This document provides an introduction to robotics, including definitions of robots, their essential characteristics of sensing, movement, energy and intelligence. It discusses the history of robots from ancient times to modern industrial robots. The main types of robots are described as mobile, industrial, domestic, medical, service, and military robots. Examples of uses for robots include factories, surgery, mail delivery, toys, and dangerous tasks. Advantages are their ability to work continuously without needs for food or rest, while disadvantages include their need for power, potential job losses, maintenance costs, and inability to respond to danger as quickly as humans.