This paper gives a sweeping overview of how robotics research and education have evolved from early automation systems to today’s smart autonomous machines. It explores key emerging technologies such as AI, IoT, swarm robotics and soft robotics, shows how these are being applied in fields like healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing and smart cities, and discusses how robotics curricula are moving toward hands-on, interdisciplinary, project-based models. The authors also highlight major challenges including limited access, skill gaps and ethical concerns, and they propose future directions to strengthen collaboration between academia, industry and education to prepare the next generation of robotics professionals.