Robots are a source of both excitement and fear. And as a sci-fi writer and enthusiast, I can easily envision the downsides of this technology. But I’m writing a novel with a society that has safely and happily integrated advanced computer systems into their everyday life.
So, taking from modern day technology, what beneficial real-life applications are robots already being used for?
Let’s take a look
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How Collaborative Robots (“Cobots”) Provide Robot Assistance
Typically, the sort of work that robots are thought to be uniquely good at requires focus, fortitude, and a bit of luck when humans do it. Think coal mining or repetitive heavy lifting. Assembly of tiny parts also falls into this category of tasks.
Though humans are capable in these areas–and have commonly done these jobs in the past–this type of work can take its toll on the body. Health, including mental health, and safety are usually the concerns here.
And, I know what you’re thinking: I’m naming blue collar work, which means that these robots are replacing humans.
Well, not necessarily.
Collaborative robots, or cobots, are intentionally built to physically interact with humans in a shared workspace. This means that collaborative robots can augment and enhance human capabilities with super strength, precision, and data capabilities.
Oftentimes, when collaborative robots are used to assist human work, they are helping to reduce incidents of repetitive stress or lifting injuries. When collaborative robots are used to lift heavy items, or they repeatedly grab items that humans would otherwise repeatedly bend over to grab, they reduce workplace accidents and injuries while leaving the work of processing various products to human hands.
How Robot Assistance Promotes Accessibility for Humans
Another way humans and robots are working together is through robot assistance. Whether for rehabilitation or forever use, there are a few devices that caught my attention.
Exoskeletons adapt to body movements through intelligent algorithms. Either as full body devices or single limbs, these devices replace lost functionality, treat musculoskeletal problems, and exercise the locomotion of hospitalized patients.
One notable pioneer in this area is Elena García Armada who focuses on exoskeletons for children. Her design adjusts the stiffness of its joints to the strength of its wearer's muscles, giving young patients the mechanical strength to safely leave their wheelchairs and walk. It can help children living with spinal cord injuries or neuromuscular disorders such as cerebral palsy extend their life expectancy and enhance their physical well-being.
Bionic limbs or prosthetics can be 3D printed to make them more accessible. And when coupled with Brain Computer Interface (BCI), bionic hands, arms, and legs can connect to nerves. Some, like the MiniTouch robotic hand, are now capable of transmitting unique sensations, including the relative cold and warmth of objects touched.
Robotic guide dogs detect spaces and move autonomously, identifying people and avoiding obstacles using technologies such as lidar, IoT sensors, and artificial intelligence.
And smart wheelchairs can detect obstacles and pedestrians, send fall notifications, and climb stairs. Notably, Scewo has designed a wheelchair that goes up and down stairs as well as traverses rougher outdoor terrain while self-stabilizing for a safer journey.
While not all these innovations are for everyone and some of them are still in research phases, these are some ways in which real-world technology can begin to inform a science fiction world of people working alongside machines.
Until next time, stay curious.
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