At present, the development of robotics is not walking, but running ahead of the machines. In the first 10 years of the 21st century alone, more than 1 million robots have been invented and implemented. But the most interesting thing is that the developments in this field can and are being conducted not only by corporate teams or small groups of scientists and engineers professionals, but also by ordinary schoolchildren and enthusiasts all over the world!
The rapid development of robotics is primarily due to the development of information and communication technologies. It is through public awareness and the involvement of a wide variety of professionals in the issue that has led to numerous opportunities for an inexpensive, accessible to learn, yet sufficiently complete set of tools for developing software and hardware for uncomplicated robots. For example:
The use of LabView in robotics – the creation of a SCADA system for robot control.
emergence of specialized software tools from major companies, such as Microsoft Robotics Developer Studio.
emergence and active development of projects like LEGO Mindstorms and active public participation in them.
Introduction of thematic classes in secondary and high schools.
The emergence of competitions around the world devoted to robot design.
Robotics development in the early 2000s was predominantly driven by large companies, research teams and other groups of specialists over the age of 30.
But as practice shows, it is the work of young specialists of the new generation that is gaining more and more practical importance.
In this connection, there is more and more integration of science and practical training in everyday life of the youth, starting with the championships devoted to development of robots oriented to the specified kinds of work and finishing with the courses of advanced training of robotics at school.
As a result, robotics progress is becoming more accessible to developing international directions in both industry and other spheres of human life.