The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Robot Advancement

Posted by Guest on May 15, 2012 in Artificial Intelligence, Featured | 0 comments

Many films based on science fiction have depicted robots having what they call “artificial intelligence” (AI) which enables the machines to speak, think and act in a similar manner as humans. Robots with AI are considered to have thoughts, preferences, feelings and the capacity to understand human speech. In 1965, John McCarthy, the Father of Artificial Intelligence had organized conference of intellectuals to study about the specific phenomenon. This conference had established the foundation for the advancement of AI up to the present. In fact, many of today’s equipment are installed with artificial intelligence for a number of purposes.

Researchers have been studying artificial intelligence using two different perspectives—the biological and the psychological. The biological perspective probes into human intelligence while the psychological and physiological aspects represent the robot’s ability to achieve goals and its common sense. Also, scientists argue whether robots should be bestowed with free will. There has been a slowdown in the development of AI in the field of robotics in the past decade, however, a number of new machines have been created and sold in the market today. Vehicles, mathematical theorem proving machines and other machines that are equipped with AI are becoming very useful these days. In Japan, there have been so many attempts to integrate artificial intelligence on their robots to perform various tasks at home, at work, in school and in other areas.

In the development of robotics, here are some of the advantages that are offered by artificial intelligence:

1. The robots can be used to accomplish stressful and complex work that cannot be carried out by humans.
2. These machines can also do the task faster and more efficient than a human.
3. Robots can be deployed in areas to discover unexplored terrains and outer space.
4. Machines can reduce the risks of humans getting involved in accidents.
5. They are also very useful in helping individuals with visual, mental or hearing impediments.
6. Some robots are used for recreation and leisure.

On the other hand, disadvantages are also encountered by robotics, and these are:

1. Robots cannot entirely replace a human job because there are still many characteristics and skills that only humans can be capable of doing.
2. Even if it’s one of the most advanced technologies in the whole world, artificial intelligence is still prone to malfunctioning and they can do the opposite of the things they’re programmed to do.
3. When used for the wrong reasons, robots can cause destruction and harm to people.

Science Fiction Books & Movies That Feature Robots

Posted by Guest on May 1, 2012 in Featured, Robotics | 0 comments

If you love science and fiction you have probably seen a lot of movies and books that featured robots in them. Robots have been popular fictional characters. Robots in books and movies have come in all shapes and sizes. Below are some of the fictional books and hollywood movies that featured robots.

Books

• I, Robot – A book written by Isaac Asimov, I, Robot chronicled the development of robots from the late 20th century until about a hundred years later when robots are the ones running the world that was once ruled by man. Since this chilling series of 9 short stories have successfully catch the attention of readers, the book has been made into a movie in 2004, which starred Will Smith. The movie of the same name was also well-received by the public.
• Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? - Set in 21st century in a devastated planet, the book is deemed as a masterpiece that is way ahead of its time. It tells the story of androids that were banned from the planet carrying out a mission to fight their potential destroyers. This 1968 sci-fi book was the inspiration of the Blade Runner movie.
• The Restaurant At The End of the Universe - The books tells about the adventures of a pitiful robot named Marvin, along with his friends Zaphord (arrogant blowhard), Ford (the know-it-all alien), Trillian (the sexy vixen) and Arthur (the hapless human).

Movies

For those who are looking for great robot movies, here are some great suggestions that you might like.

• Terminator - This movie was a certified blockbuster. It features the story of robots from the future that time traveled to assassinate people living in the past. T-800, the robot, played by Arnold Schwarzenegger, was sent to the past to complete a mission.
• Transformers - Who would forget transformers? Shia Labeouf and Megan Fox starred in this blockbuster robot movie. Transformers raked in millions during its opening week. The movie was highly acclaimed for its realistic CGI effects. Directed by Michael Bay, Transformers made a good impression on me and it is one of the best robot movies I’ve seen. I may sound biased but it’s the truth. If you haven’t seen this one yet, you should! It won’t disappoint that’s for sure. Because of the success of the first movie installment, two more sequels have been made and another one is in the works.
• A.I Artificial Intelligence - A movie directed by Steven Spielberg, this movie touched the hearts of many. It tells about the story of Steven, an android child, who has the ability to feel real emotions. Steven and androids of the same type were created in the hopes of filling up the void in a dwindling world. Steven was adopted into a family where he started to feel and learn how to deal with human emotions.

Practical Uses of Robots

Posted by Guest on Apr 17, 2012 in Featured, Robotics | 0 comments

In the olden days, robots were only products of science fiction and wild imagination. A string of Hollywood films and television series had banked on the concept of robots which had possessed human-like characteristics and had the capacity to do several tasks such as speaking, computing, running on errands and many more. A lot of people did not entertain the idea of having humanoid robots in existence until this recent decade when engineers and scientists have succeeded to create some unbelievably human-like machines that can be controlled through remote or radio.

Of course, not all robots are created to imitate humans. Many of these are put up to perform a few tasks in the fields of medicine and industry. Modern-day robots can perform a number of different works such as the following:

1. In the industrial setting, robots are designed to do specific work like putting a piece of equipment together or spot welding.
2. In some settings, robots do spray painting such as painting automobiles and appliances.
3. Robots are also important in the assembly lines because they are needed to carry out repetitive tasks without stopping, which humans cannot do.
4. In the world of medicine, there are robots which assist the wearers to walk and perform daily activities easier.
5. The creation of robots has greatly contributed to the knowledge and learning about the science of robotics and it helps in the improvement and further discoveries.
6. For many people, building a robot itself is fun and exciting because it integrates the different aspects of various disciplines such as mathematics, physics, arts, engineering as well as imagination of the creator. In addition, the product can be used for amusement and companionship of the maker.
7. All around the world, teams of scientists and engineers have been vying to create the most innovative and the best robots. Through the competitions and contests, new possibilities are explored and new methods are used to come up with an award-worthy product.
8. Domestic robots are a great help especially to people who are burdened with so many things to do at home. Aside from this, robots can also be used to perform jobs at work, in public or in hazardous and dangerous environments.
9. Finally, robots can be used to enhance the surveillance and security services offered by numerous companies and establishments. You can also avail of security robots for your home to ensure that it is safe from most of the threats out there.

Flying Robot Technology

Posted by Guest on Apr 3, 2012 in Aerial Robotics, Featured | 0 comments

Before, I thought that flying robots can only be seen in movies. But recently, I have been reading a lot of articles about this amazing robotic tech being used in different applications. Although we are already in the midst of a robotic revolution, the technology of flying robots still has a long way to go. While it is true that a number of great innovations have already emerged in the field of robotics, it would take many years more before robots invade every household.

The flying robot technology is showing great potential in various fields such as in:

• Search and rescue missions
• Construction
• Space missions
• Disaster zones
• Crime fighting
• Sky picture painting (aerial imagery)
• Military
• Spying

Aerial robotics has opened up a lot of possibilities. Things which are impossible to do before can now be done with the aid of flying robots. The technology is not yet perfect and it still has a lot of flaws. But at the rate aerial robotics is advancing, it won’t be long before these imperfections are polished, giving way to a more efficient, reliable and superb aerial robotic tech.

Things that flying robots can do are far-reaching. Whether it be the hummingbird drones, flying military drones, robotic flying insects or the quadcopter, flying robots can be very useful to mankind. Some of the things that flying robot technology can offer us include:

• Providing wifi in disaster zones. A group from Ilmenau University of Technology, which is led by Prof. Mitschele attempted to create flying quadropter robots that will be used to deploy ad hoc wireless networks in the event infrastructures are destroyed by disasters.
• Assuming an integral role in search and rescue missions. It is hoped that one day quadrotor flying robots can take part in dangerous search and rescue missions and other complicated tasks that humans won’t be able to accomplish on their own.
• Offering critical help in the field of construction. There are now robots that have been used to build towers and carry construction materials several feet above ground. In the years to come, we can expect that flying robots will be able to offer better help to the construction scene. A video of quadropters constructing a twenty feet structure in France has gone viral showcasing the great potential of the flying robot technology.

While there are still a lot of things that need to be done in order to perfect the flying robot technology, rest assured that one day aerial robotics would be able to prove its worth. Years of research will surely pay off once the tech’s great potential has been finally realized.

Learning To Build Your Own Robot

Posted by Guest on Mar 20, 2012 in Featured, Robotics | 0 comments

Robotics is one of the most amazing things this modern world has given to us. The advancements in this field have particularly benefited several other disciplines such as medicine, health and many others. Scientists and engineers are currently putting all their efforts to further develop robotics and make it more beneficial to a greater number of people all around the world. If you are interested in creating your own robots, you can enroll in a special course that teaches all the basic concepts and methods of building these or you can read online references that could give you an idea on how to get started in robotics.

First of all, you need a good background on engineering and electronics to get yourself geared up for the task. You can also learn some more from a group of people who has been involved with robotics for quite some time now. Make sure to include the following tools in your arsenal to help you create a good robot:

• Screwdrivers
• Socket set
• Spanners
• Hacksaw
• Drill
• Hammer
• Soldering iron
• Angle grinder
• Grinding disc
• Wire strippers
• Mill

After stocking up on the necessary tools, read the following steps very carefully because these will guide you in building your brainchild robot.

1. Identify the main purpose of the robot you are going to create.
2. Select the body and its shape. Make sure to choose the appropriate shape because the body is where everything will be connected and you need to create something that can accommodate all the vital parts of the robot.
3. Choose the mechanism by which your robot can move—wheels, tracks or others. You may also opt for a robot that can walk by placing legs on it.
4. After you have decided on the body and the locomotion, the next thing you have to decide on is the robot’s power source. You could place batteries or engines on your robot.
5. Select the drive that will take the power from the source and which will make your robot move.
6. Add some color and extras to your robot once you have finished building it to make it stand out from the rest.
7. Make sure to design some kind of control mechanism for your robot. You can have it remote-controlled or radio-controlled depending on your preference.
8. Finally, you have to ensure that the robot is safe to use and that everything you used in making it has passed quality and safety control.