ROBOTICS
Science
Definition:
In the initial stages of development of Robotics, it was defined as “a multipurpose machine incorporating a memory and a mechanism intended to execute various functions automatically, thereby substituting for human manpower.”
A robot is a machine, especially one programmable by a computer, capable of carrying out a complex series of actions automatically.
Structure of Robots:
• Almost all robots are comprised of a movable body.
• Wheels operated by motors and parts which can be moved made of plastic or metal.
• Different sections are coupled together with joints.
• Solenoids and electric motors are used as actuators.
• Hydraulic and pneumatic systems are also utilized.
• Often a combination of electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic systems is used.
Control System:
• Robots can be guided by an external control device.
• Control may also be embedded within the robot itself.
Types of Robots:
• Autonomous robots
• Semi-autonomous robots
• Humanoid robots – ASIMO, TOPIO
• Industrial robots
• Medical robots
• Patient assist robots
• Swarm robots
• UAV drones – MQ-1 Predator
• Nano robots
APPLICATIONS OF ROBOTICS
Industrial Applications:
• Used in automobile and manufacturing industries.
• Cutting, shaping, assembling, inspection.
• Welding, riveting, sand blasting, grinding, drilling.
• Handling hazardous materials and radiation monitoring.
Medical Applications:
• Used in operation theatres requiring high precision.
• Enables minimally invasive surgeries.
• Reduces trauma, infection and healing time.
• Used in heart surgeries.
• Prosthetics for limb replacement.
• Rehabilitation robots for stroke and injury patients.
Education:
• Robots used to train medical students.
• Pregnant humanoid robots used for obstetric training.
Defence:
• Surveillance drones.
• IED detection and bomb disposal.
• Border monitoring.
Environment:
• Nanorobots for oil spill cleanup.
• Robots in nuclear plants for waste handling.
• Reduces radiation exposure to workers.
Societal and Domestic Uses:
• Assistance to elderly and sick persons.
• Household tasks – vacuum cleaning, lawn mowing.
Mining:
• Mining robots improve safety and productivity.
• Useful in underground and hazardous mining.
• Autonomous and tele-operated robots increasingly used.
Space Exploration:
• Almost all unmanned probes are robots.
• Perform tasks in unstructured environments.
• Rovers and landers operate on extraterrestrial bodies.
• Withstand radiation and extreme temperatures.
ADVANTAGES OF ROBOTICS:
• Performs multiple tasks quickly.
• Reduces human suffering during disasters.
• Addresses needs of growing population.
• Reaches inaccessible areas like deep oceans.
• High precision and accuracy.
• Cost effective in the long run.
• Enhances productivity and economic growth.
• Allows humans to focus on high-value tasks.
CONCERNS RELATED TO ROBOTICS:
• Job losses due to automation.
• Social unrest and unemployment.
• Ethical and accountability issues.
• Increase in inequality.
• Loss of value of human intelligence.
• Privacy and moral concerns.
• Concentration of wealth among rich nations.
CHALLENGES OF ROBOTICS IN INDIA:
• High cost of adoption.
• Shortage of skilled professionals.
• High cost of importing hardware.
• Complex import regulations.
• Difficulty in retaining multidisciplinary talent.
OPPORTUNITIES IN INDIA:
• Growth in manufacturing and automation.
• Increasing use in healthcare.
• Support from Make in India initiative.
• Start-ups entering robotics manufacturing.
• Improved productivity and safety.
CURRENT SCENARIO IN INDIA:
• Tata Motors uses over 100 robots in Pune plant.
• MNCs like Samsung, LG, Honda, Hyundai use robots.
• India emerging as manufacturing hub for robots.
• Growth in pharmaceutical, packaging and inspection sectors.
TIMELINE VISION OF ROBOTICS IN INDIA (NSTP 2030):
• 2013-14 – Agricultural robots.
• 2013-17 – Elderly care robots.
• 2013-20 – Nano robots.
• 2015 – One-third military capacity through robots.
• 2017 – Medical robots for low invasive surgery.
• 2017-19 – Household robots.
• 2035 – Fully autonomous robot soldiers.
Conclusion:
Robots are becoming an integral part of human life. While concerns exist regarding ethics and employment, robotics offers immense potential to solve complex problems and improve quality of life.
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Subject: Science
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