Robotics is the combination of science, engineering, and technology that results in devices called robots that replace (or imitate) human actions. Popular culture has long been fascinated with robots. R2-D2. Prime, Optimus. WALL-E. These exaggerated, humanoid robot concepts often appear to be a caricature of the real thing…or would they be more forward-thinking than we realize? Robots are increasing intellectual and mechanical skills, implying that an R2-D2-like machine is not out of the question in the future.
As technology advances, so does the breadth of what constitutes robotics. In 2005, 90 percent of all robots were found in automobile assembly plants. These robots are mostly made up of mechanical arms that are tasked with welding or screwing on specific elements of an automobile. Today, we witness an evolved and extended concept of robotics that includes the invention, manufacture, and deployment of bots that investigate the toughest circumstances on Earth, robots that aid law enforcement, and even robots that assist in practically every aspect of healthcare.
While the field of robotics as a whole is evolving, several qualities of a robot remain consistent:
- All robots are made of some kind of mechanical structure. The mechanical part of a robot helps it perform tasks in its environment. For example, the Mars 2020 Rover’s wheels are independently driven and composed of titanium tubing, allowing it to firmly grip the red planet’s tough terrain.
- Electrical components are required for robots to manage and power the machines. Essentially, an electric current (such as a battery) is required to power the vast majority of robots.
- At least some amount of computer programming is present in robots. A robot would be little more than a piece of simple hardware if it did not have a set of instructions informing it what to do. Inserting a program into a robot provides it with the ability to understand when and how to do a task.
As artificial intelligence and software continue to advance, we’re bound to see the promise of the robots sector sooner rather than later. Robots will become smarter, more adaptable, and energy-efficient shortly as these technologies improve. They will also be a crucial emphasis point in smart factories, where they will help secure global supply networks.
Though still in its infancy, the robotics industry holds great promise for future growth.
Robots will be discovered executing activities that humans could never imagine doing alone, from the darkest depths of our oceans to thousands of miles in outer space.
- 26 Robotics Companies That Are Transforming Our Lives And Work
- 12 Companies Using Artificial Intelligence to Create Smarter Robots
Robotics Types
Mechanical bots come in a variety of shapes and sizes to do the tasks for which they are created. All robots differ in terms of design, functionality, and degree of autonomy. These tiny “RoboBees” to the 200-meter-long “Vindskip” can do things that humans cannot. There are five types of robots::
Robots with Pre-Programmed Programs
Pre-programmed robots do simple, tedious activities in a controlled setting. Assembling a pre-programmed robot. The arm does one thing weld a door, insert a part into the engine and it does it better, quicker, and longer than a human.
Humanoid Robots
Humanoid robots are devices that behave like humans. These robots typically perform human-like activities (such as running, jumping, and carrying objects) and are sometimes designed to resemble us, including human faces and expressions. Hanson Robotics’ Sophia (seen above) and Boston Dynamics’ Atlas are two of the most well-known examples of humanoid robots.
Self-driving Robots
Autonomous robots can work without human operators. These robots are typically designed to perform jobs in open spaces without the need for human supervision. They are particularly distinctive in that they use sensors to assess their surroundings and then use decision-making mechanisms (typically a computer) to take the best next action depending on their data and mission. A Roomba vacuum cleaner is an example of an autonomous robot.
Telecontrolled Robots
Teleoperated robots are semi-autonomous robots that can be controlled remotely by humans. These robots are often utilized in harsh environments. These include human-controlled submarines that repaired underwater pipe breaches during the BP oil spill and drones that find landmines.
Robot Assisting
Augmenting robots either improves on current human capabilities or replaces those that have been lost. That science fiction could soon become reality, with robots able to redefine humanity by making humans faster and stronger. Current augmenting robots include robotic prosthetic limbs and exoskeletons used to lift heavyweights.
How do robots work?
Self-sufficient robots
Independent robots can work independently of human control. From bomb dissemination and deep-sea navigation to factory automation, these jobs require more complex programming but allow robots to replace humans. They eliminate low-wage occupations but open up new growth opportunities.
Dependent robots
Dependent robots are non-autonomous robots that assist people in their actions. Advanced prosthetics controlled by the human mind are one sort of dependent robot that has been created.
Johns Hopkins APL produced a famous dependent robot in 2018 for a patient named Johnny Matheny, whose arm was severed above the elbow. Matheny was given a Modular Prosthetic Limb (MPL) to study its long-term use. The MPL is controlled by electromyography or impulses from his amputated limb. Matheny improved his control of the MPL, and the signals sent from his severed leg were smaller and less variable, allowing him to accomplish delicate activities like playing the piano.
Robotics Components
Robots are designed to meet a wide range of needs and objectives, requiring a wide range of specialized components. However, certain components are essential to every robot, such as a power supply or a CPU. Generally, robotics parts fall into five categories:
Admin system
Computation encompasses all components of a robot’s central processing unit (CPU), often known as the control system. Control systems inform a robot how to use certain components, similar to how the brain transmits signals throughout the body to perform a task. From minimally invasive surgery to assembly line packing, robots can do it all.
Sensors
Sensors send electrical signals to a robot’s controller, allowing it to interact with the outside world. Robots commonly use video cameras as eyes, photoresistors as light sensors, and microphones as ears. As a result of this, the controller can send commands to the additional components.
Actuators
As previously established, a robot merely has a moving frame or body. These movements are caused by actuators. These components consist of motors that receive commands from the control system and move in unison to execute the task. Actuators are generally powered by compressed air (pneumatic actuators) or oil (hydraulic actuators) but exist in several configurations to best suit their particular purposes.
Power Supply
Robots, like humans, require food and power to function. Stationary robots, such as those in factories, can be powered by AC or by an internal battery. Most robots use lead-acid batteries for safety and longevity, but others use smaller but more expensive silver-cadmium batteries. When constructing a robot’s power supply, consider safety, weight, replaceability, and lifetime.
These include compressed gas pneumatic power, solar power, hydraulic power, flywheel energy storage organic trash through anaerobic digestion, and nuclear power.
End-users
End effectors are the external, physical components that allow robots to complete tasks. In manufacturing, robots are commonly equipped with replaceable instruments such as paint sprayers and drills, whereas surgical robots are often equipped with scalpels.
Robotic Uses
Robots are good for the future since they can do so many things. We’ll soon see robots everywhere. They’ll be in our hospitals, hotels, and even our streets.
Manufacturing is perhaps the oldest and most well-known industry that uses robots. These robots and co-bots help humans test and assemble things like cars and industrial equipment. Currently, over three million industrial robots are in operation.
Logistics
Shipping, handling, and quality control robots are quickly becoming standard equipment for most merchants and logistics firms. Logistics businesses deploy robots in warehouses and even on the road to help enhance time efficiency. Right now, robots are picking up your things, transferring them throughout the warehouse, and packaging them. Also, the emergence of last-mile robots (robots that deliver packages to your door) means you’ll soon be face-to-metal with a logistics bot.
Home
It’s no longer sci-fi. Robots are everywhere in our homes, helping with chores, scheduling, and even amusing our children. The most famous house robot is the Roomba autonomous vacuum cleaner. Also, robots can now mow lawns and clean pools autonomously.
Travel
Is there anything more sci-fi-like than self-driving cars? Self-driving cars aren’t a fantasy. Self-driving cars are revolutionizing the world thanks to data science and robotics. Many automakers are working on the next wave of transport that will let us sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. Uber and Lyft are also developing autonomous rideshare vehicles that do not require human drivers.
Healthcare
Robotics has made huge breakthroughs in the medical field. These mechanical wonders are used in nearly every facet of healthcare, from surgery to physical rehabilitation. Toyota’s healthcare aides help individuals regain their walking ability, and “TUG” is a robot meant to independently stroll through a hospital and provide everything from medicines to clean linens.
Pharmaceutical companies recently used robots to speed up the fight against COVID-19. These bots currently fill and seal COVID-19 testing swabs, and some firms employ them to make PPE and respirators.
