Robotics is a complex facet of technology. There are many components of the field. Not only does the manufacturer need the expensive metals and other materials, but the technology involved is also quite advanced. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is integral to helping machines learn for themselves.
Machine learning is pivotal, but automation is also necessary. All this technology comes together in tandem to create some amazing advancements in robotics. Here are five types of robots that are changing human life.
Teleoperated Robots
One of the most effective robots is those that can be remotely operated. A controllable robot can open the doors for all kinds of opportunities and uses. For example, a remotely operated robot allows humans to make decisions and get things done in dangerous environments.
If you are trying to get work done high up, using a robot can help you do what you need to do without putting yourself at risk of falling. Furthermore, if you need to do something in an incredibly hot or cold environment, a robot can be very useful. Or, what about working with chemicals or other dangerous materials? You can control a robot and its movements from wherever you are.
Robotic Enhancements
Like teleoperated robots, robotic enhancements can also help you work in hazardous environments. Are you working with sharp objects? What about chemicals or sparks? Are you trying to lift large objects? Enhancements for the human body are a form of robotics, and they can help you increase endurance, protect your body, and improve strength.
Whatever job you are trying to get done, robotic enhancements can really help you operate more effectively and work hands-on in safety. When people think of robots, they often only consider the walking and talking robots of science fiction movies, but the reality of the technology is much more interesting. Humans are, in fact, able to use robots to enhance their bodies.
Automated Arms
You’ve probably seen films of robotic arms in a warehouse zipping and zooming endlessly. These are called articulated robots and they are one form of the field that has been used the longest. This is because robotic arms can do jobs that humans used to do more effectively, in a fraction of the time.
When it comes to building, packing, and shipping products, robotic arms are designed to do the same task again and again accurately and as quickly as possible. With automation technology, robotic arms can zip back and forth without slowing down or inaccurately performing the task. Robots will continue to replace human warehouse and factory jobs. While some people are afraid of this truth, it will also free up humanity to do more meaningful work. Automated arms are here to stay.
The Household Cleaning Robot
One of the most common robots is the circular disk on the floor driving around, continuously cleaning the floors. This product is, of course, one iteration of this type of robot. A driving and cleaning robot is a common form of robotics.
It is the product that people are probably most comfortable with so far. However, this product is just the beginning of the many different types of robots that will hit the market. Soon, robots will be taking out our trash and scrubbing down our kitchens. Mundane tasks will be performed by robots whether you like them or not.
Automated Mobile Robots
Finally, like the simple robot cleaning the floors, there are plenty of automated mobile robots (AMRs) that are taking the world by storm. Self-driving cars are essentially robots. Using automation, image-capture technology, and onboard processing, AMRs are some of the most life-changing products to come out of robotic advancements. Self-driving vehicles are already a reality. It’s only a matter of time until the average person has access to an automated mobile robot for their daily life.
Robots are constantly changing human life. They are evolving in ways that only science fiction predicted. With so many different applications, robots aren’t just the walking-talking shells we used to think of them as. Robotics can enhance human bodies, perform simple and complex tasks, move around without direction, and now, learn from themselves. Only time will tell how much robotics impacts our lives, but it’s safe to say robots aren’t going anywhere.
Ryan Beitler is a journalist and writer who has covered robotics for many publications.
