best books on robotics and artificial intelligence

For robotics: "Robotics: Modelling, Planning, and Control" by Siciliano & Sciavicco.

For AI: "Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach" by Russell & Norvig.

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Reference Books & Ebooks

• Military Robots and Drones: A Reference Handbook by Paul J. Springer
  Call Number: EBL E-book
  Publication Date: 2012
  "Military Robots and Drones: A Reference Handbook" explains the many military applications of robotics as well as current limitations and disadvantages. The book also provides a general history of robotic warfare; examines key individuals, agencies, documents, and models; discusses controversies within the field of robotic and drone warfare, such as ethical considerations; and explains how increased reliance on robotics has affected the structure and strategy of the military.

Books & Ebooks

• Artificial Intelligence: The Basics by Kevin Warwick
  Call Number: EBL E-book
  Publication Date: 2011
  Artificial Intelligence: The Basics is a concise and cutting-edge introduction to the fast moving world of AI. The author Kevin Warwick, a pioneer in the field, examines issues of what it means to be man or machine and looks at advances in robotics which have blurred the boundaries. Topics covered include: how intelligence can be defined whether machines can 'think' sensory input in machine systems the nature of consciousness the controversial culturing of human neurons.

• Future Robots: Towards a Robotic Science of Human Beings by Domenico Parisi
  Call Number: KLN E-book
  Publication Date: 2014
  This book is for both robot builders and scientists who study human behaviour and human societies. Theories of human behaviour and human societies are traditionally expressed in words but, today, with the advent of the computer they can also be expressed by constructing computer-based artefacts.

• Intelligence Unbound: The Future of Uploaded and Machine Minds by Russell Blackford
  Call Number: EBL E-book
  Publication Date: 2014
  Intelligence Unbound explores the prospects, promises, and potential dangers of machine intelligence and uploaded minds in a collection of state-of-the-art essays from internationally recognized philosophers, AI researchers, science fiction authors, and theorists. The book offers current, diverse perspectives on machine intelligence and uploaded minds.

• Robot Ethics: The Ethical and Social Implications of Robotics by Patrick Lin (Editor); Keith Abney (Editor); George A. Bekey (Editor)
  Call Number: EBSCO E-book
  Publication Date: 2011
  Robots today serve in many roles, from entertainer to educator to executioner. As robotics technology advances, ethical concerns become more pressing: Should robots be programmed to follow a code of ethics, if this is even possible? Are there risks in forming emotional bonds with robots? How might society--and ethics--change with robotics?

• Smart Machines: IBM's Watson and the Era of Cognitive Computing by John E. Kelly; Steve Hamm
  Call Number: QA76.76.E95 K434 2013 (and EBL E-book)
  Publication Date: 2013
  We are crossing a new frontier in the evolution of computing and entering the era of cognitive systems. The victory of IBM's Watson on the television quiz show Jeopardy! revealed how scientists and engineers at IBM and elsewhere are pushing the boundaries of science and technology to create machines that sense, learn, reason, and interact with people in new ways to provide insight and advice.

• Philosophy and Theory of Artificial Intelligence by Vincent C. Müller (Editor)
  Call Number: EBL E-book
  Publication Date: 2012
  Can we make machines that think and act like humans or other natural intelligent agents? The answer to this question depends on how we see ourselves and how we see the machines in question. Classical AI and cognitive science had claimed that cognition is computation, and can thus be reproduced on other computing machines, possibly surpassing the abilities of human intelligence. This consensus has now come under threat and the agenda for the philosophy and theory of AI must be set anew, re-defining the relation between AI and Cognitive Science.

• The Quest for Artificial Intelligence: A History of Ideas and Achievements by Nils J. Nilsson
  Call Number: Q335 .N55 2010
  Publication Date: 2010
  Artificial intelligence (AI) is a field within computer science that is attempting to build enhanced intelligence into computer systems. This book traces the history of the subject, from the early dreams of eighteenth-century (and earlier) pioneers to the more successful work of today's AI engineers.

• Wired for War: the Robotics Revolution and Conflict in the Twenty-first Century by P. W. Singer
  Call Number: UG450 .S45 2010
  Publication Date: 2009
  In Wired for War, P. W. Singer explores the greatest revolution in military affairs since the atom bomb: the dawn of robotic warfare. We are on the cusp of a massive shift in military technology that threatens to make real the stuff of I, Robot and The Terminator. Blending historical evidence with interviews of an amazing cast of characters, Singer shows how technology is changing not just how wars are fought, but also the politics, economics, laws, and the ethics that surround war itself. Travelling from the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan to modern-day 'skunk works' in the midst of suburbia, Wired for War will tantalise a wide readership, from military buffs to policy wonks to gearheads.

Key Publications

• Autonomous Weapons (Ethical Autonomy Project - Center for New American Security)

Research Organizations

Mobil Robot Lab (Georgia Tech)
The Robotics Institute (Carnegie Mellon University)

U.S. Government Organizations

Advocacy Organizations

Which course is best for robotics and AI?

Best AI and Robotics Courses in India: Highlights 2024

• Computer Science Engineering.

• Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning.

• Robotics Engineering.

• Mechanical Engineering.

Choosing the best course for robotics and AI depends on your background, career goals, and interests. Here are some top courses and programs you might consider:

University Programs

1. Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)

• Course: Master of Science in Robotics

• Overview: Known for its Robotics Institute, CMU offers cutting-edge research and education in robotics and AI.

2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

• Course: Master of Science in AI and Robotics

• Overview: MIT’s AI and robotics programs are highly regarded, with a focus on advanced research and innovation.

3. Stanford University

• Course: Master’s in Computer Science with a focus on AI and Robotics

• Overview: Stanford provides a strong foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of robotics and AI.

4. University of California, Berkeley

• Course: Master of Science in Robotics

• Overview: UC Berkeley offers interdisciplinary research opportunities and strong industry connections.

Online Courses

1. Coursera

• Course: Robotics Specialization by the University of Pennsylvania

• Overview: This series of courses covers foundational aspects of robotics, including perception, kinematics, and control.

2. edX

• Course: AI for Robotics by Georgia Tech

• Overview: Focuses on practical applications of AI in robotics, including machine learning and computer vision.

3. Udacity

• Course: Robotics Software Engineer Nanodegree

• Overview: Offers hands-on experience with robotics software, including simulation and control systems.

• Books and Resources: Reading books like "Robotics: Modelling, Planning, and Control" by Bruno Siciliano and Lorenzo Sciavicco or "Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach" by Stuart Russell and Peter Norvig can provide a strong theoretical foundation.

• Workshops and Conferences: Attending robotics and AI workshops or conferences can help you stay updated with the latest trends and network with professionals in the field.

Choose a course or program that aligns with your career aspirations, whether you’re aiming for academic research, industry application, or a combination of both.

Which AI robot is the best?

Top Five Humanoid Robots

• Nadine.

• Geminoid DK.

• Junco Chihira.

• Jia Jia.

• Sophia

The "best" AI robot can vary depending on the context and specific application you have in mind. Here are some notable AI robots that stand out in different areas:

• Overview: Spot is a versatile quadruped robot known for its mobility and adaptability. It can navigate various terrains and is used in applications ranging from industrial inspections to research and entertainment.

• Strengths: High mobility, durability, and flexibility.

• Overview: Sophia is a social humanoid robot designed to interact with people in a natural way. It has advanced conversational capabilities and is used for research, entertainment, and public speaking.

• Strengths: Human-like interactions, advanced conversational AI, and facial recognition.

• Overview: ASIMO (Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility) is a humanoid robot designed for a variety of tasks, including walking, running, and interacting with humans. It is primarily used for research and demonstrations.

• Strengths: Advanced mobility and ability to perform a range of human-like tasks.

• Overview: NAO is a programmable humanoid robot used in education and research. It is known for its friendly design and can be programmed to perform various tasks, making it popular in educational settings.

• Strengths: Programmable, educational tool, interactive features.

• Overview: Atlas is a humanoid robot designed for dynamic environments. It is capable of complex movements such as backflips, parkour, and object manipulation.

• Strengths: Advanced mobility and agility, capable of complex physical tasks.

• Overview: Pepper is designed for customer interaction and can recognize human emotions. It is often used in retail and customer service environments.

• Strengths: Emotional recognition, customer interaction, and ease of integration into various business environments.

• Purpose and Application: What do you need the robot for? Educational purposes, industrial tasks, social interaction, or research?

• Capabilities: Does the robot need advanced mobility, conversational skills, or specific sensors?

• Budget: High-end robots can be quite expensive, so consider your budget and the value the robot will bring to your specific application.

Each of these robots excels in different areas, so the best choice depends on your specific needs and objectives.

Can I do both AI and robotics?

Multi-disciplinary field: AI Robotics engineering is a multi-disciplinary field that combines skills from robotics, artificial intelligence, computer science, and other related fields. Learning AI Robotics engineering can help you gain a diverse skill set that can be applied in a variety of industries.

Should I study robotics or AI?

However, choosing between AI and robotics depends on the specific task at hand. Both fields have their unique strengths and weaknesses, and it's crucial to evaluate which one is best suited for the task. For example, if the task involves analyzing large amounts of data, AI may be the best option.Apr 15,

Deciding whether to study robotics or AI largely depends on your interests, career goals, and the kind of work you want to do. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

Studying Robotics

Focus: Robotics combines mechanical engineering, electronics, and computer science to design, build, and operate robots.

Key Areas:

• Mechanical Design: Building and understanding the physical aspects of robots.

• Control Systems: Programming how robots move and interact with their environment.

• Sensors and Actuators: Integrating sensors to perceive the environment and actuators to perform tasks.

• Robot Programming: Writing code for robots to perform specific tasks.

Career Opportunities:

• Industrial Robotics: Automation in manufacturing.

• Medical Robotics: Surgical robots and rehabilitation devices.

• Service Robots: Robots used in homes and businesses.

• Research and Development: Creating new robotic technologies.

Ideal If:

• You are interested in the physical construction and mechanics of robots.

• You enjoy hands-on work with hardware and software integration.

• You want to work on creating robots that can interact with the physical world.

Focus: AI involves creating systems that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, and problem-solving.

Key Areas:

• Machine Learning: Algorithms that allow computers to learn from data.

• Natural Language Processing: Understanding and generating human language.

• Computer Vision: Enabling machines to interpret visual information.

• Robotic Process Automation: Using AI to automate repetitive tasks.

Career Opportunities:

• Data Science: Analyzing and interpreting complex data.

• Machine Learning Engineering: Building and deploying ML models.

• AI Research: Developing new algorithms and technologies.

• Product Development: Creating AI-powered applications and systems.

Ideal If:

• You are interested in algorithms, data, and making systems that can learn and make decisions.

• You prefer working with software and theoretical concepts.

• You want to develop systems that can perform complex cognitive tasks.

Robotics and AI often intersect, especially in areas like autonomous vehicles, smart manufacturing, and intelligent service robots. Studying one field doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t work in the other; many professionals work at the intersection of robotics and AI.

Consider Combining Studies:

• Robotics with AI Specialization: Studying robotics with a focus on AI technologies.

• AI with Robotics Applications: Focusing on AI applications in robotic systems.

• Interest: What excites you more—building and designing physical robots or developing intelligent systems and algorithms?

• Skills: Do you prefer hands-on engineering work or theoretical and software development?

• Career Goals: What kind of projects or industries do you see yourself working in?

Both fields offer exciting and rewarding career paths. Assess your interests and goals carefully to choose the path that aligns best with your aspirations.

Last word

Ultimately, both robotics and AI are dynamic and impactful fields with unique opportunities. Whether you choose robotics for its hands-on, tangible aspects or AI for its theoretical and software-driven challenges, you’ll be stepping into an exciting realm of innovation. Your decision should align with your passions and career goals, as well as the kind of work that excites and motivates you the most. Whichever path you choose, you'll have the chance to contribute to groundbreaking advancements and shape the future.