Taking A Look At The History Of Robotic Technology
What is robotic technology? While robotics automation is known by all, there is no unified definition. Many say that robots are artificially created through programming and are able to make a series of coordinated, dexterous movements. Others say that robots may be aware of its environment and able to move around things or make choices based on programmed sequences. What separates a robot from a piece of ordinary machinery is said to be its “mental agency,” which is the ability to make choices or act based on a number of preprogrammed possibilities, whereas a normal machine is only capable of one set function.
Historically, ancient people believed in the existence of a humanoid robot species. The Greek god Hephaestus was thought to have created mechanical servants to help him build temples. Furthermore, the Jewish people thought that clay golems could come to life and the Norse believed that clay giants could awaken. In 4th Century BC, Greek mathematicians Archytas of Tarentum proposed that he could create a steam-powered bird known as “The Pigeon.” Additionally, Hero of Alexandria (10-70 AD) devised automated machinery powered by air pressure and steam. In 1088, Su Song developed the first clock tower that was built using mechanical figurines and audible chimes. In 1206, the first humanoid robot was created by Al-Jazari, a Muslim inventor who wished to entertain royal guests with automated musicians who played on a boat in a lake. Al-Jazari was already well-known for constructing everything from kitchen appliances and other astounding robotic machines.
There are many different ways to think about robotic technology. For instance, do we want an artificial being to look like a human or an unmistakable nuts-and-bolts prototype? Should they go to work at the plant or in our own homes? Should they think for themselves or be simply capable of pre-programmed simplified tasks? There are “soft robots,” which have silicone bodies and flexible actuators that behave almost human-like. There are “swarm robots” that behave like bees or ants, cooperating together to find something, clean, explore space or spy. “Haptic interface robots” allow users to interact with virtual simulation environments. Engineers are always coming up with new designs and uses for automation robotics.
In 2006, there were 3,540,000 service robots and 950,000 industrial robots worldwide. By now, it’s estimated there are nearly 1 million robots, with nearly half in Asia, 32% in Europe and 16% in the US and Canada. In North America, there needs to be a greater interest in robotic technology that starts when children are young and grows until they reach college age. The focus tends to be on the “difficulty” of the field, rather than the availability of jobs. Someone working in robotics engineering is sure to have a job not just in any state, but any country, as there is a projected labor shortage by as much as 65% in the coming years. How can our society advance without the support of the next generation?
Robotic Arm Technology Has Rapidly Improved
Cybernetics professor Kevin Warwick professes to be the “first Cyborg.” Project Cyborg began in August of 1998, when Warwick implanted a computer chip into his left arm, which later allowed him to open doors, move a robotic hand and operate an electronic wheelchair. The implant also allowed him to tap into the Internet at Columbia University in New York and control a robotic arm at the University of Reading in the UK. Another one of the experiments tested telepathic communication between two individuals by way of implants. In the 70s, researchers felt that robotic arms would be a vital asset to the workplace. Little did they know, humans would consider fusing themselves with this technology to become super-human cyborgs!
Starting in 1975, robotic arms have been used for industrial purposes. In some cases, they do the work more quickly, more accurately and more efficiently than human workers ever could. Yet in other instances, they simply perform work that is too monotonous, dangerous or undesirable for men and women. In the US auto industry, for example, there is one robotic arm for every ten workers. Industrial robots lift heavy objects, handle chemicals, and paint and assemble parts. Rather than replace jobs, the robotic system is intended to free up more creative, fulfilling work for people instead. After all, the Czech word “robota” translates to “drudgery work.”
The National Stroke Association says that stroke is the leading cause of disability in the United States. It is caused by a disruption in the brain’s blood vessels and has left over four million Americans debilitated. Forty percent of stroke victims require some special care for their injury; 25% recover with minor impairments; 15% die after the incident; 10% can expect a full recovery and 10% require nursing home care. Doctors say rehabilitation is the key to a successful recovery and the NESS H200 robotic arm is helping patients relearn skills they lost during their stroke. The device delivers electrical stimulation to the patients’ hands while they’re eating, writing or drinking. The second part of the device, the robotic arm that attaches to the forearm and wrist, helps patients move their arms to strengthen the connection between mind to body. Over time, the body will just naturally move on its own again.
The first robotic arm was a crude device, similar to arcade games. However, the latest robotics automation technology has arms functioning more like the human anatomy, able to perform a wide range of motions, with fingers waving and wrists rotating. Perhaps the greatest challenge will be to devise a way to make these devices affordable to more people so it becomes a practical solution for hospitals, small businesses and homes.