Autonomous Robots
A category of advanced robotics, often humanoid in form, designed for general-purpose tasks. Companies like Figure and Tesla (Optimus) are key players.
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7/26/2025, 2:37:12 AM
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7/26/2025, 2:39:49 AM
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7/26/2025, 2:39:49 AM
Summary
Autonomous robots are machines designed to operate without direct human control, making decisions based on perceived information to perform tasks. Historically, early examples like W. Grey Walter's "Elmer and Elsie" in the late 1940s demonstrated basic autonomous behavior, while modern applications range from space probes and self-driving vehicles to industrial robot arms, self-driving vacuums like Roomba, and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) used in logistics and manufacturing. These robots offer benefits such as increased productivity, precision, speed, and endurance, handling dull, dangerous, or repetitive tasks. Companies like Figure, led by Brett Adcock, are actively accelerating their development, addressing challenges in areas like improving robotic actuators and achieving greater dexterity. The advancement of autonomous robotics is a significant component of the broader AI ecosystem growth.
Referenced in 1 Document
Research Data
Extracted Attributes
Benefits
Increased productivity, cost optimization, flexibility, delegation of dull/dangerous/dirty tasks, 24/7 operation.
Examples
Space probes, self-driving vacuums (Roomba), self-driving cars, industrial robot arms, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), delivery robots (Starship, Relay, Zipline), security robots (Cobalt), drones (DJI Phantom, military UAVs).
Definition
Robots that act without recourse to human control, capable of making decisions based on perceived information.
Applications
Factories, warehouses, hospitals, farms, logistics, e-commerce fulfillment, surveillance, delivery, security.
Key Characteristics
Operate independently, make decisions, avoid obstacles, high precision, speed, endurance, built-in safety systems.
Challenges in Development
Improving robotic actuators, achieving greater dexterity.
Timeline
- W. Grey Walter constructed the first autonomous robots, Elmer and Elsie, which were designed to 'think' like biological brains and were capable of phototaxis. (Source: web_search_results)
1949-XX-XX
- The first generation of autonomous mobile robots for navigation were developed, utilizing manually created CAD floor plans, sonar sensing, and wall-following variations. (Source: web_search_results)
1980-XX-XX
- MobileRobots introduced the PatrolBot and an autonomous wheelchair, which had the ability to create their own laser-based maps and navigate open areas. (Source: web_search_results)
2004-XX-XX
- Figure, led by Brett Adcock, is actively accelerating the development of autonomous robots, addressing current technological hurdles such as improving actuators and achieving greater dexterity. (Source: related_documents)
2023-XX-XX
Wikipedia
View on WikipediaAutonomous robot
An autonomous robot is a robot that acts without recourse to human control. Historic examples include space probes. Modern examples include self-driving vacuums and cars. Industrial robot arms that work on assembly lines inside factories may also be considered autonomous robots, though their autonomy is restricted due to a highly structured environment and their inability to locomote.
Web Search Results
- Autonomous robot - Wikipedia
Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia ## Contents # Autonomous robot An autonomous robot is a robot that acts without recourse to human control. Historic examples include space probes. Modern examples include self-driving vacuums and cars. Industrial robot arms that work on assembly lines inside factories may also be considered autonomous robots, though their autonomy "Agency (psychology)") is restricted due to a highly structured environment and their inability to locomote. [...] The first autonomous robots were known as Elmer and Elsie "Elmer and Elsie (robots)"), constructed in the late 1940s by W. Grey Walter. They were the first robots programmed to "think" the way biological brains do and were meant to have free will. Elmer and Elsie were often labeled as tortoises because of how they were shaped and the manner in which they moved. They were capable of phototaxis, the movement that occurs in response to light stimulus. ### Space probes [...] 1980s. These robots originally used manually created CAD floor plans, sonar sensing and wall-following variations to navigate buildings. The next generation, such as MobileRobots' PatrolBot and autonomous wheelchair, both introduced in 2004, have the ability to create their own laser-based maps of a building and to navigate open areas as well as corridors. Their control system changes its path on the fly if something blocks the way.
- What are Autonomous Mobile Robots: AMR Examples & Uses
Autonomous robots are smart machines that can do tasks and work on their own without needing humans to control them. This level of autonomy gives the workforce the ability to delegate dull, dangerous, or dirty tasks to the robot. This frees up humans to spend more time doing the interesting, engaging, and valuable parts of their job. [...] Simply put, an autonomous robot is one that decides the action it should take on its own based on information it has perceived to increase productivity. If you would like to learn more about autonomous robots or their endless possible applications, contact us today. If you're unsure how robotics technology could help you, here are 8 great autonomous robot examples. 8 Applications of Autonomous Systems Robotics 1. Autonomous Mobile Robots for Logistics [...] To fully understand autonomous mobile robots, it helps to see them in action. One of the most famous autonomous robots available today is the Roomba, known for its independence and productivity. The Roomba has capabilities that are useful in warehouses and industrial spaces, making AMRs more accessible technology. The Roomba can make decisions, avoid obstacles and act based on what it perceives in its environment. The bot is alone in a room and does its job without human operators.
- Autonomous Mobile Robots - What They Are & Why Use Them
Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are robotic vehicles that operate without the need for human control or intervention. Not to be confused with automated guided vehicles (AGVs), AMRs typically move dynamically around any obstacles they encounter. They are usually also smaller than AGVs. [...] When it comes to automating a site’s mobile processes, the advantages that autonomous mobile robots offer are numerous. These ‘always on’ robotic helpers do exactly as they are programmed —they don’t require breaks, vacations, or even to work in the light, and they feature built-in safety systems. Specific AMR benefits include: ### Flexibility Most AMRs use natural navigation to get around, making these systems inherently flexible. ### Cost optimization [...] The advantages of autonomous mobile robots are numerous. AMRs are a highly efficient transportation solution. And they do what they are programmed to do each and every time. With their relatively small vehicle footprints and dynamic movement, they are well suited to space-limited environments such as high-tech manufacturing plants and e-commerce fulfilment centers. Note: AMRs are sometimes referred to as automated mobile robots, autonomously guided robots or simply mobile robots.
- Autonomous robots explained: Benefits & applications - Standard Bots
Autonomous robots arenât just cool sci-fi extras anymore â theyâre changing how factories, warehouses, hospitals, and farms get things done. From precision welding to 24/7 inventory management, these machines bring serious productivity gains without asking for anything except the occasional maintenance in return. [...] Autonomous robots arenât just cool sci-fi extras anymore â theyâre changing how factories, warehouses, hospitals, and farms get things done. From precision welding to 24/7 inventory management, these machines bring serious productivity gains without asking for anything except the occasional maintenance in return. [...] Autonomous robots arenât just shiny tech toys â theyâre the behind-the-scenes winners for many industries, stepping up when humans get bored, tired, or just don't want to deal with repetitive jobs anymore. These machines handle work with next-level precision, speed, and endurance, making them a no-brainer for companies that chase the endlessly elusive dragon of efficiency and growth. Why businesses are betting big on autonomous robots: ## Challenges of implementing autonomous robots
- Types of Robots - ROBOTS: Your Guide to the World of Robotics
DJI's Phantom, used for aerial photography. The Phantom and other advanced drones, like Anafi and Skydio, feature autonomous flight plans to film you from different angles, and they can even track you as you move. The drones category also includes military drones, known as unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs, such as Global Hawk, which is used for long-duration surveillance. [...] Delivery robots transport items like food, groceries, and medical supplies from one point to another. They use cameras, GPS, and other sensors to travel autonomously, carrying their cargo in secure compartments. Starship robots drive on streets and sidewalks to bring packages to people's homes. Relay navigates hallways and even elevators to deliver toiletries and room service to hotel guests. Another example is Zipline, whose drones fly all by themselves to distribute blood and other provisions [...] uncrewed helicopters that can deliver cargo autonomously. Security robots include mobile systems that patrol offices and other private property. One example is Cobalt, which doubles as a robot receptionist and security guard.
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