Manipulators are automatic operating devices that can imitate certain functions of human hands and arms to grasp and carry objects or manipulate tools according to a fixed procedure. Manipulators are the first industrial robots and the first modern robots that can replace heavy human labor to achieve mechanization and automation of production, and can operate in harmful environments to protect personal safety, and are therefore widely used in the mechanical manufacturing, metallurgy, electronics, light industry and atomic energy sectors.
It was developed on the basis of the early emergence of ancient robots. Robotic research began in the mid-20th century, and with the development of computers and automation technology, especially since the first digital electronic computer was introduced in 1946, computers have made amazing progress toward high speed, large capacity and low price. At the same time, the urgent need for mass production has driven the progress of automation technology, which in turn has laid the foundation for the development of robots. On the other hand, research in nuclear energy technology required certain operating machinery to replace people in handling radioactive materials. Against this background of demand, the United States developed a remote-controlled robot in 1947 and a mechanical master-slave robot in 1948. Manipulators were first developed from the United States.
