8 Ways Robots Are Shaping Our Modern World

Robots have transcended the realm of science fiction, becoming an integral part of our reality. From manufacturing floors to healthcare facilities, these mechanical marvels are revolutionizing industries and transforming the way we live and work

Introduction


In today’s fast-paced world, the term “robotics” often conjures images of futuristic machines straight out of science fiction. However, at its core, robotics is the science and technology of designing, constructing, and operating robots.

Imagine robots as highly specialized, versatile tools, capable of performing tasks that might be dull, dirty, or dangerous for humans.

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What Are Robots?


Robots are sophisticated machines designed to perform specific tasks autonomously or semi-autonomously. They can be likened to specialized workers in a factory. Just like a factory worker who’s trained to assemble a specific product, a robot is built and programmed to perform a specific function efficiently and accurately.

An Analogy: The Dishwashing Robot


Consider a dishwashing robot as a simple analogy. Its primary function is to wash dishes. It’s equipped with sensors to detect dirt, arms for scrubbing, and a drying mechanism. Once activated, it can autonomously wash, rinse, and dry dishes without human intervention. This is akin to a specialized worker trained to wash dishes in a restaurant.

Read more: How Alexa and Siri Understand What You’re Feeling?

How Do Robots Work?


Robotics is about creating smart machines that can do tasks on their own or with a bit of help. These machines, called robots, can be as small as a toy or as big as a car. They’re designed to do all sorts of jobs, from building cars in factories to exploring faraway planets.

Sensors:

Robots have special parts called sensors. Think of them like robot eyes and ears. They help the robot see and understand what’s happening around it. For example, they can sense if it’s dark or if there’s something in their way.

Brain (Computer)

Just like we have brains that think and make decisions, robots have something similar. It’s a computer, constructed from metal and wires, in contrast to our brains, which are soft and squishy. This computer is super smart and can understand the information from the sensors.

Instructions (Programming):

People who know a lot about robots give them instructions. It’s like telling a friend how to play a game. The engineers wrote these instructions in a special language that the robot’s computer can understand.

Making Decisions:

With the help of sensors and instructions, the robot can decide what to do. For example, if a robot sees an obstacle in front of it, it can decide to go around it.

Moving Parts

Robots have special parts that help them move. They might have wheels, arms, or even legs! These parts follow the instructions given to them, allowing the robot to do its job.

Doing the Job:

Once the robot knows what to do, it gets to work. It can build cars, explore underwater, or even help doctors in surgeries. It does its job without needing a person to control it all the time.

So, in simpler words, robots work by using special sensors to understand their surroundings. They have a computer “brain” that thinks and makes decisions based on these sensors. They follow instructions given by smart people, which tells them how to do their job. With moving parts, they get to work all on their own! It’s like having a clever friend who can do specific tasks without constant help.

How Robots are impacting our world

Robots are significantly impacting various aspects of our world, from industry and healthcare to transportation and entertainment. Here are real-world examples showcasing how robots are shaping our world:

1. Manufacturing and Industry:

  • Automated Assembly Lines: Manufacturing industries extensively employ robots for tasks such as welding, painting, and assembling products.. For instance, companies like Tesla utilize robotic arms for automating the assembly of electric vehicles, improving efficiency and precision.

2. Healthcare:

  • Surgical Robots: Robots like the da Vinci Surgical System assist surgeons in performing precise and minimally invasive surgeries. They enhance the surgeon’s dexterity and provide 3D visualization, resulting in quicker recovery times and less scarring for patients.
  • Rehabilitation Robots: Devices like the Ekso Bionics exoskeleton help people with mobility impairments regain the ability to walk and perform daily activities.

3. Agriculture:

  • Agricultural Drones and Harvesting Robots: Drones equipped with various sensors monitor crops, analyze crop health, and optimize resource usage. Harvesting robots, such as those developed by companies like Octinion and Agrobot, automate the fruit picking process, increasing efficiency and reducing labor costs.

4. Logistics and Transportation:

  • Autonomous Vehicles: Companies like Waymo, Tesla, and Uber are developing and deploying self-driving cars and autonomous delivery vehicles. These robots have the potential to revolutionize transportation, reduce accidents, and enhance accessibility.

5. Space Exploration:

  • Rovers on Mars: NASA’s rovers like Curiosity and Perseverance on Mars are robotic explorers conducting scientific experiments and analyzing the Martian surface. They provide invaluable data for understanding other planets and potential future human missions.

6. Search and Rescue:

  • Robotic Search and Rescue Drones: Drones equipped with cameras and sensors are used in search and rescue operations during disasters, such as earthquakes or floods. They can access hard-to-reach areas and provide critical information to aid in rescue efforts.

7. Education and Research:

  • Robots in Education: Educational robots like Cozmo and Dash & Dot help children learn programming and problem-solving skills in an interactive and engaging manner, preparing them for a technology-driven future.

8. Entertainment:

  • Entertainment Robots: Robots like Pepper and ASIMO are designed to entertain and interact with people. Pepper, for example, is used in retail settings to engage customers and provide information.

Robots are continuously evolving, and their impact on our lives and society will likely continue to expand as advancements in technology and robotics continue.

Kumar Priyadarshi
Kumar Priyadarshi

Kumar Priyadarshi is a prominent figure in the world of technology and semiconductors. With a deep passion for innovation and a keen understanding of the intricacies of the semiconductor industry, Kumar has established himself as a thought leader and expert in the field. He is the founder of Techovedas, India’s first semiconductor and AI tech media company, where he shares insights, analysis, and trends related to the semiconductor and AI industries.

Kumar Joined IISER Pune after qualifying IIT-JEE in 2012. In his 5th year, he travelled to Singapore for his master’s thesis which yielded a Research Paper in ACS Nano. Kumar Joined Global Foundries as a process Engineer in Singapore working at 40 nm Process node. He couldn’t find joy working in the fab and moved to India. Working as a scientist at IIT Bombay as Senior Scientist, Kumar Led the team which built India’s 1st Memory Chip with Semiconductor Lab (SCL)

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