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What is Robotics?Types of AI in RoboticsRobotics in Real LifeExtra ResourcesBooksVideos

Last Updated: 2/6/2023

Robotics

What is Robotics?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Robotics refers to the application of AI technologies and methods to the design and development of robots. The goal of AI in robotics is to make robots smarter, more autonomous, and more capable of performing a wide range of tasks.

Robotics is a subfield of Artificial Intelligence that focuses on the design, construction, operation, and use of robots. Robots are machines capable of performing tasks autonomously or with limited human guidance. They can interact with the physical world and carry out various tasks, from simple repetitive tasks to complex and challenging ones. Robotics is an interdisciplinary field that draws from mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, and others. It has many applications, from manufacturing and assembly to healthcare and education. In manufacturing, robots perform repetitive tasks such as welding, painting, and assembly. They can work faster and more accurately than humans, reducing the need for manual labor and improving the efficiency of the production process. In healthcare, robots assist in surgery and provide therapy to patients.

An analogy for AI in robotics can be seen in how a person's brain controls their body. Just as the brain uses information from the senses to control the body, AI in robotics uses information from sensors and cameras to control the movements and actions of a robot.

Types of AI in Robotics

AI in robotics can be classified in two categories: Weak AI and Strong AI.

  • Weak AI, also known as Narrow AI, refers to AI systems designed to perform specific tasks, such as image recognition or speech recognition. These AI systems are trained on a particular job and do not have general intelligence.
  • Strong AI, also known as General AI, refers to AI systems that can perform any intellectual task that a human can do. These AI systems have general intelligence and can perform many tasks, not just specific ones.

Robotics in Real Life

AI in robotics has various applications in various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, and many others. Some real-life examples of AI in robotics include:

  • Manufacturing: AI-powered robots are used to perform tasks such as assembly, packaging, and inspection. These robots can work faster and more accurately than humans, leading to increased efficiency and productivity in manufacturing.
  • Healthcare: AI-powered robots are used to perform tasks such as surgery, rehabilitation, and patient monitoring. These robots can perform complex procedures with high precision and accuracy, leading to better patient outcomes.
  • Transportation: AI-powered robots are used to perform tasks such as autonomous driving, delivery, and inspection. These robots can improve safety and efficiency in transportation, leading to reduced costs and increased productivity.
  • Industry: These robots are used in manufacturing and assembly lines to perform welding, painting, and packaging tasks. They often use AI to optimize their movements and improve efficiency.
  • Autonomous vehicles: Self-driving cars, drones, and other autonomous vehicles use AI to navigate and make decisions, such as avoiding obstacles or determining the best route to a destination.
  • Services: These robots are used in various service industries, such as retail, hospitality, and healthcare, to perform tasks such as customer service, cleaning, and delivery.
  • Search and Rescue: These robots use AI to navigate and search for people in dangerous or hard-to-reach areas, such as after natural disasters or in mines.
  • Space: These robots use AI to navigate and perform tasks in space, such as collecting samples, studying the environment, and repairing satellites.
  • Home: These robots use AI to perform household tasks such as cleaning, vacuuming, and providing companionship and security.
  • Military: These robots use AI to navigate and perform tasks in dangerous environments, such as reconnaissance, surveillance, and explosive ordnance disposal.

Extra Resources

Books

Artificial Intelligence for Robotics starts with an introduction to Robot Operating Systems (ROS), Python, robotic fundamentals, and the software and tools required to start with robotics. You will learn robotics concepts that will be useful for making decisions and basic navigation skills. As you go through the chapters, you will learn about object recognition and genetic algorithms, which will teach your robot to identify and pick up an irregular object. With plenty of use cases throughout, you will explore natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning techniques to enhance your robot further. In the concluding chapters, you will learn about path planning and goal-oriented programming, which will help your robot prioritize tasks.

This book is a comprehensive reference guide for anyone interested in learning about robotics. It is an ideal resource for beginners who want to understand the basics of robotics and its various applications. The handbook covers all aspects of robotics, including its history, fundamental concepts, and the latest developments in the field. One of the key advantages of the book is that it is written by leading experts in the field of robotics and provides a wealth of information and knowledge in an accessible and easy-to-understand format. The handbook is organized into different chapters, each covering a specific aspect of robotics and providing a detailed overview of the key concepts, theories, and technologies.

Videos