There was an article today on the website COMPUTERWORLD regarding NASA and GM teaming up to build a robot that can perform dangerous space walk missions. NASA has been using robotics for years to collect samples on Mars, and to aid in the repair and maintenance of the international space station. GM also has used robotic arms and other automation processes in their plants to build automobiles.
This robot, the Robonaut 2, is designed to be able to manipulate small objects and perform more dexterous tasks than the robotics that NASA currently uses. It can also stay out in space with out worrying about running out of air, or having to manipulate objects while wearing bulky protective equipment. Also, the Robonaut 2 would be better suited to making long journeys in space without the negative effects that humans might experience (such as being injured without a hospital nearby, or home sickness).
As for advantages to car manufacturers, because of the dexterity of its "hands" it can perform precision work on small parts. It also would help improve safety in the plants because it would not tire or become distracted. Of course, some of the people who currently work in auto plants are concerned that this is yet another step in replacing more workers with automation and will result in further job losses.
All in all, the use of robots to perform tasks can greatly benefit mankind. Dangerous tasks can be delegated to automation, and costs will be lowered. We are on the cusp of another revolution, and much like the industrial revolution some people will have a difficult time making the transition. However, I feel that much like the industrial revolution the end result will improve the quality of life for many people, and lead the way for future inovation.
I am amazed at the advances we, the human race, have made in the past couple decades in the robotics field. I was surfing the web and found that Braingate, a firm that specializes in creating technology that will allow severely disabled individuals—including those with traumatic spinal cord injury and loss of limbs—to communicate and control common every-day functions literally through thought. It accomplishes this thru a neural interface system.
ReplyDeleteSimilar to how the robots in the post mentioned above help NASA perform dangerous tasks in space, the robotic limbs that patients receive will help them do life's tasks easier, perhaps one day, as if no handicap exists. I say in 5o years we'll be to iRobot level, robotic limbs that you cant even tell are robotic, for the patients who can afford it. In 100 years where will we be?