Machines are tools that use energy in order to perform an intended action or task. Instead of humans carrying out tedious chores or dangerous jobs, machines can be used to provide reliable and effective assistance. There are two types of machines, simple and complex, both of which can be used for a variety of different purposes.
1. Simple Machines Simple machines are the most basic devices that apply a force on a particular object to change it position or state. There are six types of simple machine: pulley, lever, wedge, wheel and axle, inclined plane and screw. 2. Complex Machines A complex machine is a combination of two or more simple machines that work together to achieve certain actions. For example, the wheelbarrow is a complex machine that requires both the wheel and axle and the lever to function.
Although robots belong in the category of complex machines, robots are still different from other machines in terms of their abilities. While machines can perform only pre-determined functions, robots can be programmed to do many different things.