The AI Revolution: Robotics

Lesson 7: Robotics

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Robotics

Robotics is a field that focuses on designing, building, and programming robots. Robots can perform tasks automatically, usually through a combination of sensors, “actuators,” and computer systems.

These machines come in many different shapes and sizes–from small ones that fit in your hand, to large ones used in factories. They can be controlled remotely, or they can be programmed to operate on their own.

The way a robot works depends on its design and purpose. However, most of them have some basic components that allow them to “sense, think, and act”:

Robots use sensors to measure their environment and to gather information. Examples include cameras, microphones, and infrared vision.

They also have processors, or computer systems that process the data collected by their sensors. These systems can be programmed to control the robot's movement.

Actuators are things like motors, grippers, and wheels that allow robots to move and interact with their environment.

Types of robots

Here are some examples of different types of robots being used in various fields:

Industrial robots are used in manufacturing and production to perform tasks like welding, painting, and assembly.

Service robots are designed to help us with tasks like cleaning, cooking, and healthcare. Service robots include vacuum cleaners, robotic pets, and surgical robots.

Military robots are used by the military for tasks like investigation, bomb disposal, and even combat.

Exploration robots explore places that are too dangerous or difficult for us to reach. These include rovers used on Mars and deep-sea submersibles.

Robotics is a growing field that’s used in lots of places, including factories and hospitals. As technology advances, we can expect to see more and more robots around us every day.

Some downsides of robotics

Robotics has a number of potential downsides. Firstly, the cost of developing and implementing robotic systems can be high, limiting their accessibility for individuals and small businesses.

Secondly, job displacement is a concern as robots increasingly replace humans in certain tasks, potentially leading to unemployment or the need for workers to acquire new skills.

Lastly, ethical (or moral) considerations arise as robots become more independent, raising questions about robot rights, accountability, and potential unintended consequences. We’ll explore the ethical considerations in the next lesson.

Continue the Convo: Find an article or video about one of the types of robots being used in a field that interests you. How has the technology changed? Which capability did you find the most intriguing or worrisome?