Intelligence test

We are now seeing an ineluctable growth of integration of embedded intelligence within mechatronic systems. Indeed, this melange of hardware and software makes the definition of what constitutes a robotic system somewhat fuzzy around the edges and an interesting philosophical issue. The era of the 'Metal Mickey' image of a robot is well and truly over and, with the caveat that clearly some areas are more mature than others, we are now seeing intelligence in a huge range of actuating devices.

Examples include washing machines, cars, smart tele-operated surgical devices, intelligent missile systems, space exploration machines, submersible rovers, rehabilitation systems and assistive care robots. Moreover, the degree of autonomy and supervision afforded to these devices is also variable, and one can classify robotic devices into two broad categories: those which engage with humans in their own physical workspace and those which do not.

Furthermore, terms such as 'internet of things' and 'cybersystems' are now being bandied around — ways to underpin the necessity for smart devices to 'join up their thinking'.