3 Facts That Will Get You Raving About Robots

Robotics fascinates us! This specialized facet of complex electronics has gained a lot of press with efforts from all over the globe create and recreate robot designs. Experts in the field of robotics agree that it takes brilliance and innovation to take electronics and technology to greater heights.

 Flickr.com / John Greenaway

Here are 3 top facts on robots and robotics:

1. The world’s very first humanoid was named Elektro. Introduced in 1939, this 7-foot robot from Westinghouse could speak roughly 700 words.

2. Robots are living among us in the real world! The US military utilizes about 4,000 robots for scouting bombs and poking around hideouts as they did in Iraq and in Afghanistan, respectively. The latter led to the successful capture of Bin Laden.

3. Kevin Warwick, a Cybernetics professor, implanted computer chips in his left arm for different remote functionalities such as for operating an electronic wheelchair and an artificial hand. The chip also allows him to operate doors remotely. Because of this, Warwick believes he is “the very first cyborg in the world."

What Electronics Have Consumers Been Spending Their Money On?

You may not know it, or you may not know enough about it, but you are spending most of the time of your day on electronic products. In fact, we depend on these a lot to finish work, accomplish personal tasks and even entertain us! Not surprisingly, we unknowingly (or knowingly) spend a lot of money on electronic gadgets and equipment.

Here are the numbers related to electronic spending according to the Consumer Electronics Association or CEA:

• $1,312: the average amount spent by each household per year on consumer electronics, according to a 2012 CEA study.

• $206 billion: theUS annual electronic consumer sales in 2012, as driven by the rise in the sales of tablet computers and smartphones.

• 796 million: the number of Apple devices sold in 2013, namely iPhone, iPad and iPod

• 7.5 million: the estimated number of televisions bought in 2013 to watch the Superbowl

Flickr.com / Phil Campbell

 Indeed, society has come a long way as electronics consumers. The numbers say it all!