Robotics

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What Is Robotics?

Robotics is the intersection of science, engineering and technology that


produces machines, called robots, that replicate or substitute for human actions.
Robots perform basic and repetitive tasks with greater efficiency and accuracy
than humans, making them ideal for industries like manufacturing. However,
the introduction of artificial intelligence in robotics has given robots the ability
to handle increasingly complex situations in various industries.

How Do Robots Work?


Some robots are pre-programmed to perform specific functions, meaning they
operate in a controlled environment where they do simple, monotonous tasks —
like a mechanical arm on an automotive assembly line.

Other robots are autonomous, operating independently of human operators to


carry out tasks in open environments. In order to work, they use sensors to
perceive the world around them, and then employ decision-making structures
(usually a computer) to take the optimal next step based on their data and
mission.

Robotics Aspects
Mechanical Construction
The mechanical aspect of a robot helps it complete tasks in the environment for
which it’s designed. For example, the Mars 2020 Rover’s wheels are
individually motorized and made of titanium tubing that help it firmly grip the
harsh terrain of the red planet.

Electrical Components
Robots need electrical components that control and power the machinery.
Essentially, an electric current — a battery, for example — is needed to power a
large majority of robots.

Software Program
Robots contain at least some level of computer programming. Without a set of
code telling it what to do, a robot would just be another piece of simple
machinery. Inserting a program into a robot gives it the ability to know when
and how to carry out a task.

What Are the Main Components of a Robot?


Control System
Computation includes all of the components that make up a robot’s central
processing unit, often referred to as its control system. Control systems are
programmed to tell a robot how to utilize its specific components, similar in
some ways to how the human brain sends signals throughout the body, in order
to complete a specific task. These robotic tasks could comprise anything from
minimally invasive surgery to assembly line packing.

Sensors
Sensors provide a robot with stimuli in the form of electrical signals that are
processed by the controller and allow the robot to interact with the outside
world. Common sensors found within robots include video cameras that
function as eyes, photoresistors that react to light and microphones that operate
like ears. These sensors allow the robot to capture its surroundings and process
the most logical conclusion based on the current moment and allows the
controller to relay commands to the additional components.

Actuators
A device can only be considered to be a robot if it has a movable frame or body.
Actuators are the components that are responsible for this movement. These
components are made up of motors that receive signals from the control system
and move in tandem to carry out the movement necessary to complete the
assigned task. Actuators can be made of a variety of materials, such as metal or
elastic, and are commonly operated by use of compressed air (pneumatic
actuators) or oil (hydraulic actuators) but come in a variety of formats to best
fulfill their specialized roles.

Power Supply
Like the human body requires food in order to function, robots require power.
Stationary robots, such as those found in a factory, may run on AC power
through a wall outlet but more commonly, robots operate via an internal battery.
Most robots utilize lead-acid batteries for their safe qualities and long shelf life
while others may utilize the more compact but also more expensive silver-
cadmium variety. Safety, weight, replaceability and lifecycle are all important
factors to consider when designing a robot’s power supply. Some
potential power sources for future robotic development also include pneumatic
power from compressed gasses, solar power, hydraulic power, flywheel energy
storage organic garbage through anaerobic digestion and nuclear power.
End Effectors
End effectors are the physical, typically external components that allow
robots to finish carrying out their tasks. Robots in factories often have
interchangeable tools like paint sprayers and drills, surgical robots may be
equipped with scalpels and other kinds of robots can be built with gripping
claws or even hands for tasks like deliveries, packing, bomb diffusion and
much more.

Types of Robotics
Humanoid Robots
Humanoid robots are robots that look like or mimic human behavior. These
robots usually perform human-like activities (like running, jumping and
carrying objects), and are sometimes designed to look like us, even having
human faces and expressions. Two of the most prominent examples of
humanoid robots are Hanson Robotics’ Sophia and Boston Dynamics’ Atlas.

Cobots
Cobots, or collaborative robots, are robots designed to work alongside humans.
These robots prioritize safety by using sensors to remain aware of their
surroundings, executing slow movements and ceasing actions when their
movements are obstructed. Cobots typically perform simple tasks, freeing up
humans to address more complex work.
Industrial Robots
Industrial robots automate processes in manufacturing environments like
factories and warehouses. Possessing at least one robotic arm, these robots are
made to handle heavy objects while moving with speed and precision. As a
result, industrial robots often work in assembly lines to boost productivity.

Medical Robots
Medical robots assist healthcare professionals in various scenarios and support
the physical and mental health of humans. These robots rely on AI and sensors
to navigate healthcare facilities, interact with humans and execute precise
movements. Some medical robots can even converse with humans, encouraging
people’s social and emotional growth.

Agricultural Robots
Agricultural robots handle repetitive and labor-intensive tasks, allowing farmers
to use their time and energy more efficiently. These robots also operate in
greenhouses, where they monitor crops and help with harvests. Agricultural
robots come in many forms, ranging from autonomous tractors to drones that
collect data for farmers to analyze.

Microrobotics
Microrobotics is the study and development of robots on a miniature scale.
Often no bigger than a millimeter, microrobots can vary in size, depending on
the situation. Biotech researchers typically use microrobotics to monitor and
treat diseases, with the goal of improving diagnostic tools and creating more
targeted solutions.

Augmenting Robots
Augmenting robots, also known as VR robots, either enhance current human
capabilities or replace the capabilities a human may have lost. The field of
robotics for human augmentation is a field where science fiction could become
reality very soon, with bots that have the ability to redefine the definition of
humanity by making humans faster and stronger. Some examples of current
augmenting robots are robotic prosthetic limbs or exoskeletons used to lift hefty
weights.

Software Bots
Software bots, or simply ‘bots,’ are computer programs which carry out tasks
autonomously. They are not technically considered robots. One common use
case of software robots is a chatbot, which is a computer program that simulates
conversation both online and over the phone and is often used in customer
service scenarios. Chatbots can either be simple services that answer questions
with an automated response or more complex digital assistants that learn from
user information.

History of Robotics
Robotics as a concept goes back to ancient times. The ancient Greeks combined
automation and engineering to create the Antikythera, a handheld device that
predicted eclipses. Centuries later, Leonardo Da Vinci designed a mechanical
knight now known as “Leonardo’s Robot.” But it was the rise of manufacturing
during the Industrial Revolution that highlighted the need for widespread
automation.

Following William Grey Walter’s development of the first autonomous robots


in 1948, George Devol created the first industrial robotic arm known as
Unimate. It began operating at a GM facility in 1959. In 1972, the Stanford
Research Institute designed Shakey — the first AI-powered robot.

The ability of robots to perceive their surroundings led researchers to explore


whether they could also perceive human emotions. In the late 1990s, MIT’s Dr.
Cynthia Breazeal built Kismet, a robotic head that used facial features to
express and respond to human emotions.

Robots took another leap forward in 2012 due to a breakthrough in deep


learning. Armed with volumes of digital images, British AI expert Geoffrey
Hinton and his team successfully trained a system of neural networks to sort
over one million images while making few errors. Since then, companies have
incorporated deep learning into their technologies, promising more possibilities
for robotics.
Future of Robotics
The evolution of AI has major implications for the future of robotics. In
factories, AI can be combined with robotics to produce digital twins and design
simulations to help companies improve their workflows. Advanced AI also
gives robots increased autonomy. For example, drones could deliver packages to
customers without any human intervention. In addition, robots could be
outfitted with generative AI tools like ChatGPT, resulting in more complex
human-robot conversations.

As robots’ intelligence has shifted, so too have their appearances. Humanoid


robots are designed to visually appeal to humans in various settings while
understanding and responding to emotions, carrying objects and navigating
environments. With these forms and abilities, robots can become major
contributors in customer service, manufacturing, logistics and healthcare,
among other industries.

While the spread of robotics has stoked fears over job losses due to automation,
robots could simply change the nature of human jobs. Humans may find
themselves collaborating with robots, letting their robotic counterparts handle
repetitive tasks while they focus on more difficult problems. Either way,
humans will need to adapt to the presence of robots as robotics continues to
progress alongside other technologies like AI and deep learning.
Robotics Applications
Beginning as a major boon for manufacturers, robotics has become a mainstay
technology for a growing number of industries.

Manufacturing
Industrial robots can assemble products, sort items, perform welds and paint
objects. They may even be used to fix and maintain other machines in a factory
or warehouse.

Healthcare
Medical robots transport medical supplies, perform surgical procedures and
offer emotional support to those going through rehabilitation.

Companionship
Social robots can support children with learning disabilities and act as a
therapeutic tool for people with dementia. They also have business applications
like providing in-person customer service in hotels and moving products around
warehouses.

Home Use
Consumers may be most familiar with the Roomba and other robot vacuum
cleaners. However, other home robots include lawn-mowing robots and
personal robot assistants that can play music, engage with children and help
with household chores.
Search and Rescue
Search and rescue robots can save those stuck in flood waters, deliver supplies
to those stranded in remote areas and put out fires when conditions become too
extreme for firefighters.

Pros and Cons of Robotics


Pros of Robotics
Increased accuracy. Robots can perform movements and actions with greater
precision and accuracy than humans.

Enhanced productivity. Robots can work at a faster pace than humans and
don’t get tired, leading to more consistent and higher-volume production.

Improved safety. Robots can take on tasks and operate in environments unsafe
for humans, protecting workers from injuries.

Rapid innovation. Many robots are equipped with sensors and cameras that
collect data, so teams can quickly refine processes.

Greater cost-efficiency. Gains in productivity may make robots a more cost-


efficient option for businesses compared to hiring more human workers.

Cons of Robotics
Job losses. Robotic process automation may put human employees out of work,
especially those who don’t have the skills to adapt to a changing workplace.

Data security risks. Robots can be hit with cyber attacks, potentially exposing
large amounts of data if they’re connected to the Internet of Things.

Maintenance costs. Robots can be expensive to repair and maintain, and faulty
equipment can lead to disruptions in production and revenue losses.

Environmental waste. Extracting raw materials to build robots and having to


discard disposable parts can lead to more environmental waste and pollution.
Reference:
https://builtin.com/robotics
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robotics
https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/robotics

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