Aug 01, 2023
by Humera

The rapid rise of automation, engineering, energy storage, artificial intelligence, and machine learning has had a big effect  on the robotics revolution. The far-reaching effects will alter the capabilities of robotics and their capacity to replace human labor. By 2030, it is anticipated that the global robot population will have increased to 20 million, with 14 million located in China alone. The repercussions are enormous, and the new challenges confronting policymakers are equally daunting.

Both productivity and economic growth will benefit from the development of robotics. In addition, it will pave the way for the emergence of brand-new economic sectors, replete with job markets. However, conventional business practices across a vast array of industries will be drastically altered, resulting in the loss of millions of jobs. According to our estimates, up to 20 million manufacturing positions could be lost to robots by 2030.

Robotics engineering

In academic study, it is both a theoretical and practical design function. Robotics is an interdisciplinary field that incorporates mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, information engineering, biomedical engineering, computer engineering, control systems engineering, software engineering, and mathematics. Mainly, electrical, mechanical, and computer engineering disciplines contribute to the expanding field of robotics engineering.

Robotics engineers are involved in every stage, from the initial idea to the final code that controls the robot's motions. Before allowing humans to use robotic systems, you will assess them, make any necessary improvements, and run experiments to make sure they are up to par.

How robots function

Robotics Engineering is essential to the production of robotics. This programmable device can transport equipment, components, and supplies. Robotics engineering concentrates on all aspects of robotics, including their design, construction, application, and operation. However, there are still five important components of this automated system that must be considered. These components include:

  • The sensory organs that collect information from the environment.
  • The muscles are accountable for the action.
  • Cognitive process that acts on perceptual input.
  • Nutritional support for the activation of muscles and sensors.
  • Intelligence and morality are important characteristics of machines.
  • The logic of the computer will govern the automaton's operation.

Size, materials, and operation methods differ greatly across the vast selection of available robots. The intended function of these automata will determine their specifications. Despite the fact that each robot is unique, they all require the following three basic engineering specialties:

  • Mechanical engineering: The mechanical structure is composed of a frame, fasteners, and a form.
  • Electronic elements: Since all electronic components require power to move, which comes from wires, all robots share the same fundamental electrical circuit. Thus, the electrical component is mobile, sensitive, and functional.
  • Computer programming: Computer-programmed, remote-controlled, artificial intelligence, and hybrid robots are common classifications. A computer system controls the majority of robot varieties. 

Designers will build the framework for robotic devices. The development team can ultimately implement their plan by creating the robot and performing all necessary tasks. The ability of a designer to generate novel, yet functional, design solutions for future engineering challenges is crucial. This subfield of engineering requires thought at all professional levels. On the basis of a comprehensive procedure, mechanical engineers can meet technical requirements. Those who specialize in robotics, whether in design or systems, will likely have a foundation in mechanics and electronics. They are then able to communicate their concepts to groups with comparable skill sets.

The advantages and disadvantages of robotics

Research in robotics has provided solutions to a vast array of problems. As we will see, robots have the capacity to alter our future. However, the use of robots in today's society has both positive and negative facets.

The advantages of robots

  • They can enhance productivity, efficiency, quality, and uniformity in certain contexts.
  • Unlike humans, robots are immune to tedium.
  • They can carry on indefinitely until the process exhausts them.
  • Due to their high precision (which can extend to fractions of an inch), they are particularly useful in microelectronics manufacturing.
  • Robots are able to perform duties that humans are incapable of, such as working with toxic chemicals or in highly radioactive environments.
  • They do not possess the same physiological and ecological needs as humans.
  • Regarding sensors and actuators, certain robots are vastly superior to humans.

The drawbacks of robots

  • Robots are replacing many jobs, which could have a negative economic impact.
  • Although advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning are assisting, robots generally cannot improvise and can only perform their programmed tasks.
  • Due to the limitations of current robotics technology, most machines lack the dexterity and visual perception comprehension of humans. Despite ongoing efforts to enhance robots' sensory capabilities, they are not yet fully developed.
  • Costs related to practical robot applications include acquisition, maintenance, additional components, and the time and effort required to write the necessary code.

How robotic engineering is used in different sectors

The idea of robots has been around for many years, but it is only in recent decades that their competence and application have evolved. There are numerous applications for robots in numerous industries today. These are some examples of such robots:

Industrial

Robots excel at simple, repetitive manufacturing processes. Examples of duties performed on an assembly line include picking and packing, welding, and other related procedures. They are efficient, accurate, and reliable.

Military

Due to recent technological advancements, militaries all over the world are now using robots for tasks like surveillance, triage, and transport.

Personalized Service

One of the robotics markets with the greatest growth is the personal services sector. Utilization ranges from serving food to scrubbing surfaces.

Exploration

Robots are commonly utilized to get into potentially risky or inaccessible areas. The Mars Curiosity Rover is an excellent example of an exploratory automaton utilized in space exploration. Humans should avoid disaster zones, high-radiation areas, and other severe environments.

Medical

In the healthcare industry, medical robots have an extensive range of applications. Whether it's surgical assistance, a rehabilitation program, or physical therapy, the utilization of robotic function is enhancing medical tasks.

Entertainment

For recreation, consumers are progressively investing in robots. There are a number of popular robot toys, as well as robot-themed restaurants and monumental robot structures.

Categories of Robotics Engineers

As long as you know what you want to do, you can specialize in nearly every facet of robotics engineering. Some robotics engineers, for example, work on robotic limbs for the automobile industry, while others contribute to the development of robots for space exploration, and still others design and construct specialized robots for use in fields such as medicine, surgery, and the military. In robotics engineering, mechanical, electronic, and software engineering all join together. Other sub-disciplines have emerged as the industry has evolved, including but not limited to the following:

  • System administration of Air traffic control.
  • Robots utilize AI for learning and improvement.
  • Automation.
  • Bio-cybernetics.
  • Creation of new computer software.
  • Utilization of technology in manufacturing.
  • Synergistic intelligence.
  • Robotic surgical procedures.
  • Micro-robotics.

How workers' responses to Industrial robots

How do industrial robots affect human laborers, if at all? Due to automation, the workplace and labor market are enduring rapid transformations. Although there are numerous benefits to utilizing industrial robots, business owners must be aware of the associated risks.

The advantages of Industrial robots for employees

The widespread use of industrial robots could greatly benefit working conditions for humans and help alleviate labor shortages in a variety of industries. Robots can ease the mental and physical burden on understaffed teams by taking over a variety of manual duties. This lessens the need for workers in the industrial sector to constantly stand, walk, and lift large goods. In addition, industrial robots can open up a plethora of new career paths for people, allowing them to acquire the knowledge and experience necessary to advance to better-paying roles. Companies can save money by retraining their current staff rather than acquiring entirely new personnel for positions in the scientific and administrative support fields. As a defense mechanism against robots "replacing" human labor, this strategy retrains workers for administrative and research tasks.

The hazardous consequences of Industrial robots

Workers may profit from using industrial robots, but there is a high risk of damage, including depression and job loss, associated with their use. Anxiety and stress levels in the workforce may rise if these robots and unrealistic expectations brought on by the success of a company's robots lead to mental and bodily distress. Hundreds of industrial robots are used in places like Amazon's warehouses and distribution centers, which can be dangerous to workers' health.                                

Due to greater productivity and the lack of breaks, time off, healthcare, and a secure working environment, employers may see industrial robots as superior to human workers, leading to a decrease in salaries. Businesses may cut salaries in order to increase robotics spending, but they should be wary of cutting into other budget areas. Although industrial machines improve efficiency, they often come at the expense of workers' wages and quality of life. Businesses might lessen the blow of automation taking over the job by preparing workers in advance by, for example, teaching them to become robot technicians.

Optimal implementation methods for Industrial robots

To successfully implement industrial robots in a manner that benefits all stakeholders, additional consideration is required. Before purchasing robots, companies should consider, for instance, which duties can be automated and how this will impact human employees. If layoffs were to occur, the company might devise a plan for affected employees to acquire new skills.

It is essential for businesses to maintain distinct productivity tracks for humans and robots. There are advantages to both workers and robots, but it is unsafe to expect laborers to perform at the same rate as robots. This action may have long-term effects on your mental and physical health. Before introducing robots into the workplace, employers should take precautions to ensure that automated areas contain safety protocols. Additionally, workers must be instructed on how to avoid harming machines in the workplace. If employees are experiencing emotional or physical difficulties due to the introduction of robotics in the workplace, it is beneficial to provide them with resources or a point of contact.

In the modern workplace, robots and humans must be able to collaborate rather than compete. Employers of industrial robots should take precautions to prevent automation from having a negative effect on their employees. When robots are not incorporated with care, they can cause psychological issues, physical harm, and job insecurity. Nevertheless, with proper planning, industrial robotics can alleviate the physical burdens of workers, supplement understaffed teams, and even create entirely new employment fields.

Humanoids explain to the UN that they could rule Earth better

Nine humanoids and their creators met with reporters as part of the International Telecommunication Union symposium, which the United Nations sponsored. Despite technical difficulties that hindered responses, there was a dialogue between machines and humans on topics ranging from healthcare to entertainment. The automata relied on preprogrammed responses at times and AI at other times. Inquiries into the robots' purposes sparked the most controversy, although it is unclear whether these beliefs are those of the AI-enhanced humanoids or those of their creators and programmers.

Sophia, a humanoid robot, asserts that machines will eventually be able to govern the world more effectively and efficiently than humans. However, the audience chuckled nervously when Sophia suggested that humanoids might be able to manage Earth better than humans. The fact that Sophia emphasizes cooperation rather than conquest in her concluding statement supports this. She came to the conclusion that we have the capacity to achieve extraordinary outcomes when we combine the unbiased facts that AI can supply with the emotional intelligence and creativity that only humans can offer.

Hanson Robotics' anthropomorphic robot asserts that robots may be more effective and successful leaders than humans. They can analyze huge amounts of data rapidly and draw the best conclusions because they don't have the same biases or emotions that often make decisions difficult.

Should you pursue a degree in robotics engineering?

Robotics engineering is an exciting field with promising job prospects. You need to make studying a priority for the rest of your life. The technological landscape is ever-evolving and dynamic. If you want to keep up with the competition and make a name for yourself in your field, you need to make keeping up with technology a top priority. Consider a career in robotics engineering if you are interested in:

  • You've made a firm decision to continue your education forever.
  • You do best when faced with rigorous mental challenges.
  • You are very proactive, honest, professional, and responsible.
  • You are exceptionally analytical, organized, and problem-solving-oriented.
  • One of your strengths is that you are able to set priorities, handle multiple projects, and organize your time well.

Robotics' Promising Future

Engineers and computer scientists worldwide are working to create robots with human-like intelligence and dexterity. The global robotics industry incorporates technologies like artificial intelligence and computer vision, making modern robots easier to configure and program. Recent innovations include high-tech ocean robots, Saul, and AI-controlled therapeutic robots. Robots are increasingly used in hazardous environments, such as bomb detection, space travel, and deep sea exploration. AUVs provide valuable data for the oil and gas industry, and the Mars Rover spacecraft is an example of autonomous robotics. Roboticists are highly sought-after due to their expertise in various engineering disciplines.

Robotics engineers may obtain employment in the automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, defense, and medical industries, among others. Some robotics engineers are stationed at factories to oversee mechanized employees. You will routinely attend professional conferences to maintain your industry's relevance. Attending one of these conferences is an excellent way to network with other professionals and obtain insight into the most recent research.