AI and robotics have the potential to revolutionize different fields like health, manufacturing, agriculture, and entertainment. But developing intelligent robots that can work independently and safely in complex environments is challenging. It requires advanced techniques and algorithms. In this article, we will discuss the future of artificial intelligence in robotics and share examples of AI-powered robots that are making a difference in our lives.
What is Robotics in Artificial Intelligence?
Robotics is the field dedicated to creating machines that perform tasks typically done by humans. It falls within the realm of AI, merging mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science. This section is responsible for the development and administration of mechanical humans.
What is Robotics in Artificial Intelligence?
6 Use Cases of Artificial Intelligence in Robotics
1. Artificial Intelligence with Robotics in Space Exploration
Autonomous flying, task understanding, and voice-controlled navigation are just some of the features that have made Airbus’ CIMON-2 successful aboard the International Space Station. It serves as an early warning system for astronauts and helps alleviate anxiety during routine activities.
The iSpace rover, originally designed for surface exploration, may also be used to build moon ecosystems. Weighing 3.7 kg and resembling a metallic bug, the rover is equipped with 360-degree 3D cameras and can use tools like manipulators and drills for mining and constructing habitats on non-gravitational surfaces.
AI and Robotics Hold the Key to the Future of Space Exploration
The Johnson Space Center (JSC) developed the Valkyrie R5 robot for NASA’s 2013 DARPA Robotics Challenge (DRC). This humanoid robot, weighing 132 kilograms, is designed to assist astronauts with various tasks in space. It runs on a battery and is equipped with gripper hands, cameras, sensors on its chest and head, and multiple actuators that provide 44 degrees of freedom. NASA is also working on a robotic spacecraft called Restore-L, which aims to extend the lifespan of satellites already in space. Restore-L features flexible arms and multipurpose tools, allowing it to grasp, refuel, service, and move satellites. It incorporates an autonomous real-time navigation system with algorithms, sensors, and a CPU.
Read more: How To Develop AI Software In 6 Easiest Steps?
2. Robotics and Artificial Intelligence in Smart Homes
For a while now, Amazon has been offering its Astro bot via its Day 1 Edition program to a select group of customers for $1,000. Amazon has said that the standard pricing of the Astro bot will be US$1,449.99. Thanks to its artificial intelligence in robotics, you can utilize its periscope camera to keep an eye on things while you’re out and about, making it function as an extra set of eyes and ears for your Echo Show. It contains a microphone and speakers so that you can communicate with it physically or digitally.
The newest Roomba model, the j7+, is pet-friendly thanks to the use of AI and ML by iRobot, which succeeded in developing the original Roomba. This version of the Roomba was released with upgraded navigation and control software called iRobot Genius. The iRobot Genius 3.0 software now utilizes machine learning to map customers’ houses and identify furniture and “clean zones.”
Robotics and Artificial Intelligence in Smart Homes
3. Artificial Intelligence in Robotics in Healthcare
There are a number of ways in which robots are revolutionizing healthcare. They have several applications, including aiding surgeons in precision, serving as prosthetics, treating patients, etc. There are many options available for AI in healthcare. The da Vinci surgical system is one such example, and it is used to aid in delicate procedures involving the heart, head, and neck. It translates the surgeon’s hand motions at the control panel to carry out non-invasive treatments.
Artificial Intelligence in Robotics in Healthcare
4. Artificial Intelligence Military Robots
The military uses robots either as unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) to keep an eye on the enemy or as armed systems to launch attacks. Tactical combat robots like DOGO and the unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) MAARS are two well-known examples. With its tank-like appearance and arsenal of tear gas, laser dazzlers, aural deterrents, and motion detectors, MAARS is designed to keep people safe. However, DOGO has a 9 mm Glock, eight cameras, and a remote-controlled pepper spray module.
Military robots will play a significant role in the future
5. Robotics in Automotive Processes
For almost 50 years, robots have been an integral part of the automobile industry’s assembly lines. The automotive industry is now doing extensive research into the use of artificial intelligence in robotics in the areas of assembly, welding, removal, transport, and machine tending.
Predicting that in 50 years, robots will be used even more in the automotive manufacturing process
6. Artificial Intelligence Robotics in Agriculture
Aside from aiding in sustainability, using robots in agriculture might reduce the labor shortage and worker fatigue. Checking the amounts of nutrients, water, sunlight, and more may help plants reach their maximum potential.
Additionally, AI in robotics can learn from the data to optimize future harvests, reducing both water use and waste. Typical applications for robots are in the areas of:
- Automatic trimming, mowing, thinning, planting, and spraying
- Utility platforms
- Phenotyping
- Harvest and picking
- Sorting and packaging
- Weed control
Automation may be challenging in certain applications. Thus, artificial intelligence in robotics has to be developed to overcome obstacles. When harvesting and selecting vegetables and fruits, vision systems must assess their position and maturity, which may be tough under severe environments such as temperature changes, dust, wind movement, fluctuating light intensity, etc.
In contrast to manufacturing, robotic arms have to navigate rough terrain and carefully harvest. The arms must be flexible and accurate to select fruits and veggies without damaging them in dynamic surroundings. Due to food demand surpassing agriculture, this industry will continue to expand.
In Europe, there is a shortage of workers, and robots are ready to take on their jobs
Future of AI in Robotics
Robotics and AI are poised for a promising future. The next generation of AI, known as artificial general intelligence (AGI), holds immense potential to achieve human-like awareness. To accomplish this, it is crucial to merge a robot with an AI computational engine. The robot should be mobile, equipped with various sensors like touch, vision, and hearing, allowing it to interact with the physical world and receive instant feedback on its actions. This feedback loop enables the system to learn and comprehend, taking significant strides towards attaining full artificial general intelligence.
In the field of artificial intelligence development, there’s a shift from thinking about what benefits robots can provide to humans to considering what they can contribute to the AI’s “mind.” Similar to how children learn, AI has the potential to gain more knowledge through exploring and experimenting with its surroundings. The interconnectedness between artificial intelligence and robots indicate positive progress in various fields.
Artificial intelligence in robotics has the potential to revolutionize human understanding and interaction with the world. Combining AI’s computational power with robots’ physical abilities allows us to explore new frontiers and create innovative advances. Real AGI is now within reach.
In the future, more sophisticated robots will emerge in various fields of life
The fields of robotics and artificial intelligence work together to develop machines that imitate or even exceed human abilities. This powerful combination offers numerous possibilities and solutions for humanity. However, it is crucial to ensure that artificial intelligence in robotics is used responsibly and remains aligned with human values. As technology progresses, we can anticipate the integration of AI-powered robots into our daily lives, assisting in a variety of ways.
