  Creation of devices and mechanisms which help people has a long history.
Their inventors always targeted practical goals such as irrigation, harvesting,
devices for construction sites, measurement, and, last but not least, military
tasks for different mechanical and later mechatronic systems. Development of
such assisting mechanisms counts back to Greek engineering, came through Middle
Ages and led finally in XIX and XX centuries to autonomous devices, which we
call today "Robots". This chapter provides overview of several robotic
technologies, introduces bio-/chemo- hybrid and collective systems and discuss
their applications in service areas.
