Where do we expect to see robotics go in the future? Rodney
Brooks, CEO of Rethink Robotics predicts “Over the next twenty years no one is
going to mistake a robot for a person, but nevertheless, we will interact and
collaborate with robots and they will become as common place in our lives as
turning to a search engine is today.” Another source, Forbes, predicts that
robots will aid in several different aspects of our every day lives, as well as
aid in the advance of research in future. I think Forbes prediction is both
reasonable and probable. Robotics will perform tasks involving deep sea and
space exploration, processing waste, helping the police, helping the elderly
and handicapped live better, longer lives, medical surgery that can do what a
human can’t do, cleaning our homes, smart homes, cars and cities.
Next, it is important to consider what implications these
advances have on society. There are
several people out there who shun these advances, arguing that advances. They
may argue that advances in robotic building technology, such as that shown in
the video in class, demonstrates great advances in construction means but
leaves the questions of safety and human interaction that may result in injury
or lose of jobs. While I agree that this could create less human interaction, I
believe that if we allow robots to perform tasks that are feasible for a robot
mind, such as placing blocks in specific locations, while still making sure
that humans are working hand in hand with these machines, that they could reap
great benefits. Robots being able to perform these types of “mindless” tasks
can save both time and money.
In both Kayleigh and Junwah's discussion posts they bring up the intriguing topic of robots teaching the children of future generations. Kayleigh mentions that children are not able to utilize computers, but have the ability to interact with robots resembling humans. While the initial thought of children not being taught by other humans is baffling, the use of these robots may allow children to begin absorbing information at a younger age then the use of current technology would allow. I am interested to see what will come of this topic.
In both Kayleigh and Junwah's discussion posts they bring up the intriguing topic of robots teaching the children of future generations. Kayleigh mentions that children are not able to utilize computers, but have the ability to interact with robots resembling humans. While the initial thought of children not being taught by other humans is baffling, the use of these robots may allow children to begin absorbing information at a younger age then the use of current technology would allow. I am interested to see what will come of this topic.
Another topic of discussion regarding robotics is it's advances in the medical field. I came across an
article about a woman named Jan that, with training, has very rapidly learned
to control a robotic arm through her thoughts. This is a prime example of the
life changing benefits that advances in robotics can have on society, and I
believe that we should work hard towards moving technology further in the
future.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/jenniferhicks/2012/09/18/part-1-future-of-robotics-manufacturing-gets-a-makeover-with-baxter/
http://www.forbes.com/sites/jenniferhicks/2012/09/02/a-new-series-the-future-of-robotics-the-next-20-years/
"Doctors
'blown away' by woman using thoughts to control robotic arm." The Guardian
(London) - Final Edition. (December 17, 2012 Monday ): 756 words. LexisNexis
Academic. Web. Date Accessed: 2013/01/10.
After reading the article, I found very interesting the different ways researchers are thinking to expand the use of robotics in situations like these. The possibility that researchers could integrate the robotic arm and sensors so that the patient can feel the texture and temperature of different objects they are holding is phenomenal. The technology has advanced greatly and these possibilities are very likely to happen in the near future.
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