What is robotics?
Robotics is the discipline of creating robots. It’s a multidisciplinary field where computer science, engineering, and technology all meet. Those working in robotics focus on the design, construction, operation, and use of robots in a host of different settings.
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Traditionally, the field of robotics centers on creating robots to perform simple or repetitive tasks at scale or to function in hazardous conditions where humans would otherwise be unable to work.
However, recent developments in machine learning and artificial intelligence means that we may see an increase in human-to-robot interactions in the future.
The robotics industry is expected to grow significantly over the coming years. Estimates suggest that the sector could be worth as much as $260 billion by 2030. Much of this growth will come from professional services robots that perform useful tasks for humans, such as cleaning, delivering, and transporting.
For those looking to get a more thorough introduction to robotics, our online course from the University of Reading explores the history, anatomy, and intelligence of robots.
Types of robots
Although the concept of robots has existed for many years, it’s only been in the last few decades that they’ve grown in complexity and use. Nowadays, there are many practical applications for robots across a wide range of fields.
As discussed in our open step on the applications of robots, some of these types of robots include:
Industrial. Perhaps the most common use of robots is for simple and repetitive industrial tasks. Examples include assembly line processes, picking and packing, welding, and similar functions. They offer reliability, accuracy, and speed.
Military. More recent developments mean that military forces worldwide use robots in areas such as UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle), UG Vs (Unmanned Ground Vehicle), triage and surveillance.
Service. One of the main growth areas in robotics is in the personal service industry. Uses include for manual tasks such as dispensing food and cleaning.
Exploration. We often use robots to reach hostile or otherwise inaccessible areas. A good example of exploratory robots is in space exploration, such as the Curiosity Rover on Mars.
Hazardous environments. Again, certain environments can be dangerous for humans to enter, such as disaster areas, places with high radiation, and extreme environments.
Medical. In the world of healthcare, med tech robots are being used in all kinds of ways. Whether it’s managing laboratory specimens or assisting with surgery, rehabilitation, or physiotherapy.
Entertainment. Increasingly (particularly during the pandemic), people are buying robots for enjoyment. There are several popular toy robots, and there are even robot restaurants and giant robot statues.
Advantages and disadvantages of robots
The field of robotics offers solutions to many problems. As we’ll see, the future of robots could change the world we live in. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t downsides to the technology.
As explored on our open step from the University of Reading, there are various pros and cons of using robots in our modern world:
Advantages of robots
They can offer increased productivity, efficiency, quality, and consistency in certain settings.
Unlike humans, robots don’t get bored.
Until they wear out, they can repeat the same process continuously.
They can be very accurate, even to fractions of an inch, making them particularly useful in the manufacturing of microelectronics.
Robots can work in environments that are unsafe for humans, such as with dangerous chemicals or in areas of high radiation.
They don’t have physical or environmental needs in the same way humans do.
Some robots have sensors and actuators which are more capable than humans.
Disadvantages of robots
In some industries, robots are replacing human jobs, which can create economic problems.
On the whole, robots can only do what they are told to do, meaning they can’t improvise (although AI and machine learning is changing this).
Current robotics technology means that most machines are less dexterous than humans and can’t compete with a human’s ability to understand what they can see. Although, experts are working on developing robots that can better sense the world.
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