<P> The concept of creating machines that can operate autonomously dates back to classical times, but research into the functionality and potential uses of robots did not grow substantially until the 20th century . Throughout history, it has been frequently assumed that robots will one day be able to mimic human behavior and manage tasks in a human - like fashion . Today, robotics is a rapidly growing field, as technological advances continue; researching, designing, and building new robots serve various practical purposes, whether domestically, commercially, or militarily . Many robots are built to do jobs that are hazardous to people such as defusing bombs, finding survivors in unstable ruins, and exploring mines and shipwrecks . Robotics is also used in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) as a teaching aid . </P> <P> Robotics is a branch of engineering that involves the conception, design, manufacture, and operation of robots . This field overlaps with electronics, computer science, artificial intelligence, mechatronics, nanotechnology and bioengineering . </P> <P> Science - fiction author Isaac Asimov is often given credit for being the first person to use the term robotics in a short story composed in the 1940s . In the story, Asimov suggested three principles to guide the behavior of robots and smart machines . Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics, as they are called, have survived to the present: </P> <Ol> <Li> Robots must never harm human beings . </Li> <Li> Robots must follow instructions from humans without violating rule 1 . </Li> <Li> Robots must protect themselves without violating the other rules . </Li> </Ol>

Who coined the term robotics and in what context was it first used
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