This document discusses robotics and automation. It defines robotics as an interdisciplinary field that involves the design, construction, operation, and use of robots to help and assist humans. The goal of automation and robotics in intelligent environments is to automate functions in the home and provide services to inhabitants. The document outlines different types of robots including industrial, medical, military, consumer, and research robots. It also discusses the history of robotics and provides examples of early robots. The main purposes of robotics discussed are exploration, industry, medicine, military/police, and toys.