Robotics is the study of robots. It’s an applied science, which means it’s used to solve practical problems. That makes it different from a theoretical science, which deals with hypothetical and imagined concepts. Robotics is a multi-discipline field of study. It includes aspects of computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering. So, what are robots?
They’re machines. They need a power source to run, either a battery or an electrical outlet connection. In that sense, they’re just like your coffee maker or crockpot. But robots are not appliances that rely on motors and a system of gears to accomplish tasks. Robots are “smarter” than that. They follow commands written in computer code that can respond to changes.
It costs a lot of money to build a robot. The companies that make them spend a lot on research and development (R & D). This investment helps them reduce mistakes in the production process.
Robots are a fixture in modern life, even if we don’t always see them. We use robots for entertainment and educational purposes. Mostly, though, we use them for work: manual labor and specialized tasks. Some robots work by themselves. They are pre-programmed to do basic, repetitive functions.
The advantage of using robots, including robot arms, for these jobs is that they can usually work longer and faster than a person. They also don’t get hurt and rarely make mistakes.
Pre-programmed robots on an assembly line can…
• Add and remove product components (e.g., screws)
• Lift and weigh products for sorting
• Pack products for shipment
Autonomous robots work by themselves, too. But instead of an assembly line, these robots operate in the natural world, mostly to transmit information.
Examples of autonomous robots include:
• Spacecrafts that orbit planets
• Drones that patrol farmland
• Submarines that inspect the ocean floor
Other robots work in cooperation with people.
These robots respond to commands, delivered through software, touch, and voice.
Command-controlled robots can…
• Assist doctors performing surgery
• Restore arm and leg function to injured people
• Answer questions by speaking out loud
Command-control robots are a favorite of science fiction writers.
They’re also the ones you’re most likely to see because so many specialize in household tasks.
Robots will continue to become more common in the years ahead. You’ll welcome more of them into your home as they become more affordable. You’ll hear more about their uses in industries like STEM, manufacturing, and healthcare. In the future, robots will be equipped with is software that learns and improves with experience (known as artificial intelligence or A.I.). The earliest versions of robots did not have artificial intelligence. Now, though, many do. Robots have used A.I. to beat world-champion chess players and Jeopardy! contestants.
Self-driving cars are a type of autonomous robots. At present, they’re undergoing safety tests in select cities.
The ones that do this will become widely accepted. Soon after that happens, we’ll wonder how we survived so long without them!