3.

7 Robots and autonomous technologies

Prescribed enduring understandings

 Robots and autonomous technologies demonstrate a capacity to sense, think and/or

act with some degree of independence.
 Robots and autonomous technologies have evolved over time and are increasingly
ubiquitous, pervasive and woven into the everyday lives of people and communities.
 Robots and autonomous technologies introduce significant opportunities and
dilemmas in digital society.
___________________________________________________________________________

Prescribed area of inquiry

3.7 A) Types of robots and autonomous technologies

Robots

• Industrial and productivity robots, service robots, social robots

Industrial Robots

An industrial robot is an autonomous system of sensors, controllers, and actuators on an

articulated frame that executes specific functions and operations in a manufacturing or
processing line. They operate continuously through repetitive movement cycles as instructed
by a set of commands called a program. These machines minimize or eliminate the human
factor to gain various advantages in processing speed, capacity, and quality.

Traditional industrial robots must not be confused with a newer robotic technology called
collaborative robots. Collaborative robots work closely and simultaneously with a human
operator. They are safe to use around human operators as they have a maximum speed limit
for any operation and are limited as to how much force they can generate.

Resource 1: (An Article)

https://www.iqsdirectory.com/articles/automation-equipment/industrial-
robots.html#industrial-robot-applications

Resource 2: a video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6L-V4xzUcmM
Service Robots
All hoteliers want to leave their guest with a positive memory. Even better if that guest comes
back or shares their experience with others. How can robots help with this?

To put it simply, hotel robots provide a competitive edge over the competition.

Robots can free up the time of human staff and help personalize a guest’s stay. In fact, their
use is almost limitless” with just imagination and cost being limiting factors.

Resource 1: blog
https://www.socialtables.com/blog/hospitality-technology/hotel-brands-robot/

Robots in a Fast food restaurant in US

Resource 2: video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJkQkr3Yy2Q (CNBC …watch 4 min)

Social Robots

Social robots love making people happy. They talk, interact and relate to us naturally. Unlike
functional robots that you might use in the back room or back office, social robots can be
used in your business frontline. They will help your business grow by building real
relationships between your brand and your customers.
Social robots can attract people and connect them with your business. They’re not just a
gimmick or a fad – they are a real asset to your brand customer experience.

Resource: A Blog
https://furhatrobotics.com/blog/what-are-social-robots/
Resource: A website
https://www.gwsrobotics.com/why-get-a-social-robot (Click on Applications Button)

Real world example

Flippy 2, the grill chef Robot

In 2017, Tech Crunch reported on Flippy, a ‘grill chef’ robot that was introduced in an
American fast-food chain, to overcome the staffing problem experienced by the chain of
restaurants. Preparing food over a hot grill all day long is an unpleasant, repetitive task,
making it ideal for a service robot. The next Generation, Flippy 2, is integrated with the
kitchen ticket system, and uses sensors and machine learning to try foods to perfection.

Resource 1: https://techcrunch.com/tag/flippy/
Resource 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJVOfqunm5E

Practice questions
Paper 1 (core)

1. Identify two examples of autonomous techniques [2 marks]

2. Outline one use of social robot may have a health care environment [2 marks]
3. Distinguish between social robots and service robots. [4 marks]
4. With reference to a real-world example, discuss whether social robot should be used
as ‘companion robot’ for elderly people [8 marks]
___________________________________________________________________________

ATL Activity

Research the use of service robots in a context of your choice.

 Select one of the contexts from 4.1 Cultural to 4.7 Social

 Research service robots in this context using the digital resources provided by the
school Library and effective online search skills.
 Design a poster to communicate your findings to your parents.
 Your poster should include details about several robots being used in this context.
 For each robot include:
 a title, image and description,
 an outline of the impact this robot is having on the user
 a statement to support why you have selected this Robot
 a prediction of the future of the robot, for example, will it still be in use in the
next 10 years or will it become obsolete?
___________________________________________________________________________

Autonomous technologies

Internet of things

The term IoT, or Internet of Things, refers to the collective network of connected devices and
the technology that facilitates communication between devices and the cloud, as well as
between the devices themselves. Thanks to the advent of inexpensive computer chips and
high bandwidth telecommunication, we now have billions of devices connected to the
internet. This means everyday devices like toothbrushes, vacuums, cars, and machines can
use sensors to collect data and respond intelligently to users.

Resource 1:
https://www.oracle.com/in/internet-of-things/what-is-iot/
Resource 2:
https://www.internetsociety.org/iot/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIrLD03-
uy_QIVjZJmAh0FIA9oEAAYASAAEgL_nfD_BwE
 Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780128173565000152

Autonomous vehicles
An autonomous car is a vehicle capable of sensing its environment and operating without
human involvement. A human passenger is not required to take control of the vehicle at any
time, nor is a human passenger required to be present in the vehicle at all. An autonomous
car can go anywhere a traditional car goes and do everything that an experienced human
driver does.

Resource 1:
https://www.synopsys.com/automotive/what-is-autonomous-car.html#:~:text=An
%20autonomous%20car%20is%20a,in%20the%20vehicle%20at%20all.

Resource 2:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JC94Y063x58

Resource 3:
Mercedes-Benz self-parking car
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9j4MDcXqsq4

Different Levels of autonomy

 Level 0: A traditional car with zero automation. It may include cruise control, which
can be turned on for long distance, or warning signs, for example when reversing or
warning for blind spots
  Level 1: Driver assistance – provide features such as adaptive cruise control, which
keeps the vehicles safe distance from the vehicle in front, and lane keep assistance, to
prevent the vehicle from veering out of the lane.

 Level 2: Partial automation – assists drivers by controlling steering and speed. It is

similar to autopilot but requires the driver to have their hands on the wheel.

 Level 3: Conditional automation – Vehicles that can drive themselves but only under
certain conditions. The driver does not need to have their hands on the wheel but
must be seated in the drivers’ seat.

 Level 4: High automation – Vehicles that can drive themselves without human
interaction and are available on public roads subject to countries regulation.

 Level 5: Full automation – It is the highest level of automation. It is intended for fully
responsive to the road conditions and other vehicles.

Although many car manufacturers are striving to develop the technology for Level 4 and 5
automations, there may be many obstacles to overcome, including:

1- Sensors
2- Machine Learning
3- Deep Learning
4- Regulations and standards
5- Social acceptability

(Evaluate on your own as how each of the above works).

Virtual Assistants

A virtual assistant is an individual who provides administrative services to clients while

working from a remote location. Virtual assistants are often independent, self-employed
contractors, though you can also work with a virtual assistant agency. Additionally, many
candidates have a few years of experience as an administrative assistant or office manager in
a professional office setting.

One of the major advantages of hiring a virtual assistant is small businesses can select and pay for
the specific services they need. This level of flexibility can save business owners thousands of dollars
every year, while also giving them the opportunity to expand their contract as their business grows
and requires more services.

Some of the most common tasks and responsibilities of a virtual assistant include:

 Calendar/ Schedule management

 Travel arrangements
 File organization
 Email monitoring
 Call management
  Book keeping and Accounting
 Social media management
 Customer service tasks

Resource 1: https://www.uschamber.com/co/run/technology/what-is-virtual-assistant
Resource 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXrQvIxbbns (Watch only 4 min)

3.7 B) Characteristics of Robots and autonomous technologies

Sensory inputs for spatial, environmental and operational awareness

Developments in artificial intelligence mean that data collected by sensors is better perceived and
understood by robots. While improvements in agility and mobility have allowed them to move more
friendly around the environment.

 Characteristics of a robot

Nao is an autonomous, programmable, medium-sized humanoid robot. of which the

architecture of control and the software are customizable. NAO was designed to walk
smoothly, even when changing speed and direction. The walking speed is similar to the
walking speed of 2-year-old children, which is about 0.6 km/h. The robot has the capability
of performing a rich panel of movements with smoothness and precision, and a certain
degree of interactive autonomy. NAO is modular, referring to actuator modules that can be
used for different joints. The head of NAO can be unplugged and replaced by a more
specialised one. Hands and fore arms can also be changed.

 Sensory inputs for spatial, environmental and operational awareness

With the help
of number
of
technologies, robots are able to perceive their environment in a similar way to which human
perceive the world with their five senses.
Vision
Hearing
Smell and taste
Touch
___________________________________________________________________________
Resource 1): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-iPYixV5J8 (2 min 57 sec)
Resource 2): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0_DPi0PmF0 (2 min 37 sec)
Resource 3) : A blog : https://www.digitaltrends.com/cool-tech/robot-senses-touch/
___________________________________________________________________________
 The ability to logically reason with inputs, often using machine vision and machine
learning
The robot’s computerised control system is used for decision making and will take the data
collected by the sensors, process it and send a command to the actuators and end effectors.
The robots that we talked about would have varying degree of artificial intelligence.
Robots with basic artificial intelligence can be used to solve problems in limited domains.
For example, a robot will collect data through its sensors, compare this data to its stored data,
run through possible scenarios and select a optimum action.
 The ability to interact and move in physical environments
Almost all robots have some parts that can move. This may be moving parts in in robots on a
production line, or motorized wheels that allow a service robot to roam around a hotel lobby.
All moving parts use an actuator, which may include in electric motor, a hydraulic system.
_________________________________________________________________________
Exam Practice questions
1) Identify two characteristics of a Robot [2]
2) Explain three different ways a robot can perceive its environment. [6]
_________________________________________________________________________

3.7 C) Evolution of Robots and autonomous technologies

Topics for discussion:

 Early forms of robots and automation technology

 Robots in science fiction and philosophy
 Robots designed for industry and manufacturing
  Robots designed to interact with humans
 Machine consciousness, cognitive robotics and robot rights
___________________________________________________________________________
 Early forms of robots and information technology
The history of robot and autonomous vehicles is interviewed with developments in science,
technology and AI.
There have been numerous developments in robots and autonomous technologies over time
– to many to write about – so only a solution of important milestones is given here.
The idea of Robot goes as far back as 1500s, with /Egyptian water clocks using humans strike
the bell, or the period of 400s BC when Greek mathematician made a steam powered
mechanical bird.
 Robots in science fiction and philosophy
Before modern robots came to be in existence, they were found in science fiction stories.
In 1941, science fiction writer Isaac Asimov, wrote three laws of robotics:
1. A Robot must not injure a Human being
2. A Robot must obey orders given by Human beings, except if it conflicts with Law 1.
3. A Robot must protect its own existence as long as it does not conflict with Law 1 and 2.
The writer wrote numerous short stories about robotics during the 1940 – 1960s.
Resource 1:
Science fiction: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AeSilI1za28 (2.36 sec)
Resource 2:
Robot philosophy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oorBU8oMP34 (3.34 sec)

 Robots designed for industry and manufacturing

Industry is the best place where we can see the developments of Robots, as there was an
obvious purpose – they were able to perform repetitive tasks and were capable of lifting
heavy objects, making them ideal on a production line.
Resource 1:
The new age of manufacturing:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HX6M4QunVmA (Only 4.04 Sec)

 Robots designed to interact with humans

Will robots take our jobs?
Resource 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-7Azih0D98 (3m 25 sec)
Handout for self-reading.
___________________________________________________________________________

Solve the following inquiry activity given in Page 181

Write your answers into word file / Notebook.
___________________________________________________________________________
Inquiry Activity
3.7 C) Evolution of robots and autonomous technologies (content) and
4.4 B) The Human Body (contexts)

Inquiry focus: How are developments in robots being used to augment (extend) human
abilities?

Analyse impacts and implications for relevant people and communities.

Analyse
 Is your Inquiry question supported by additional questions to
consider for analysis and evaluation?
 Does your analysis focus on the impacts and implications for people and communities?
 Is your analysis effective, sustained well-supported by evidence?

 Conduct a research into one digital technology that is being used to improve quality of
life. For example, exoskeletons designed for war veterans, robot prosthetics or digital
technology implants.
 Analyse the impact that this digital technology is having on the user.
___________________________________________________________________________

Page: 183
Inquiry
3.7C) Evolution of Robots and autonomous technologies (content) and 2.7 values and ethics
(concepts)

Inquiry topic: is it possible to program values and ethics into a Robot?

Complete all inquiry stages to address the focus question.

When analysing and evaluating the focus question, use the following question.

 Do the designers of Robots have an ethical obligation to their users?

 What happens when different ethical frameworks are applied to the issues of using
robots in digital society?
 Can developers program values and ethics into Robots that make decisions?
 Who decide what ethical framework robots should use?
 Does responsibility carry accountability as well?

Select most suitable format to communicate your Inquiry.

 Machine consciousness, cognitive robotics and robot rights

While weak artificial intelligence would have played a role in earlier robots designed to
interact with humans, it is assumed that these robots did not have consciousness and could
only simulate intelligence. For a robot to have machine consciousness, it requires the
development of strong artificial intelligence.

Cognitive robotics is an emerging field aimed at designing robots with human-like

intelligence. The goal is to create robots that can perceive their environment, plan what
they will do and deal with the uncertainty of the real world by continuous learning. An
important aspect of cognitive robotics is the development of predictive capabilities and the
ability to view the world from different perspectives

Real world Example

Sophia

Sophia was a robot celebrity in 2016 thanks to her human-like features. The use of artificial
intelligence, visual data processing and facial recognition enabled her to imitate human
gestures and facial expressions; she could answer questions on predefined topics using
speech-to-text technology and was designed to learn. Originally designed to help elderly
people in care homes, Sophia became a celebrity when she was granted citizenship by Saudi
Arabia. She became the first non-human to have a nationality. Although this was considered
a publicity stunt at the time, it did raise some important questions. Should robots be granted
rights?
3.7D) Robots and autonomous technology dilemmas
Alongside the advances in artificial intelligence, parallel developments in robotics have had
positive impacts on society. For example, robotic solutions are being developed to help
people with disabilities, and manufacturing efficiency has increased. However, with
benefits, come challenges and some unintended consequences. One such challenge is the
uncanny valley.

What is uncanny valley?

The uncanny valley describes an emotional relationship between a human being and
a robot or simulation with regard to aesthetics and likeability. It refers to the unsettled
feeling many people encounter when seeing a human-like figure with a certain degree of
realism.
Resource 1: https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/u/uncanny-valley.htm
Resource 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ke2AW6Us7s4

 Complexity of human and environmental interactions

One of the main aims of robotic research is to create robots that can work effectively
alongside humans, either doing the tasks that they do not want to do because they are too
unpleasant or dangerous, or to augment human abilities. However, developing a robot to
work alongside unpredictable humans in environments that are constantly changing is
extremely challenging.

Cobots (robots designed to work alongside humans and augment their capabilities) are
currently being developed to work cohesively with humans. For example, a cobot needs to
understand human emotions, language and behaviour. Developing robots that can respond to
human emotions may be considered a more desirable end goal, as these cobots will end up in
the workplace or shop floor and will ultimately be more accepted if they can make eye
contact, smile or behave in a more human-like way.

The aim may not be to develop an emotional robot, however, but one that can develop an
emotional attachment from the human to the robot. In the 1990s, Cynthia Breazeal
developed an ‘emotional robot’ called Kismet. Although the robot itself did not have
emotional intelligence, it did provoke authentic emotional reactions in humans.
Similarly, developing a robot to interact with the environment is also challenging. Something
as simple for humans as walking has required intense focus from developers to be able to
mimic both animal and human’s mobility across different terrain. Developments in machine
learning and robot vision technologies are being used to overcome the challenge of navigating
along a path with obstacles. Even if a robot is trained in a particular environment, the slightest
alteration, such as a fallen tree or ice on the road, requires the robot to relearn and adapt to
the environment. There will always be new situations for which a robot has not been
prepared.

ATL Activity - Thinking (A Debate)

Prepare for a debate on emotional robots.
  Conduct wider research into the development of emotional robots.

 Divide the group into two: one group will support the idea that robots need to be
designed to be emotional, while the other group will support the idea that robots
need to be designed so that humans have emotional responses to them.

 Planning time: 15 min

 Conduct the debate and, at the end of the session, take a vote.

Activity: HL Extended Inquiry

3.7D Robots and autonomous technology dilemmas, 3.7A Types of robots and autonomous
technologies (content)

Challenge: Research and describe the global challenge.

Many developing countries have aging populations, which are predicted to create issues in
the future.
 Use effective research skills to describe the challenge of an aging population in detail.
Intervention: Research and evaluate the use of social robots as one intervention for this
challenge.
 Research and evaluate this intervention using the HL extended inquiry framework.
 Make a recommendation for steps for future action.
____________________________________________________________________________
HL extended inquiry Framework
Step 1: Create an extended inquiry focus that integrates a prescribed area for inquiry of your choice.

Step 2: Explore and investigate challenges

What course concepts, content and contexts will be most helpful to consider with this challenge? Highlight those
you have chosen.

Concepts Content Contexts

2.1 Change 3.1 Data 4.1 Cultural

2.2 Expression 3.2 Algorithms 4.2 Economic

2.3 Identity 3.3 Computers 4.3 Environmental

2.4 Power 3.4 Networks and the internet 4.4 Health

2.5 Space 3.5 Media 4.5 Human knowledge

2.6 Systems 3.6 Artificial intelligence 4.6 Political

2.7 Values and ethics 3.7 Robots and autonomous technologies 4.7 Social
 Answer the following questions:

How does this challenge manifest itself at local and global levels?

What are some impacts and implications related to this challenge?

Step 3: Identify interventions

Identify at least one intervention for each prescribed area for inquiry. These must involve digital systems, but
they do not always need to refer to discrete devices, services, apps or platforms. A policy or rule change, for
example, may also be considered as an intervention that involves digital systems.

Categories of
intervention

Mitigates

Intercedes

Enhances

Resolves

Step 4: Evaluate interventions and recommend steps for future action

Intervention evaluations and recommendations

Evaluation Description Steps for future action

criteria

Equity

Acceptability

Cost

Feasibility

Innovation
Ethics

TOK
Knowledge and technology

The impact robots have had on knowledge has given rise to new ethical debates. When
looking at the new knowledge being created by these machines; one may ask the following
questions:

 Who is the owner of this knowledge?

 When an autonomous robot is required to make ethical decisions, who is responsible?
 What criteria should we use as a foundation for the ethical programming of these
machines?
 Is it possible to have a global agreement?
 Is the absence of an emotional human an improvement on ethical decision-making by
a robot?
 How can a robot be programmed when two ethical principles contradict each other?
 When looking at the scope of robots, what does it mean when a robot is said to
‘know’ something?
 Is it possible for robots to acquire knowledge?
____________________________________________________________________________
Creativity, activity and service (CAS)
Robotics club
Research different clubs on offer at your school. Is there a robotics club? If so, see the club
coordinator and offer to support the students and help by creating activities each week.
If there is no existing robotics club, see how many friends would like to join and set one up.

This would make an ideal CAS project. You will need to find out what robot kits the school
has, and seek approval, plan and design each session.

Run the club for 8 to 10 weeks, and do not forget to reflect.

____________________________________________________________________________

Extended Essay (EE)

The evolution of robotics, its uses and the intended and unintended consequences may give
rise to some interesting topics for an extended essay.

Look at one of these topics as a focus for the essay, for example, how a specific use of robots
is impacting a particular context, such as health and the provision of health care.
Learner Profile

Principled
When discussing the many ethical debates surrounding the use of robots, consider your
viewpoint on these moral dilemmas.