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What is a robot?
There are many definitions of the term robot, since it has only recently come into being, but there are two extremes:
1. A robot is any mechanical device that has some degree of autonomy, like a factory welding machine that does not require an operator to control its basic repetitive movements.
2. To be classed as a robot a device must replicate a human in its ability to think and make its own choices about its actions. This definition is to date a theoretical idea, since we have not yet been able to make such a device.
For the purposes of Pure Robot.com, the definition lies somewhere in between these two extremes. To be a robot, an object must be autonomous to a certain extent, and must be a little intelligent. So we'll define it as this:
A robot is a device which is imbued with intelligence, and is able to operate autonomously.
What is intelligence?
Intelligence is the ability to learn about and understand yourself and your environment for the purpose of attaining a specific goal.
It implies a capacity to solve problems, to reason and to know what you are, where you are and what you are doing.
What is autonomy?
Autonomy is the property of self determination. It is the capacity to govern oneself and ones actions independent of other beings.
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