A Historical Perspective of Robotics Toward the Future

In this paper a historical overview is presented dealing with the conception and development of devices that can be considered as robots today with the aim to identify the future challenges for roboticists. The historical background can be used as guidance for future successful developments when design data and requirements are recognized from historical well-established needs, problems and applications, which can be re-formulated through modern means for modern solutions. Thus, in the paper an overview of history of robotics is presented as based on main aspects and concepts. © 2001, Fuji Technology Press. All rights reserved.