Written By: Kelly Buckman A common theme in many of films, and TV shows, going as far back as “Terminator” (1984), “RoboCop” (1987), or even further (anyone remember the “Jetsons”, which originally aired in 1962 or “2001: A Space Odyssey” from 1968?), the presence of robots and machines that can perform many of the functions once required of humans, has been ample fodder for the creative mind. Certainly a common thread among these films, and shows, coupled with advances of technology in the real world, are feelings of awe, and not a small amount of angst. Robotics has been a key factor in the automation of the manufacturing industry for over half a century. The first industrial robot, the Unimate, was developed in 1954. Initially met with skepticism, over time, the technology evolved, and today, robots perform numerous tasks with greater endurance, speed, and precision than their human counterparts, including welding, painting, assembly, pick and place for printed circuit boards, pac...