So what is the need for robotics one might ask. We have all watched science fiction movies and have thought that is not practical. Well, you might be right (for now). However, in an earlier blog I noted that the "need" for robotics can often accelerate the innovation within a field. So, why would we need a robot?
In reading the following article, the author shows some clear examples of what services a robot could provide. One example was how the household vacuuming is now done by a robot. Here is a link to the robotic vacuum he mentioned. He notes that each night the robot comes out and vacuums up the house. This is clearly a service that many would be interested in, and is available today.
Another example are the Predator unmanned drones used during wartime. These drones have proven to be invaluable to the military as illustrated by their continued use. Other robots include devices used to dismantle bombs which are used by SWAT and the military teams. In both cases above - risk to the human operator is reduced. Other robots could certainly be used in search and rescue operations. Combining robotics with advanced sensors could certainly help save lives in environments where humans might not be able to easily go such as into burning or collapsed buildings, or other hostile environments. These robots could send feedback about the environments and then the human operators would be able to make better decisions. Many of these examples are highlighted in the above article.
The above examples are meant to illustrate the need for robotics. Between the commercial value and the benefit to human lives, many would agree that robotics offers solutions to problems that have yet to be addressed. Given this need, the innovation is sure to follow.
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Aside from our need to automate repetitive tasks and streamline our lives, robots help us perform tasks under unsafe and extreme conditions, as you have mentioned.
The Devil's Advocate: I saw a movie in English and Japanese on YouTube, (hosted by a Swedish television station) about the ethical implications of robots permeating society. It asked the age old question that science fiction writers have asked for nearly a century.
As we expand our technological capabilities, is it wise to develop robots with human-like behaviors and expressions? They didn't expand their discussion on cybernetics and people with cybernetic implants (or that was the part that was in Japanese!).
Scientists have an obligation to examine the ethical implications and address them for each accomplishment in the research.
Loss of control is one issue, but as we redefine humanity and blur the lines between machines and people, where will it end?
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