I will discuss robotics in terms of how it is used
in everyday life with smartphones, its new placement in the military,
and how it is being used as an aid to provide therapy for autistic
children.
Robotics is an expert system that consists of
computer devices which perform many tasks in business, or for
entertainment. As the textbook describes, robots are normally put in
place to do work in for businesses, which include, "paint cars, make
precision welds, and perform other tasks that require a high degree of
precision or are tedious or hazardous for human beings" [1]. Robots are often put into place to do the kind of work that humans would not ideally want to or be able to perform, these are usually dirtier or duller jobs [1].
Robots have made many advancements since their beginnings in the past
century, and their continual development and expansion will make them
more versatile, and they will be used more widely in many fields other
than just as an enhancement to machinery.
Robots have often been used in the military to carry out tasks that take away potential threat to soldiers, like carrying heavy equipment for during unpredictable weather conditions [1]. Robots are now also being designed to clear explosives and for combat. The system designed was created to allow the robot to detect any possible threats or motions with a "persistent stare," and because robots do not "panic under fire," there are no hasty or premature shots being fired [2]. The difficulty that users of a robot used for combat will face, however, is the distinction between a civilian and an enemy -- this is a difficult task for a human to assess on the ground, but it becomes augmented when the user is looking at a video of what the robot is seeing [2]. There are many mixed reviews on whether or not robots should be used for combat, it could create an even more deadly scenario [2].
The smartphone market has also been an increasingly big supporter of robotics recently. Quantum, a company that works in robotics, has spoken about possible joint ventures with Apple in developing "smartphone robotic applications," and with built-in cameras and microphones, smartphones are good potential devices to work with robotics [3]. Quantum is also responsible for introducing a new iPad controlled, plush robot named "Pochilla" which is being used to provide therapy for children with Autism [4]. Therapists control the way Pochilla interacts with children, and then children learn how to use Pochilla to identify feelings and express their emotions [4]. Autistic children especially are more likely to interact with an object than with another human, and with the introduction of the robot, these children have shown less frustration and more comprehension [4].
Robots have often been used in the military to carry out tasks that take away potential threat to soldiers, like carrying heavy equipment for during unpredictable weather conditions [1]. Robots are now also being designed to clear explosives and for combat. The system designed was created to allow the robot to detect any possible threats or motions with a "persistent stare," and because robots do not "panic under fire," there are no hasty or premature shots being fired [2]. The difficulty that users of a robot used for combat will face, however, is the distinction between a civilian and an enemy -- this is a difficult task for a human to assess on the ground, but it becomes augmented when the user is looking at a video of what the robot is seeing [2]. There are many mixed reviews on whether or not robots should be used for combat, it could create an even more deadly scenario [2].
The smartphone market has also been an increasingly big supporter of robotics recently. Quantum, a company that works in robotics, has spoken about possible joint ventures with Apple in developing "smartphone robotic applications," and with built-in cameras and microphones, smartphones are good potential devices to work with robotics [3]. Quantum is also responsible for introducing a new iPad controlled, plush robot named "Pochilla" which is being used to provide therapy for children with Autism [4]. Therapists control the way Pochilla interacts with children, and then children learn how to use Pochilla to identify feelings and express their emotions [4]. Autistic children especially are more likely to interact with an object than with another human, and with the introduction of the robot, these children have shown less frustration and more comprehension [4].
In conclusion, robotics are leading a new wave of
technologies which have the power to vastly improve everyday life
through smartphones, provide therapy, and aid soldiers in military
settings. When used the right way, robotics have the power to change our
environments for the better.
Sources
[1] Stair, Ralph M., and George Walter Reynolds. Fundamentals of Information Systems. Boston: Thomson/Course Technology, 2003. Print.
[4] http://roboticstomorrow.com/news/2012/08/03/quan-new-ipad-controlled-robots-may-help-kids-with-autism/20708
[1] Stair, Ralph M., and George Walter Reynolds. Fundamentals of Information Systems. Boston: Thomson/Course Technology, 2003. Print.
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