28 Sep
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Content
Introduction
Definition: Robotics
- Robotics is an inter-disciplinary branch of engineering that deals with the design, development, operation, and application of robots as well as computer systems for their control, sensory feedback, and information processing.
- Robotics technology deals with automated machines which can replace humans in dangerous environments or manufacturing processes, or resemble humans in appearance, behavior, and/or cognition.
Law of Robotics
- Isaac Asimov gave the three laws of robotics as:
- A robot must not harm a human being, or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm
- A robot must always obey the human beings unless it is in conflict with the first law
- A robot must protect itself from harm unless it is in conflict with the first and/or second law.
Applications
- Robotics is being used across a range of sectors such as:
- Warehouse Automation
- Automotive manufacturing
- They add precession, tirelessness, and continuity in the manufacturing process.
- Search and Rescue after Disaster – Flood, building disaster, fires etc.
- IIT Hyderabad is working on a search-and-rescue robot called SARP (Snake like articulated platform). The engineering institute is applying several technologies in building SARP: navigation, camera, infrared, haptic feedback (to identify survivors) and collaboration (multiple snake robots can communicate with one another)
- Defence & National Security
- Whether it is with Pakistan or China, our borders are unsafe for border forces and human lives are getting lost whenever there is firing or illegal movement of people at LoCs.
- Government is looking at DRDO to develop next generation of robotic soldiers.
- Other dangerous security tasks like bomb disposal, reconnaissance can be performed by Robots.
- For e.g., Daksha is one of India’s current military robots. It is used to locate, handle, destroy, risky objects safely and even can climb stair
- Hazardous Industries
- BARC is using robots to clean radioactive water tanks.
- Mining and Mineral Extraction
- Marine Engineering
- Amogh is an autonomous underwater vehicle. It is designated to inspect and repair bridges, pipelines, and hulls of ships at the depth of upto 15 meters. The robot has an endurance capacity of upto 3 hours.
- Space
- Robots are used for exploration when humans can’t be used.
- g., Fedor of Russia, Vyomamitra of India etc.
- Health Sector
- Robots are being used in operation theatres and rehabilitation centres to augment the quality of life.
- Robots can also assist surgical procedures like removing gallbladders, performing hysterectomies, and repairing knee ligaments.
- Agri-Robots
- Can replace costly human labor and add precision in agriculture.
They can be used anywhere to improve productivity
Advantages
- Accuracy
- Untiring nature of robots
- Non-complaining
- Safety in hostile environments
- Reducing cost of production
- Industries facing global competition can’t survive without robots
- For e.g., the automobile industry can’t actually survive without use of robotics
- What are the areas of prohibitive labour that can be sustainably managed by robots? Discuss the initiatives that can propel research in premier research institutes for substantive and gainful innovation [12.5 marks, 200] [Mains 2015].
- Robotics in India is driven by private sector unlike rest of the Asia where government has played the most significant role in its growth. Give reasons. Discuss the initiatives that can propel robotics research in premier research institutes for substantive and gainful innovation [15 marks, 250 words]
- “Robots are technological marvels, they cut errors, improve production and thus enhance efficiencies. But they are also the ultimate job stealers.” In this light discuss the economic and political consequence of automation. [10 marks, 150 words]