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1920: The word "robot" is introduced by Karel Capek in a play. 1942: Isaac Asimov, a Prof of Biochemistry, introduced the Three Laws of Robotics *Insert image of 3 laws of robotics* 1954: The first programmable robot is introduced. 1968: Unimate, an early industrial robot is commercialized.
In 1950, NAME published an article describing the McKibbens Muscle. The muscle was used in a proethetic hand designed for their own child. *Insert drawing of McKibbens muscle*
In 1990, Dr. Suzimori develeoped a three chamber microactuator molded from silicone. *Insert drawing of silicone muscle*
In 2011, Dr. George Whitesides develeoped a silicone molded network of hollow chambers that could be actuated pneumatically. *Insert drawing of pneunet* From this time on, the field grew exponentially. Soft robot designs of varying size, material, and actuation type have been introduced for a wide array of biomimetic and bioinspired applications.
Throughout all of this time, scientists have been highlighting the ways in which nature has designed soft actuators, including pinecones. *Insert GIF of pinecone closing*