Robotics - an overview

Robotics is one of the most advanced and emerging technologies that deals with physical robots. Robots are programmable machines that are usually able to carry out a series of functions that can help and assist humans in their day-to-day lives and keep everyone safe.

Introduction to Robotics

Robotics is the branch of technology that deals with the design, construction, operation, and application of robots, as well as computer systems for their control, sensory feedback, and information processing. (Wikipedia). Advances in robotics technology are making robots more adaptive, flexible, and more connected being able to access instructions and information remotely. This has made human-machine collaboration an everyday reality. Advances in sensor technology lower the costs of sensors eventually making a robot better to understand and respond to its environment. Advanced robotics refers to increasingly capable robotic tools equipped with enhanced "sensors with an ability to take on tasks once thought impossible to automate.

Application of Robotics Technology

These technologies deal with automated machines that can take the place of humans in dangerous environments or manufacturing processes, or resemble humans in appearance, behavior, and/or cognition. Robots are ideal for tasks that are too repetitive or dangerous for humans to undertake and can work 24 hours a day at a lower cost than human workers. The new age of robotics can be used for a wide variety of tasks. Some applications are:

Using robotics in big manufacturing assembly lines
Using robots in precision agriculture for weed control and harvesting using GPS technology
Robots are also being used in nursing roles in Japan helping patients out of bed etc.
Smaller and more dextrous robots are designed to handle laborious manufacturing tasks
Robotic surgical systems that make procedures less invasive
Robotic prosthetics and "exoskeletons" that restore functions of amputees and the elderly

Business Case Example

Up until now, robotics technology has not made a large impact in the world of logistics. This is about to change as advanced robots enter warehouses, sorting centers, and even help with final-mile delivery. DHL has come up with a new mail-toting machine roaming the streets in Germany, which DHL hopes will come to offer postal workers a helping hand by doing much the heavy lifting en route to deliver the goods in Germany. The pilot project lasted for six weeks and the PostBOT (150 cm tall with the capability to walk 6 km/h and capacity to hold up to 150 kg worth of mail) could navigate obstacles using the sensors around the town. DHL points out that as well lightening the load for mail carriers, the PostBOT also frees up their hands to make it easier to distribute the mail. This current test was expected to deliver important insights into how the company can further develop the delivery process for their employees.
During September 2017, the Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli performed with the Lucca Philharmonic Orchestra this Tuesday and used Robot named YuMi, made by Swedish/Swiss tech firm ABB as her conductor. In order to train the robot, conductor Andrea Colombini utilized a process known as "lead-through programming." This involved holding the robot's arms and physically guiding them through the task. YuMi has memorized these movements, and can subsequently repeat them on command. The robot uses its arms, but the soul, the spirit, always come from a human.