A New Science
Robotics is a new science born from:
- Mechanics
- Automation
- Electronics
- Computer
- ScienceCybernetics
- Artificial Intelligence
Robotics draws on several other disciplines:
- Physics/Mathematics
- Logic/Linguistics
- Neuroscience/Psychology
- Biology/Physiology
- Anthropology/Philosophy
- Art/Industrial Design
Today, robotics is pursuing one of humanity's oldest dreams. Since ancient times, when humanity did not possess the power to move machines and had only limited technical capabilities, philosophers have been fascinated by the project of constructing the most complex possible machine, one that could replicate a human being. We find this dream in Greek mythology, whose ancient texts speak of living statues or mechanical automata guarding the labyrinth of Daedalus, the first engineer.
The initial stage of this discipline - this quite chaotic and polymorphous phase - accounts for the "Tower of Babel" atmosphere which characterizes contemporary robotics, where specialists from several fields are working side by side, often striking to understand one another's terminology. However, the dynamism of this initial phase explains why robotics is, culturally and scientifically speaking, one of the most interesting and exciting fields.
Indeed, the challenge of replicating a biological organism in the form of an autonomous machine endowed with intelligence of its own could contribute to nearing the gap between the so-called "two cultures".
As a new science, robotics is also thoroughly integrated with the development of technology. It is frontier territory where anyone, even with a limited investment, can create and market new products, obtain valuable patents, and stake out market share.
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