book were carefully reviewed and selected from 74 submissions. This book highlights the approaches of champion teams from the competitions and documents the proceedings of the 23rd annual RoboCup International Symposium. Due to the complex research challenges set by the RoboCup initiative, the RoboCup International Symposium offers a unique perspective for exploring scientific and engineering principles underlying advanced robotic and AI systems.