The history of robotics can be traced back to ancient times when mechanical devices were invented to perform simple tasks. However, the development of modern robotics as we know it today really began during the Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries.

The first mechanical devices were created by the ancient Greeks and Romans, including water clocks, mechanical birds, and automata. These early machines were often powered by water or other natural forces, and could perform simple tasks like telling time or moving on their own.

The Industrial Revolution marked a turning point in the history of robotics. With the rise of mass production and factories, humans began to develop machines that could perform more complex tasks like weaving cloth or assembling machines. These machines were often operated by hand, but would eventually become automated.

The word "robot" was first used in a play in 1920, and the first modern robots were developed in the 1950s. These early robots were often large and unwieldy, and were used primarily in industrial settings. They were capable of performing repetitive tasks more quickly and efficiently than humans.

As technology has advanced, so too have robots. Modern robots are equipped with advanced sensors and artificial intelligence, which allow them to respond to changing environments and make decisions based on the data they collect.

Robots are now used in a wide range of applications, from manufacturing and construction to space exploration and medical procedures.