Iron Mike
After the development of the gyrocompass, it was possible to construct equipment that would keep an aircraft or ship on a constant course and (for aircraft) altitude. Invented in 1912 by Elmer Sperry, The robotic navigator, or autopilot, received the whimsical nickname of "Iron Mike". The same technology used to guide ships and aircraft also found application in the submarine torpedo, arguably the first guided missle. The development of electronics and computers vastly increased the capabilities of autopiloting devices. When augmented with GPS (Global Positioning System) and ILS (Instrument Landing System) capabilities, modern autopilots are capable of steering an aircraft to its destination airport and landing it with little input from a pilot.Missles and torpedos
Self propelled torpedos first appeared in the 1866, driven by compressed air. Improved self-navigating torpedos used in WW I were driven by steam turbines, with steam generated from the reaction of chemicals stored in tanks within the torpedo. Gyrocompasses held the torpedo on a constant course and the torpedo depth could also be controlled. While crude by modern standards, these torpedos sank much shipping during World Wars I and II. Modern torpedos are electrically driven and capable of target detection and homing to a target detected by active or passive sonar. Some torpedos can be steered by wire after launch until they are close enough to detect a target with their on-board sensors.The first guided missles were also gyroscopically controlled, but rapidly developed homing capabilities with the addition of heat and electromagnetic radiation sensing capabilities. Some long range missles can use a combination of inertial guidance, global positioning technology and landscape following capabilities to find their way to a target.
Remotely operated vehicles (ROV)
Nikola Tesla patented and demonstrated a remotely operated boat in 1898 using radio as the controlling method. Radio control is common now, with applications ranging from toys to search and rescue to military systems. Remotely operated drone aircraft with reconaissance and weapons capabilities are in active service with the US military. Their precursors appeared as radio controlled model airplanes in the post WW-II period.
Control by wire remains relevant, often used with underseas vehicles and land-based systems for exploration, search and rescue and remote manipulation of objects, especially under water. The ROV shown here is surveying the wreck of the Titanic. The control cable is clearly visible.
Robots in your car
Your car is probably aready equipped with systems using robotic technology. Control of engine and transmission functions by electronic systems improves mileage and performance for most drivers. CD changers are common accessories, and climate control systems regulate fan speed and incoming air temperature according to conditions detected within the passenger compartment. And electronic systems monitor engine conditions, air pressure in the tires, fluid levels, airbag status and other data, although the warning to the driver when something goes wrong may be rather uninformative.Coming: The robot is the car
Considerable engineering resources are going into the development of vehicles than can safely and autonomously drive on a highway. Key subsystems, such as those that control following distance and lane separation, will probably be in service before a totally robotic car is available. In October, 2005, several robot cars successfully negotiated a 131.6 mile course in the Mojave Desert with no human guidance as part of a competition sponsored by DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency). The winning vehicle in a field of 23 competitors, a modified VW Toureg nicknamed Stanley, was entered by Stanford University. The winners received a $2,000,000 prize.
The next DARPA challenge will concentrate upon the creation of a street-legal robotic vehicle for urban travel.
