Introduction
The robots are coming, and they are taking over the world. Well, that is the popular misconception about our robotic counterparts. In reality, robots have been around for a long time in one form or another, and the purpose has always been to assist the human world.
Whether you realize it or not, we have been using robotic technology for years. Think about your mobile ‘smart’ phone; AI enables you to speak into your phone and ask it questions and receive answers.
Although the likelihood of every home having a robot ‘butler’ is some time away, great advances are being made, and new technologies are being constantly developed. So let us get on with a snapshot of 10 incredible robots and how they are set to change our world.
Robots Are Changing the World
1. UK’s Micro Robots
2. Boston Dynamics SpotMini Robot
3. RoboSimian
4. PhoeniX
5. Sophia
1. UK’s Micro Robots
UK’s Micro Robots are a new breed of tiny, insect-like robots that could revolutionize roadworks. They are being developed by a team of engineers at the University of Sheffield, and they are funded by a £7.2 million grant from the UK government.
What are UK’s Micro Robots?
UK’s Micro Robots are just 1 cm long and weigh less than 1 gram. They are equipped with sensors that allow them to navigate through underground pipes and identify damage. The robots can also carry out repairs, such as patching cracks and sealing leaks.
How do UK’s Micro Robots work?
UK’s Micro Robots use a variety of sensors to navigate through underground pipes. These sensors include cameras, ultrasonic sensors, and gyroscopes. The robots also use a combination of artificial intelligence and machine learning to make decisions and adapt to their environment.
Once a robot has identified damage to a pipe, it can use a variety of tools to carry out repairs. These tools include patching materials, sealant, and adhesives. The robots can also use lasers to cut away damaged material and weld new material in place.
Benefits of UK’s Micro Robots
UK’s Micro Robots have a number of benefits over traditional methods of inspecting and repairing underground pipes. These benefits include:
- Reduced disruption: UK’s Micro Robots can inspect and repair pipes without the need to dig up roads. This reduces disruption to traffic and businesses.
- Reduced costs: UK’s Micro Robots are expected to be more cost-effective than traditional methods of inspecting and repairing pipes.
- Improved safety: UK’s Micro Robots can be used to inspect and repair pipes in dangerous or inaccessible locations. This reduces the risk of accidents and injuries to workers.
Current status of UK’s Micro Robots
UK’s Micro Robots are currently in the development stage. However, they have already been successfully tested in laboratory conditions. The researchers are now planning to conduct field trials of the robots in the coming months.
Future of UK’s Micro Robots
If successful, UK’s Micro Robots could be rolled out across the UK and exported to other countries. They have the potential to revolutionize the way that we inspect and repair underground pipes.
In addition to the benefits mentioned above, UK’s Micro Robots could also be used to perform other tasks, such as:
- Inspecting bridges and other infrastructure
- Conducting search and rescue operations
- Exploring hazardous environments
The possibilities are endless.
2. Boston Dynamics SpotMini Robot
Spot robot, earlier called SpotMini, is a four-legged robot developed by American robotics company Boston Dynamics (founded in 1992 as a spin-off from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and currently owned by the Hyundai Motor Group).
Features
Spot weighs only 25 kgs and is 83 cm tall. Spot can perform a number of functions including climbing stairs and navigating rough terrain with ease. It is small enough to be used indoors.
Use cases
Spot’s applications include the following:
- Automate remote or hazardous inspections
- Automate data capture in construction sites
- Autoname mobile case handling for efficient warehouse operations
- Automate complex depalletizing using its machine learning vision system
Products of Boston Dynamics
| Robot | Description |
| Spot | A four-legged robot that is capable of navigating difficult terrain and performing tasks such as opening doors and delivering packages. |
| Atlas | A humanoid robot that is designed to assist with tasks in dangerous or inaccessible environments. |
| Handle | A two-legged robot that is designed to be highly mobile and agile. |
| BigDog | A four-legged robot that is designed to carry heavy loads over rough terrain. |
| Cheetah | A four-legged robot that is designed to run very fast. |
| LittleDog | A four-legged robot that is designed to be small and lightweight. |
| PETMAN | A humanoid robot that is designed to test chemical protective suits. |
| LS3 | A four-legged robot that is designed to be highly mobile and versatile. |
3. RoboSimian
RoboSimian is a humanoid robot developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) to assist with tasks in dangerous or inaccessible environments. It is a quadruped robot with seven degrees of freedom (DoF) along each limb, giving it a large amount of dexterity. RoboSimian has a mass of 120 kg and the ability to carry approximately 20 kg of payload.
Design and Features
RoboSimian is equipped with a variety of sensors, including cameras, LiDAR, and ultrasonic sensors, which allow it to perceive its surroundings and navigate autonomously. It is also equipped with a variety of tools, including a gripper, a drill, and a saw, which allow it to perform a variety of tasks.
Applications
RoboSimian has been used in a variety of applications, including:
- Disaster response: RoboSimian has been used to simulate disaster response tasks, such as searching for survivors in collapsed buildings and clearing debris.
- Space exploration: RoboSimian is being considered for use in future space exploration missions, such as assembling spacecraft and exploring planetary surfaces.
- Industrial inspection and maintenance: RoboSimian is being developed for use in industrial inspection and maintenance tasks, such as inspecting bridges and pipelines.
Future Potential
RoboSimian is a highly versatile robot with the potential to be used in a wide range of applications. It is a valuable tool for researchers and developers who are working to advance the field of robotics.
RoboSimian is still under development, but it has already made a significant impact on the field of robotics. It is one of the most advanced and capable robots in the world, and it has the potential to revolutionize the way that we work and interact with our environment.
4. PhoeniX
Phoenix is the first humanoid to be powered by Carbon, a pioneering AI control system, and represents a giant leap forward in our mission to create the world’s first human-like intelligence in general-purpose robots,” read a tweet by the company.
Feature of PhoeniX
The AI-powered robot weighs around 70 kg and is 5.7 feet tall. It is equipped with hands that emulate the dexterity of human hands. The robot is capable of lifting up to objects weighing up to 25 kg. The robot’s abilities have been demonstrated by the company at a retail store in Vancouver where it has been assigned to perform tasks ranging from merchandise packing to tagging and cleaning. The robot has a maximum speed of 3 miles per hour.
Pros and Cons of PhoeniX
| Pros | Cons |
| Real-time: If you’re making a (semi)real-time web application that will serve tons of users simultaneously (e.g. Twitch or Discord), Phoenix is the perfect choice because of the built-in support. | Hard to grasp: Elixir is three languages at the same time: you need to deal with some amount of metaprogramming, functional programming, and the rather unique OTP. Therefore, Elixir beginners are usually not well-prepared to tackle the whole thing immediately. |
| Productive: Phoenix helps you be productive while exposing the behind-the-scenes magic to anyone that is willing to explore it. In contrast to some of the more “opinionated” frameworks, it is also rather customizable. | Smaller community: Elixir and Phoenix have fewer people working on them than Node.js or Rails. Therefore, it’s less likely you can find answers to your issues on Stack Overflow, but there are plenty of people out there willing to help you on Elixir Forum. |
| Functional: In contrast to most other top web frameworks, Phoenix is written in a functional programming language, which helps to write more reliable, maintainable, and easier-to-test code. | Smaller ecosystem: A smaller community implies fewer libraries, of course. All the crucial stuff is available, but some things you might need to build yourself. |
6. Sanctuary AI Phoenix
-Sixth generation humanoid robot with industry-leading dexterous hands.
-Powered by in-house Carbon AI control system, available for purchase later this year.pic.twitter.com/dp9T3oe4IK— NatMedResources (@NatMedResources) September 6, 2023
5. Sophia Robot
Sophia is a humanoid robot developed by Hong Kong-based company Hanson Robotics. She was activated on February 14, 2016, and made her first public appearance in March 2016 at South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, Texas. Sophia is known for her realistic appearance and her ability to converse with humans. She is being used to study artificial intelligence and human-robot interaction. Sophia is also being used as an ambassador for technology and innovation.
Sophia is covered in synthetic skin that gives her a human-like appearance. She has expressive facial features and can make eye contact with people. Sophia is also able to recognize and respond to emotions.
Sophia is powered by a combination of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms. This allows her to learn and adapt over time. Sophia is also able to access and process information from the real world through her sensors and cameras..
Applications of Sophia Robot
Sophia is a versatile robot with the potential to be used in a wide range of applications, including:
- Education: Sophia can be used to provide personalized instruction and support to students. She can also be used to teach students new skills and to help them learn at their own pace.
- Healthcare: Sophia can be used to provide companionship and support to elderly and disabled people. She can also be used to help people with rehabilitation exercises and to assist with daily tasks such as bathing and dressing.
- Customer service: Sophia can be used to provide customer support in a variety of settings, such as retail, hospitality, and travel. She can also be used to provide information and assistance to customers in real time.
- Entertainment: Sophia can be used as a performer or entertainer. She can also be used to create interactive experiences for people.
Future Potential of Sophia Robot
Sophia is still under development, but she has the potential to revolutionize the way that we live and work. She is a valuable tool for researchers and developers who are working to advance the field of robotics and artificial intelligence.
In the future, Sophia could be used to provide companionship and support to people who live alone. She could also be used to help people with disabilities to live more independent lives. Sophia could also be used to teach children and adults new skills. And she could be used to provide customer service and support in a variety of settings.
Sophia is a unique and innovative robot with the potential to make a positive impact on the world. She is a symbol of the future of robotics and artificial intelligence.
FAQS
1. How are robots used in healthcare?
Answer: Robots are used in healthcare for tasks like surgery, telemedicine, and patient care assistance.
2. What is the significance of robots in manufacturing?
Answer: Robots enhance manufacturing by automating tasks, increasing precision, and improving efficiency.
3. Can robots help with dangerous tasks like search and rescue?
Answer: Yes, robots are used in search and rescue operations to access hazardous areas and locate survivors.
4. How do robots assist in environmental conservation?
Answer: Robots aid in environmental conservation by monitoring wildlife, cleaning up oceans, and managing natural resources.
5. What is the role of robots in space exploration?
Answer: Robots are essential in space exploration for tasks like planetary rovers and maintaining space stations.
6. How do robots impact agriculture?
Answer: Agricultural robots can automate planting, harvesting, and crop monitoring, improving food production.
7. What is the future potential of robots for improving daily life?
Answer: Robots have the potential to enhance daily life through tasks like home automation, personal assistance, and healthcare support.
Conclusion
In conclusion, robots are revolutionizing industries and daily life. They enhance efficiency, safety, and precision in healthcare, manufacturing, and environmental conservation. Their role in space exploration and agriculture is expanding. As technology advances, ethical and regulatory aspects must be carefully considered. With responsible deployment, robots hold significant promise for shaping a better future by improving productivity, safety, and overall quality of life.