Robots and autonomous technologies have evolved from fixed machines performing repetitive tasks into increasingly connected systems that can sense environments, process data and act with some independence. This topic, syllabus area 3.7C, is shared by SL and HL students.
The Reasoning and Mechanism
A robot is generally an embodied system that can sense, process information and act in the physical world. Autonomy is the degree to which a system can operate without continuous human control, while automation simply means that a predefined task is performed automatically.
| Stage | Main development | Significance for people and communities |
|---|---|---|
| Early mechanical devices | Mechanical automata followed fixed physical instructions. | They reproduced movement mechanically. |
| Industrial robotics | Programmable robotic arms performed repetitive manufacturing tasks in controlled environments. | Productivity and safety increased, while some roles changed or disappeared. |
| Sensor-based systems | Sensors and processors enabled responses to environmental input. | Robots became more adaptable but remained rule-dependent. |
| Networked and AI-enabled systems | Connectivity, algorithms and machine learning supported navigation, recognition and prediction. | Uses expanded, alongside privacy, accountability and safety dilemmas. |
| Increasing autonomy | Some systems select actions with limited real-time human direction. | Efficiency and accessibility can improve, but responsibility for harm becomes unclear. |
The evolution has therefore involved improvements in sensing, data processing, connectivity and decision-making. However, it is not a simple progression toward complete independence. Autonomy exists on a spectrum, and human designers, operators, institutions and data continue to shape system behaviour.
A common misconception is that every AI system is a robot. AI may operate entirely through software, while robots interact with a physical environment; moreover, not every robot uses advanced AI.
Exam Technique
For an explain question, connect each technological development to its social consequences. For a discuss question, balance benefits against dilemmas and use the concept of change to judge whether modern autonomy represents gradual evolution or a genuine transformation.
