The field of robotics and automation is rapidly changing our world. Robotics is about designing and building robots, while automation uses technology to make processes run without human help. Once seen mostly in science fiction, robots are now common in many industries and even in our homes. This evolution is driven by advances in engineering and artificial intelligence (AI).

Historically, industrial robots have been used in factories for repetitive and dangerous tasks, like welding cars. More recently, collaborative robots (cobots) have emerged. These robots can work safely alongside humans, helping with tasks that need both human skill and robotic precision. This shift means robots are not just replacing human labor but also working with humans to improve efficiency and safety.

The applications of robotics are expanding quickly. In manufacturing, robots improve speed and quality. In logistics, they sort and move packages in warehouses. Healthcare uses robots for surgery, delivering medicines, and helping patients. Even in homes, robots clean floors and assist with daily tasks. This shows how robots are becoming more integrated into our daily tasks.

The increasing role of robots brings significant societal impact. One major discussion is about the workforce and how jobs will change. While some jobs might be replaced, new jobs in robot design, maintenance, and programming will emerge. This raises ethical considerations about fair distribution of benefits and ensuring human well-being. As robots become smarter and more common, understanding their role in society is key.