The first robots were invented in the 1920s. Robots have appeared in Hollywood films such as RoboCop and TheTerminator.The robots in these films are stronger, faster and more intelligent than people.
In real life, robots are mainly used in factories.They do many different jobs.Usually these jobs are too dangerous, difficult or boring for humans.
Robots also help disabled people and people who cannot look after themselves.For example, scientists are making a robot to help blind people.Nowadays many blind people have a dog to help them.This dog is called a guide dog.In the future, robot dogs might take the place of these guide dogs.
One robot guide dog is called Meldog.It has wheels.It usually “walks” in front of its owner. It is very clever.It knows the speed of its owner's walk.Meldog talks to its owner by radio.The owner wears a special belt.This belt sends instructions to the owner from Meldog such as “Stop here”， “Turn left” and “Turn right”．
In the United States, another type of robot helps disabled workers.This robot, called Kilroy, helps disabled computer operators.The robot hears the sound of its owner's voice.It follows instructions such as “Turn the page” and “Make a cup of coffee”．This robot will bring its owner tissue paper when he or she sneezes!
Robots are also used in American hospitals.They can do simple jobs.For example, they shave patients and brush their teeth and take meals from the kitchen to the patients' rooms.They never get lost because they have a map of the hospital in their computer memory.
