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First generation
From the technical standpoint, the first generation of robots was very useful, it is a tool of the mechanical arm type, which repeats the position and the posture learnt before the beginning of the technological operation. The robots are based on the use of internal sensors and servo-technology. Such systems appeared during in 1962 in the USA and during 1967, in Japan. Versatran and Unimate were the first robots manufactured for industry.
Second generation
Second generation approaches usual practice, through the endowment with external sensors and microprocessors. The most important sensors are the visual and tactile ones. They were practically used in sticking the wires of the semiconductors assembled within various fields.
Third generation
The third generation of robots is provided with advanced measuring, control and driving systems.
The main characteristic of a third generation robot may be more easily understood by studying the relation between boss and subordinate employee. When he does not understand the command, the subordinate employee will ask his superior several questions, until thoroughly understanding the command, and he will start operating only at that moment.
To conclude, from the standpoint of the functionality, for the third generation robots there are still issues to solve as regards handling and movement coordination.
Industrial robots, as the computers, are strong machineries, which open new horizons for people and raise their possibilities and the power of their actions.
Ever increasingly, the robots may affect difficult operations, beyond the human beings’ possibilities. The robots do not spread microbes and dust, and their movements may be controlled with no errors. They do not get tired and they may resist to unfavourable environment conditions, which humans cannot bear: extreme temperatures, vibrations and radiations.
Current and next day robots are deemed programmable scientific instruments.
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