Robots can be controlled programmatically to complete discrete tasks, such as picking up a part at an exact spot. For these types of tasks, the robot is merely executing a preplanned program.
With the addition of a camera and basic machine vision, a robot can do more advanced tasks like aligning two edges or identifying simple defects.
When AI is added to the equation, the robot gains the ability to “see,” analyze, and adapt its actions to what it perceives. For example, a welding robot might align pieces, lay down a weld, and inspect the results.