When we hear the expression "robotic technology» we immediately imagine legs and arms made of gears, artificial intelligence or metallic humans. Do you know what intelligent matter means? Enter this article and learn all about robotics technology, and how it is rapidly changing the world.
Table of Contents
- 1 robotic technology
- 2 Classification of robotic technology
- 3 industrial robotics technology
- 4 service robotics technology
- 5 What benefits does robotic technology give?
- 6 Will robotic technology be able to replace the human?
- 7 Who develops robotic technology?
- 8 Drones: robotic technology
- 9 Robotic technology in the future
- 10 biodegradable robotic technology
- 11 Conclusions
robotic technology
La robotic technology It arises from the combination of different sciences such as mechanics, electronics, computational or systems. This technology contributes to supply the hard work tasks that cannot be carried out by one man, which must also be completed quickly and with a minimum of error. Now the tasks that were previously carried out by a hundred men and took hours or even days to complete, can be carried out by a single robot, finishing in a matter of minutes, with a minimum of error. This is one of the Types of Technology.
In addition, robotic technology has reduced inconveniences in industries, since they are a "worker" who does not receive a salary, works overtime, without exhaustion, or breaks or vacations, lasts years in the company, without retiring, only follows orders.
Anyone could think that it is only a matter of time before robots completely replace humans, and even surpass us by submitting to us and becoming their workers. However, nothing is further from the truth, because this will only be possible when a robot is capable of creating another more intelligent robot, and so on ad infinitum. From that moment the human being would lose control.
Contribution of robotic technology
Robotic technology has been of great contribution in the areas of construction of hospitals, schools, automobiles. Possibly, robotic technology will allow in the not too distant future the existence from home to smart cities.
In general terms, robotic technology is able to understand its environment and perform actions that allow it to achieve a goal for which it is designed. The first advances in robotic technology served to automate industries. Today, applications for robotic technology range from agriculture to space travel.
In the XNUMXs, the use of robotic technology was mainly applied by automobile factories in Japan and the United States, then in the XNUMXs, Japan pushed itself to be the leader in the research and development of robotic technology in the world. From that moment, robotic technology began to take place in other production lines to automate systems.
With the development of science and technology, new materials and electronic components have been created that have made it possible to develop more sophisticated robotic technologies. Likewise, the development of increasingly complex programming languages and algorithm schemes have allowed robotic technology to become more autonomous.
Robotics Technology Definition
As we have mentioned before, it is the science that groups different branches of technology. Its objective is to design robotic equipment capable of executing different tasks automatically. Also that they carry out activities simulating human or animal behavior. All this responds to the functions that are integrated into the robot's software.
Robotic engineering
As mentioned above, to design a robot requires the combination of various engineering specialties such as electronics, mechanics, computing, control, information technology; that is, mechatronics engineering.
All these specialties together make up robotics engineering or what is currently called mechatronics. Other branches that are integrated into mechatronics are automata or state machines and algebra.
Thanks to the advancement of robotic technology, new disciplines have been emerging such as mechatronics that combines systems engineering, electronic engineering, as well as mechanical engineering. Likewise, it has allowed the expansion of the contents of the subjects of the same.
Where does robotic technology come from?
The Slavic word “robota” is the one that baptized this technology and refers to work done in a forced way. And the first robotic technologies of which we have notions date back to the XNUMXst century BC
Pioneers of robotics technology
The hundred designs described by Ctesibius of Alexandria, Philo of Byzantium, Heron of Alexandria, and others, reflected different artifacts capable of performing actions automatically. One initiated its action using fire, another the wind, and finally, the other, a coin.
It was with the inventions of the Spanish engineer Leonardo Torres Quevedo that the word "automatic" is applied. Among his most notable inventions are the first wireless remote control, the automatic chess player, and the first shuttle. Of course, these are just a few of his many inventions.
The Russian writer and biochemist Isaac Asimov, author of the three laws of robotics, is the one who defined robotics as the science in charge of the study of robots.
And we can't talk about robotics technology without mentioning Alan Turing who built the foundations of robotics and artificial intelligence. The most outstanding work of his was to decipher the Enigma machine of the Nazi codes. He not only guaranteed victory in World War II, but also allowed the change in technology allowing the world as we know it today.
It was precisely in World War II when the world of science advanced exponentially during the creation of new weapons, medicine and technologies that allowed technical solutions to the problems facing the reality of that moment. Nowadays, robotic technology continues to be applied to provide solutions to the problems of everyday life.
The three laws of robotics
As we warned before, Isaac Asimov takes an extraordinary leap in robotics, as he manages to position it as the science responsible for studying and designing everything related to robots. However, his legacy does not end there, he goes much further and establishes the three laws of robotics, which we will refer to below:
- A robot cannot harm a human being.
- Robotic technology must comply with the orders given by the human being, as long as these orders are not to harm another human being.
- A robot must be aware of its own existence, as long as it does not violate the first and second laws of robotics.
Classification of robotic technology
Robotic technology has two ways of being classified either by its timeline or according to its structure. We will start by explaining it according to its timeline:
by timeline
This classification covers four generations. Each of them will depend on the ability of the robot to respond. In other words, some of these technologies responded to remote controls and as they evolved, they responded to the programming that integrated them. Let's see these generations.
First Generation: Manipulator Robots
This robotic technology is handled by a human fulfilling simple functions such as holding and moving objects. Can you remember in the famous movie "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" the robot that replaced Charlie's dad? The one in charge of placing the lid of the dental toothpaste. It is the perfect example of what is the robotic technology called Manipulators.
This type of technology has multiple applications, such as the study of the SAR (Specific Absorption Rate). A special liquid that simulates the chemical composition of the human being is placed inside a container in the shape of a man.
A cell phone is positioned where the ear would be unified and a call is made. The operator indicates on a Cartesian plane the exact points where the robotic arm will make the measurements using a special program. The robot receives the programming and proceeds to perform the movements and obtain the necessary measurements.
This study allows us to analyze the effect caused by non-ionizing radiation, such as that generated by a cell phone on the human body when it is exposed for long periods of time. The use of robotic technology is necessary for this study due to its precision, any alteration such as the pulse of the human would alter the results of the study.
Second Generation: Learning Robots
As its name indicates, this technology observes, memorizes and executes based on its experience and database. In this generation, robots are characterized by their learning.
You may be wondering, how does a robot learn? Well, there are different ways of learning for robotic technologies, one of them is imitation. The robot observes an operator, records their movements and stores them in its internal memory, and then tries to replicate them.
reinforced learning
Techniques such as reinforcement learning are also applied. In the same way that animals are trained by rewarding them for successfully carrying out the given command, robots are also reinforced. The robot executes its first order and as it gets results, then it improves its decision making. His prize is achieving a demarcated goal, for example winning the chess game.
Deep learning
Another way of learning that robotics technology is applied is deep learning. This type of learning tries to imitate the neural behavior of our brain. A first neuron receives the information, from its sensors such as the eyes, touch, taste, smell and hearing, and immediately the neuronal sequence comes into operation to provide information on the event.
In the case of robotic technology, its sensors provide information that it analyzes in parts. Let us take as an example the case of a facial recognition robot. When detecting the face, its cyberneuronal network begins by analyzing the most basic data, the colors that make up that face, then proceeds to decipher the shapes that make it up, and finally segments it into thousands of frames to visualize the details.
Decisions Tree
It presents a scheme that progresses according to the answers obtained. This type of scheme is very common in robotic technology programming algorithms. Imagine that you enter a fault correction system due to lack of internet. The first question of the system is “Is your router turned on? Otherwise". When you indicate the answer you are connected to another fault resolution scheme, and so on until the problem is solved.
This is how the computational algorithms that are programmed in the computer or brain of the robot work. When faced with a challenge, it begins to execute its multiple schemes and saves the information. Finally, when it successfully achieves the solution, it stores the decisions that achieved the positive result to respond more quickly next time. It can be said that the robot learned based on its experience.
Third Generation: Robots with sensorized control
This type of robotic technology reacts according to the information it perceives from its sensors, this action comes from the orders sent by its controller or internal computer. Even when it has previous programming, the robot is able to reprogram itself according to the data it receives from its environment.
This type of robotic technology relies heavily on its sensors to be able to execute its control programs. In other words, as they sensorize the area, the execution of their programs begins to carry out the correct movements.
The most basic example of this generation is the black line following vehicle. Its infrared sensors are capturing the black color and therefore its programming indicates that it can continue advancing. When it deviates from the black line, the infrared sensors transmit the deviation by no longer detecting the color black and its internal programming proceeds to correct its course.
Fourth Generation: Intelligent Robots
The difference between the previous robotic technology and the intelligent one is that the latter indicates the progress process to the controller. This enables better decision making that reacts quickly and accurately to the event.
This robotic technology has more sophisticated sensors and more complex logic schemes than third generation robots. Basically, this robotic technology has the ability to adapt and learn from the environment around them.
By its structure
The structure of robotic technology is defined either by its mobility or its relationship to living beings.
Polyarticulated
They are those that have minimal or no displacement and are ideal for performing highly repetitive, cardinal tasks that cover a very wide area and require great precision. Here we can take up the example of the robot from the movie «Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory». He had no movement and made cardinal and repetitive movements.
These robots also serve to transport loads in a small space. Likewise, to carry out precision work. In fact, there are polyarticulated robots in the area of electronic card construction. They are of great help as they reduce construction time and allow mass production.
Cellphones
This robotic technology is specifically designed to make large displacements. They are mainly used for exploration and transportation. We have seen them in high-risk areas, and even being taken to other planets. They have a relatively high level of technology and are able to interpret their environment in order to adapt to it.
Perhaps the most recognized is the robot Curiosity, which today is on the surface of the planet Mars. Its main mission is the detection of biological components and processes that allow life and that include carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, phosphorus, nitrogen and sulfur.
Also the detection of the chemical composition of the surface and the processes of erosion and formation of the terrain are part of Curiosity's objectives. As well as evaluating the process of the water cycle and the detection of radiation on the planet.
The truth is that this was possible thanks to the advancement of robotic technology. This is an example of the benefits of robotic technology. In this case, it was not convenient to send a human being, since the consequences of exposure to the conditions of the planet for man are not known. However, the only way to know these conditions is by exploring the terrain. And that's where the quintessential assistant, robotic technology, comes into action.
Androids
It can be said that this is the best known robotic technology, since it has even had interpretations in the cinema. It is that technology that tries to imitate human behavior. Currently the most advanced country in this robotic technology is undoubtedly Japan, which has the National Museum of Emerging Sciences and Innovation in Tokyo, home to the most real and famous androids in the world.
The purpose of androids is to mimic both physical and human behavior and behavior. This means that they imitate the motor movements of man and also try to imitate his mental capacity, to evaluate and respond autonomously.
So why don't Androids manage to be like humans? Even though androids outperform us in certain abilities, like solving math problems faster, they lack something that is impossible to provide, a consciousness.
If we remember the robot protagonist of the movie «Wall-E» we observe what makes it different from other robots. He is distinguished by the ability to have feelings because he developed them voluntarily, not because they were part of his programming. He was able to appreciate the stars, empathize with his unusual pet, and know his basic needs. All this is because he was aware of his existence and his surroundings. It is the most elemental difference between robotic technology and the human being.
Gynoid vs Android
The term gynoid refers to androids with a female appearance, while the term android applies mainly to those with a male appearance. However, this is an occasional thing, because they are usually referred to regardless of their appearance as Androids.
The first Android was presented to the public in 2005 in Japan. It was a feminine or gynoid-looking android capable of performing gestures such as breathing, blinking, moving its hands and moving its head. Then Ever-1 emerged in South Korea, capable of moving its lips in sync with the robot's speech, and making eye contact during conversation.
zoomorphic
This robotic technology seeks to imitate the biomechanics of living beings. In other words, the movement made by animals.
The US agency DARPA focuses on financing research and development of robotic technology projects focused on defense. One of his most outstanding projects is the AlphaDog.
This robot's mission is to follow its leading soldier, carrying loads of up to one hundred and eighty (180) Kg for thirty (30) km. All this while traveling through difficult terrain such as ice, rocks, unevenness and others. It has an impressive agility to recover balance, jump or avoid obstacles, climb stairs and get back up from a fall, being very silent.
All these movements seem to imitate a dog or a mule. Its movement, so organic and similar to biological ones, caused a great impact on the YouTube platform, since its promotional video has managed to reach millions of views.
Hybrids
They are all those robotic technologies that combine more than one of the characteristics mentioned above.
industrial robotics technology
One of the areas that have been most favored is the industrial sector. The designer of the first industrial device was George Charles Devol. He is commonly credited with having invented robotics, and thus with having designed the first robots.
George Charles Devol, was born in 1912 in the United States, in the city of Kentucky. He always showed the intellectual capacities of him.
In the XNUMXs, George Charles Devol designed his first programmed device and was characterized by its easy response to software prompts. In other words, he adapted easily.
This would mark the beginning of the design of programmable machines. To promote the development of intelligent robots, he partners with Josefh Engelberger and manages to create a company – Unimation – dedicated to the design and manufacture of intelligent devices.
Process automation
As we have previously mentioned, one of the most favored sectors has been the industrial sector. Robotic technology has contributed to automate manufacturing and manufacturing processes in different industries.
These smart devices are designed with software that responds to the different processes of the production chain. However, in recent years, technological progress has increased the capacity of these smart devices.
Among the technologies that have been integrated into robots that have made it possible to optimize their functions are artificial vision and artificial intelligence.
These robots have been designed so that they can perform complex functions that represent some risk to humanity. Likewise, they are capable of performing tasks that involve efforts and are repetitive in nature.
These machines have the advantage of not being affected by factors typical of human beings such as tiredness, hunger, thirst, sleep, illnesses, fatigue, among others.
Among the features that stand out in these devices is precisely their design, since they have several arms and axes that allow them to rotate, adapting to the needs of the industry. Therefore, they are versatile machines that can perform functions such as placing parts, assembling, welding, making three-dimensional maps of the components to be welded, transportation activities, and a multiple number of functions that reduce the risk of errors in the supply chain. production.
Leading countries in robotics technology
Japan had been leading the use of robotic technology in the industry. However, China manages to take the lead in the implementation of robots in its industries. Currently, the Asian country has one hundred and forty-eight thousand (148.000) smart devices in its industries, representing thirty-eight percent (38%) of smart technology implemented in the industrial sector worldwide.
However, the fight for control of the world market that China and the United States have been facing could represent some brake on the development of new intelligent devices in the industrial sector. In the event that this economic war subsides, the International Federation of Robotics predicts that China could develop up to XNUMX robots for every XNUMX inhabitants.
service robotics technology
Robotic service technology is that branch of robotic engineering responsible for designing intelligent devices that allow services to be provided to human beings and therefore improve their quality of life.
The goal of service robotics technology is to perform automated activities in a way that prevents people from getting injured, getting sick, and optimizing work. These mechanical functions can be performed in dangerous environments or environments that are not clean enough for humanity, they can also be repetitive or stressful.
This type of tasks in a human being could represent injuries or illnesses, therefore the use of these intelligent devices is of real importance.
For its part, the International Federation of Robotics proposes a definition of a robot as
“Equipment that performs useful tasks for people or equipment, excluding industrial automation applications”
Features
Among the features of service robotics technology is the ability of these devices to function partially or fully autonomously. This ability is due to the design of intelligent software that has been integrated through artificial intelligence, as well as artificial vision.
These types of components, due to their ability to perform complex tasks, have provided solutions to the industry and to the different work fields.
There is no doubt that service robotics technology is the one that has been implemented the most worldwide, since it offers multiple functions and applications. The use of these intelligent robots opens up a range of business opportunities for the productive apparatus. Among the fields that have benefited from service technology we can mention:
- the field of medicine
- The military, security and defense sector
- Courier as well as material transportation
- Domestic activities such as cooking, cleaning, among others.
- Hospitality
Courier and transport robots
The spread of intelligent devices that perform messenger functions have been designed in order to satisfy the need for the lack of qualified personnel for transport and courier services.
Among the benefits for the industries is to reduce costs and improve the quality of the service dedicated to sending packages, which has achieved a significant increase due to online sales, essentially led by world-renowned organizations such as Amazon and Alibaba.
What benefits does robotic technology give?
As we have seen, robotic technology has multiple applications that have allowed man to have an impressive advance in the world of science and technology. Robotic technology has become an indispensable companion in disciplines such as education, medicine, research, industries, military arts, and even to provide convenience in daily life.
Robotic technology has allowed the development of automated systems that have autonomy. This is possible, since they are able to interpret their environment and make decisions based on the information they receive.
Main countries and their interests
The main countries that support and develop robotic technology consider that no service will be able to escape this technology. From assistance for the elderly, attention to the public in restaurants, hotels and banks are some of the services that robotic technology currently provides in countries like Japan.
There are different approaches for what robotic technology is applied. For example, in the United States, the main developers of this technology are industry and military institutions. While in Japan its main promoters are the government, the automotive industry and the electronics industry.
It is believed that robotic technology will be able to displace more than half of the jobs that currently exist and are occupied by humans. This is because robotic technology after recovering the investment are employees who do not receive a salary, do not contribute, do not pay taxes, do not have vacations.
Will robotic technology be able to replace the human?
It is inevitable to question whether robotic technology will ever be capable of completely displacing human labor. In countries like Japan, the working population is very low since its inhabitants are mainly older adults, which is why it has become essential that robotic technology join their ranks of employees.
However, they have found a balance that has borne great fruit in the development of their industry. They have combined the strength of robotic technology with the human workforce. This combination has been so successful that he considers that it will no longer be possible to separate them again.
The human is irreplaceable
Likewise, they do not believe that it is possible that robotic technology can replace the human being. Human knowledge is necessary to improve the production process. Likewise, tasks such as monitoring with a maximum degree of precision can only be performed by man. In other words, there will always be processes that can only be performed by a human.
As robotic technology advances, new specialties have emerged and therefore new jobs to fill. And if the total domain of robotic technology were allowed in all existing tasks, it could mean a risk in the interaction and formation of social relationships between human beings. So you can be calm, since this technology is not released to the public if the safety of man in all its forms is not guaranteed.
Applications of robotic technology today
Robotic technology is constantly advancing and with it its different applications. It has a significant share in the automotive and electronics industries. But we can also find it in areas such as agriculture, fishery, mining, exploration, transportation, education, medicine, geography, environment, among others.
Even in Japan, robotic technologies capable of determining the mood of people have been developed. Its function is to have social relationships with people. Perhaps you have heard of the name Peppers the sociable robot.
However, the main purpose of the existence of robotic technology is to contribute to heavy and even dangerous tasks for the human being. Its impact on the modern world has caused some countries to rethink their internal policies for the benefit and sustenance of the same.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTAgDxL5t6M
Who develops robotic technology?
The development and research in robotics technology is led by Asia. Countries such as China, South Korea and Japan, followed by Europe and North America, with the most advanced universities as their main centers. Companies have opened research centers, they are also usually the sponsors of these universities in order to find benefit from their research.
The innovation of robotic technology is becoming more complex every day. It begins to demand a more advanced and deeper level and it takes years of hard research to make a breakthrough. Although this does not mean that it is something negative, to achieve these advances, a lot of collaboration between different institutions, specialists, centers and companies with a focus on robotic technology is required. Based on the extensive experience gained from years of mutual work.
This collaborative attitude is due to the fact that the research centers require income, and the industries do not have the personnel and trained equipment that allow an evolution in their robotic technologies.
Industries require advances in robotic technology to update their internal processes. This in order to provide higher quality, reduce costs and update their products. That is why they finance their robotic technology projects to universities and research centers. Both parties benefit, the universities receiving funds and the industries receiving the results of the research carried out.
This has also been possible thanks to the individual advancement of each area that involves robotics technology. For example, in the updating of microprocessors and electronic components, programming languages, materials and energy generation that are an essential part of this technology.
Robotic technology requires considerable investment and the results of studies take years. But, both universities and industries understand that once the new technology is imposed, the investment is recovered in less time, and its benefits last over time.
Leading companies in robotics technology
Some of the most active companies in robotic technology in terms of artificial intelligence are from Japan the companies Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Yaskawa and Fanu; from Switzerland the company ABB; from Germany the company KUKA, to name a few. Important security and defense companies and agencies specializing in aerospace flights also stand out. As well as companies focused on personal electronic devices such as Dyson (England), and Samsung (South Korea).
Drones: robotic technology
The close relationship that exists between robotic technology and the Internet is undeniable. And this relationship has prompted large companies such as Google, Facebook, Amazon, Alibaba and others to incorporate this technology, such as the use of Drones to dispatch their products. Yes, drones are also part of robotic technology.
Drones are robotic technology capable of flying without a crew. They have various sensors and devices that help you in your navigation. They have GPS for geolocation, cameras with wireless connection, antennas for GSM and WiFi connection, among other sensors according to their application. They are manipulated by a remote operator with a remote control, or, depending on how advanced the drone is, it can use its autopilot following the indicated coordinates.
Applications
Drones are the robotic technology with the most applications today. In agriculture, for example, it is very useful, since it allows visualizing the harvest and obtaining information regarding the conditions of the land, from its chemical composition to its topology. In fact, drones have been used to fumigate plantations.
Drones have been sent to the fish market in order to locate schools of fish. This has meant a significant decrease in the time needed to find these schools, and also in reducing the cost of essential fuel.
Robotic technology in drones has been applied in unmanned aerial flights when the missions are too high risk to be carried out by a human. They have served for exploration and espionage, for cargo transport, and for fulfillment of the objective in these missions.
Intellectual Property of Robotics Technology
The growth of robotics technology has meant that it is another protagonist in the study of robotics technology. Although this undoubtedly implies a benefit for its advancement, it has also resulted in disputes over intellectual property.
The companies participating in the financing or development of robotic technology are increasingly discovering important advances that establish bases for other investigations. That is why companies are beginning to focus on protecting their intellectual property by filing patent applications to protect their personal interests.
Also, motivated by the fact that over time more industries are incorporated in the development of robotic technology and more specialties or disciplines arise from it, then it has become more common to apply for offensive and defensive patents for the protection of the intellectual property.
Benefits of patents
The intentions of applying for these patents is the protection of your intellect, the recovery of the investment, but even more importantly, it is to position yourself an advantage with respect to other companies.
Likewise, the use of patents has benefited small companies that have developed some advance in robotic technology. By having a patent that protects their invention, large companies can do nothing but offer the funds desired by small ones.
The use of patents in the area of robotics technology has been in the market since the eighties (80s), when the industry incorporated automation systems in its production lines. And then, starting in 2010, patent applications increased again when new advances in robotic technology were made.
The main applicants for patents in the area of robotics technology are the automotive industries and electronics companies. Although the main patents owned by robotics belong to universities and public institutions, so private companies and industries must maintain their close relationship with them.
In fact, it is thanks to this close relationship between industries and universities that the advancement of robotics technology is still possible. There can hardly be a break between these two without affecting the development of technology.
Robotic technology in the future
Robotic technology is present in our lives. Wherever we are we can run into robotic technology. Now, after having described in detail the origin of robotic technology, its applications, its advantages and disadvantages, we proceed to address how this science can be present in our lives and how human beings have managed to interact with them.
Among the advances that specialists in robotics technology have seen is working with soft matter. This type of material would allow them to innovate in other fields to benefit human beings. This type of soft robotics is being considered for both the medical field and the textile industry.
Its intention is to favor the most vulnerable sectors such as people with a chronic illness, the disabled, the elderly. His intention is that this soft technology, once implanted or used, improves the quality of life of these people. Let's see some applications.
smart skins
Robotic technology has succeeded in designing a robotic component out of flexible or soft material. The quality of this technology is that it allows establishing a relationship between this soft material and biological tissue.
The connection between the soft material of robotic technology and the soft-biological tissue of the human species has allowed its use to be much safer than between a rigid material and another white one. This is how a soft-soft relationship emerges.
Robotic technology scholars have spent a lot of time and money to develop this kind of smart material that can have direct contact with human skin, including electrical connections. Another of his innovations has been the incorporation of electronic components in these soft materials.
The development of this robotic technology will bring the advantages of manufacturing intelligent medicinal bandages, which will allow wounds that have shown some resistance to be healed to reduce the rapid spread of bacteria. In other words, that these bacteria have characteristics of microbial resistance and therefore have resisted the effects of antibiotics. This is where robotic technology would come in to fulfill its role as intelligent skin.
Smart skins have also been developed for the textile field. However, it takes a long time for a second skin to be socially accepted as part of our daily lives.
Among the uses that have been experimented in the textile field is the possibility of designing nylon coils and incorporating polymer alloy compounds that contain a type of memory, which would allow the development of reactive and active costumes, designs or clothing.
This type of locker room would offer the user some functions that improve the quality of life. It could give you warmth in winter season or vice versa.
assistive device
In the field of robotic technology, meeting the needs of the most vulnerable social sectors has also been considered. Here the disabled, the elderly, as well as people who suffer from some disease would enter.
Robotic technology scientists have been studying the possibility of designing, developing or producing components that can assist disabled, debilitated or elderly people to restore mobility.
When we refer to the possibility of restoring mobility to these people, we are referring to the possibility of impacting the quality of life of these vulnerable social sectors.
In this sense, by improving the mobility of this large number of people, many of them will be able to enter the productive sectors again. This impact would not only be the economic development of the person, but also the quality of social life, since it would allow him to interact with other peers. The psychological component is added, since they would feel useful, productive and capable of carrying out tasks for their own benefit and that of their family.
Another advantage that these intelligent designs can have is that they offer the possibility of having direct communication with the skin. In other words, due to their intelligent mechanisms they will be in contact with the skin. By establishing a relationship between these components and the skin, there can be an automatic stimulation between them. In this sense, it could be affirmed without hesitation that there would be a form of tactile communication between the clothes and whoever wears the clothes.
According to the specialists, the designs or costumes that contain intelligent tactile components could generate some types of sensations of natural affections to the touch. In other words, the people who wear these changing rooms will be able to have a communication channel. Among its advantages could be that the wearer of the clothing can communicate with his clothes to satisfy some needs of natural affection such as caresses, tickles, among others. Its intention is to provide the human being with pleasant tactile sensations for the human being.
Medical device
Starting from the relationship between soft robotic technology and biological tissue, it is possible to think that in the not too distant future, devices that allow physical interaction with internal structures can be implanted in the human species.
The central idea of is that through the elaboration of these intelligent devices they can be implanted in internal structures with the possibility of restoring the functions of those organs or internal structures that have been damaged or have become ill. This would mean improving the patient's quality of life and even prolonging their existence.
Another example is that we can imagine a person suffering from some type of cancer. Frequently, these patients must go through a process of removal of an organ affected by the disease. By installing these smart devices, it is intended that this type of robotic technology be able to restore or supplant the functionality of that organ. Therefore, the patient will be able to improve her quality of life.
Currently this type of soft robotic technology is evolving rapidly. However, it is estimated that their integration into the medical-clinical field will be available between ten and fifteen years.
biodegradable robotic technology
Currently, as is evident, robotic technology has been designed with rigid material. These robots have a useful life time, in this sense they must be replaced at some point. Its components are not biodegradable, therefore over time they will represent damage to the environment.
For robotic technology specialists this represents a challenge. The idea of scientists is to design robotic technology with biodegradable material. The advantage of making components with these characteristics is to assume that when the robots reach their lifetime, their material or components can be reused.
The idea is that all the material with which these smart devices have been designed can be recovered, transformed and processed to design new components. This would reduce the environmental impact of using robotics.
On the other hand, the importance of a biodegradable robot is that we should no longer worry about the waste that would be left from a robot. Since, they would already be designed with the reuse of its components in mind.
Biodegradable soft robotics, in addition to being supposed to be safe for the environment, its material should degrade without affecting nature. In other words, robots can be designed to live, die and manage to disappear in the short term from the environment.
Conclusions
Robotic technology is the science responsible for the research, design, development and construction of all types of robots.
Likewise, robotic technology has provided effective solutions in different areas such as medicine, industry, electronics, agriculture, forestry, the military, automotive, in assisting people associated with vulnerable sectors such as the disabled, people with health conditions, elderly adults, among others.
Robotic technology offers as another advantage, the optimization of production processes, improving time on the production line, reducing costs and increasing the quality of the final product.
On the other hand, another of the prerogatives of robotic technology is its application in high-risk environments for humans, which makes it possible to reduce occupational accidents in workers, or even study terrain with extreme conditions such as the exploration of other planets. .
Likewise, it has been considered advantageous for children to interact with robotic technology, as this allows them to develop their abilities to think logically. In this sense, they will be able to establish relationships between the sensors and the motors. Therefore, it is a way for infants to promote inductive and deductive thinking. This means that they would go from the particular to the whole and from the whole to the particular.
Thanks to the advancement of robotic technology, there has been significant growth in the multiple disciplines that involve this technology. And it is important to recognize the participation that the industry has had in this evolution. It is clear that this technology, by benefiting universities and industries, has also benefited the world population from the product of these technological developments.
It will no longer be possible for human beings to carry out activities of an industrial scale without robotic technology. It is no longer possible to sustain the world as we know it without robotic technology.