Robots Aren’t What You Think: Advancements in Robotics
You probably are most familiar with robots from stories. Books and movies have depicted robots for years. While the field of robotics has never been more advanced, these machines don’t look like we imagined they would in science fiction. There are some robots that can walk around and do complex tasks, but most robots are programmed to perform all sorts of different things. Below are how robots have advanced, and it may not be what you think.
Remotely Operated Robots
One huge development in the field of robotics is the ability to remotely operate them. With teleoperated robots, people in many different jobs are controlling robots and using them to perform tasks in dangerous environments and with hazardous materials. Nowadays, robots can be quite dexterous. You might imagine fully automated robots and while that exists, most are still operated by humans. They can use tools, work on construction sites, and with chemicals. With remotely operated robots, workers can avoid danger and get the job done without worrying about safety.
Body Enhancements
Another significant change in robotics are body enhancements. These products are available for the hands, legs, and body. Not only can you protect yourself from harm in dangerous situations, but enhancements can also offer strength and dexterity. You can use robotic gloves or a fully powered exoskeleton. When people think of robots, they typically think of something that walks and talks. Robotics doesn’t just have the goal to perform tasks for humans, but with humans as well. Wearable enhancements are changing the game for all kinds of situations.
Industrial Robots
Industrial robots are more along the lines of what you are thinking when you are imagining robots. They can weld, handle materials, assemble products from parts, and perform maintenance on other machines. Industrial robots can do a lot of different things that are hard for humans. They can get things done faster and more efficiently. When a robot is properly programmed, they can get tasks done more accurately than humans can. Of course, there is concern about robots taking human jobs. Even still, industrial machines can build products, paint, assemble, fix broken parts, and solve problems without human engagement.
Automated Warehouse Robots
Beyond industrial robots found in factories, automated mobile robots are also found in warehouses. Automated robots such as for example the new RB-ROBOUT from Robotnik can transport heavy loads, other robots can sort products, move pallets, pack sold items, and receive new materials. Automated robots can sort products, move pallets, pack sold items, and receive new materials. Warehouse robots can be programmed to package products, allowing businesses to get the job done without employing people to do it. Investing in these robots can be very beneficial to you and your company. Depending on what you are trying to get done, robots that are automated can be a great alternative to hiring a bunch of people to do the job that one robot can do.
In addition to automation, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are changing the field of robotics. Robotics with AI are what you might expect when you think of classic robots. AI can enable robots to continue to learn and adapt to their surroundings. Robots can even help create designs. They are even being used to design architecture, create more efficient models, and determine how to make the operation more efficient. With robotics and AI advancing, using these technologies in tandem will create new opportunities and make robots a lot more like what we know from science fiction.
Robotics isn’t at where we imagined it would be, but the field is advancing fast. There are plenty of new ways that robots are being used to perform tasks humans used to do and create new models that humans could not. Between industrial robots, body enhancements, remotely operated dexterous machines, automation, and artificial intelligence, robotics is continuing to evolve.
Robots won’t stop advancing any time soon. Technology isn’t slowing down, and robotics will change with the development of everything else. The ability for robots to get things done isn’t going anywhere. Robotics isn’t a large part of life now, but the influence will expand. Whether you like the idea of sharing space with robots or can’t stand it, machines are here to stay. Robots aren’t what you think now, but they are right around the corner.