Abstract: Since the 1980s, collections of small robotic telescopes at remote mountaintop observatories have provided high quality astronomical observations at prices easily afforded by students and instructors at smaller institutions, amateur astronomers, and even the general public. By the turn of the 21st century, small robotic telescopes had discovered exoplanet transits and were searching for supernovas. Small robotic telescopes are now somewhat ubiquitous. High-quality robotic research telescopes up to 1.0-meter in aperture are now produced commercially in quantity, significantly expanding the meaning of “small.” The number of robotic telescope “farms” (observatories at excellent locations with multiple robotic telescopes) and global networks of robotic telescopes is on the rise. The Argus Array of 900 small telescopes that will observe much of the sky simultaneously is just one example of upcoming robotic observatories that will enhance astronomical research, education, and outreach for years to come. Scientists, educators, and amateur astronomers are exploring how best to utilize this new rich source of astronomical observations.
