Background
What do you imagine with the word ‘Robotics’? A picture of a robot resembling a human body may appear in your mind. Some might think of robotics as machines that can perform tasks. Both ideas are right. However, application of robotics is not limited to machines or robots. The use of robotics is very vast in today’s world. A lot of technologies are now introduced using robotics. It has shown new ways of success and innovation.
We come across robotics in our everyday life. Many people never noticed, but now in every step of our lives, robotics is very prominent. Application and use of AI varies, depending upon the nature of work requirements.
Modern Robotics also uses artificial intelligence. AI helps them to give human-like performance. It supports the human-like working of the machines. We cannot ignore the part of AI in robotics.
AI enables robots and machines to do tasks precisely and accurately.
What is robotics?
Technology and engineering together result in robotics. It is the process of modeling, assembling, and utilization of machinery. It is the creation of robots constructed to perform assigned tasks. Robotics refers to the whole process of creating robots.Learning robotics involves programming like C++ or Python, mechanics and electronics.
Robotics is used in every field of life like; health, automobile manufacturing, industries, etc. The application of robotics in industries distributes the workload. Successful manufacturing companies use robotics in advanced ways. AI and robotics together are contributing to the invention of new technologies. AI in robotics results in the creation of robots with human-like intellect. An industry without the integration of robotics may take a lot of time to manufacture its products.
What are Robots?
The creation of machines designed to perform certain actions is called robots. It is not the same as electric machines. Instead, it uses technology to carry out accurate performance. Robotics uses computerized programs that perform automated actions. Also AI in robotics is integrated to make it more useful for human functions.
In fast-moving countries like China & Japan, robots are introduced as waiters. These waiters can provide a menu, take orders, serve food, and clean the tables and floors. All these human-like tasks can be achieved with the use of AI in robots.
Construction of robots uses three parts other than AI: Sensors, Effectors and Control System.
Robotics and Robots
Robotics and robots are not the same. Robotics is a field of study, whereas a robot is a technological device. Robotics deals with the process of creating robots. And robots perform tasks for human beings. But robots and robotics are interlinked. Robotics serves as a base to build robots. Robots are then used to make advancements in robotics. Also they use AI in robots to perform advanced functions.
Uses of Robotics
The use of Robotics can be seen in the following ways:
- The use of robotics is profound in the manufacture of automobiles. Different parts of a vehicle are assembled with the use of robotics. Also spraying paint, welding, and material handling are done using robotics.
- Robotics is also used in the automobiles itself. AI in automobile robots enable autopilot, navigation, obstacle detection, cruise control, etc They are used in vehicles to provide comfort and assistance to drivers.
- In the field of health, robotic prosthetics are developed. Presently, they use AI in healthcare robotics to perform human-like functions. The field of medicine and health uses robotics for surgical and testing purposes.
- Robotics is applied to improve the lifestyle of human beings as well. Devices like robotic vacuum cleaners, STEM Education robots and drones are the development of robotics. These devices use AI in robotics. Siri and Alexa are the most common examples.
- Robot Vacuum cleaner named ‘Roomba’ is an example of AI in robots. This vacuum cleaner doesn’t need to be used manually. It is an automated device. They consist of sensors that detect ‘dirt’ and make your floor clean.
- Packaging and labeling of products is now more convenient with the use of robotics. Hand-made packaging & labeling takes a lot of effort and time. This human work is replaced with robotics now.
Advantages and Drawback of Robotics
Advantages
- Work accuracy
Robotics are implanted in the industry due to their potential to avoid human-like errors. They are able to do the work with accuracy and precision. The use of robotics does not allow space for mistakes. There is a very little chance of mistakes. Accuracy and increased product productivity are achieved.
- Time efficient
It saves the human from putting in extra time and effort. Humans can save time and utilize it to perform more productive or more complex tasks. The use of robotics allows repetitive tasks to be done more quickly.
- Ease the Workload
The use of robotics in industries results in a smooth workflow. Repetitive tasks take more energy and time as compared to humans. Robotics increases productivity and distributes the workload. There is no need to stress over workload with the use of robotics in industries.
- Save human energy
Human efforts and energy are required in other tasks like dealing with the customer, team management, supervising production, etc. Robotics rescues humans from wasting their energy and time performing the same tasks again and again.
Disadvantages
- High maintenance
The integration of robotics is costly. It also requires high maintenance, which might be costly. Regularly repairing robotics can be problematic.
- Replacement of human workers
The use of robotics has made the workload less complicated. However, the use of robotics in industries has increased the rate of unemployment as well. Labor who were responsible to do repetitive tasks are now replaced with robotics.
- Safety risks
Not taking safety precautions while working with robotics may sometimes result in accidents. So sometimes a safety risk arises especially in industrial robotics.
Conclusion
Robotics and robots are different in certain aspects. Robotics is the process of creating robots, whereas robots are machines to perform specific functions. Some of the common examples are Cleaning robots, automated spraying robots, robotic prosthetics, and drones are common examples of robotics. AI in robots has made advancements in technology. AI has allowed us to perform actions that mimic human performances. That’s why now it is used in the fields of Healthcare, Automobile, Industries, and IoT devices.
