Lesson 7.1: Robotics and Its Business Applications
Lesson 7.1: Robotics and Its Business Applications
Type of Physical Robots
1. Industrial Robots
Example: ABB IRB 6700: This robot is widely used in the automotive and manufacturing industries for tasks such as welding, material handling, and assembly. It is known for its precision, durability, and flexibility in heavy-duty industrial environments.
2. Service Robots
Example: The Da Vinci Surgical System is used in hospitals to perform precise and minimally invasive surgeries. It enhances the surgeon's capabilities by providing greater dexterity and a magnified 3D view of the surgical site.
3. Mobile Robots
Example: Boston Dynamics' Spot: A four-legged robot that can navigate various terrains, perform inspections, and assist in hazardous environments. It is used in industries for tasks such as remote inspection, data collection, and in some cases, delivery.
4. Humanoid Robots
Example: Sophia is known for her human-like appearance and behavior compared to other robotic figures. Launched in 2016, she can display more than 50 facial expressions, engage in simple conversation, make jokes, and is designed as a social companion and media platform.
5. Collaborative Robots (Cobots)
Example: Universal Robots UR5: A lightweight, flexible cobot designed to work alongside humans without the need for safety cages (subject to risk assessment). It is used in industries for tasks like picking, placing, and testing products.
6. Autonomous Vehicles
Example: Waymo's Self-Driving Car: Uses sensors, cameras, and AI to navigate roads and transport passengers without human intervention.
7. Educational Robots
The NAO robot is an autonomous, programmable humanoid robot developed by Aldebaran Robotics, a French robotics company that was later acquired by SoftBank Robotics. NAO was first introduced in 2006 and has since become one of the most widely used robots for research, education, and entertainment purposes.
8. Agricultural Robots
Example: Agrobot SW6010: Designed for strawberry harvesting, it uses advanced computer vision and precise mechanics to identify and pick ripe strawberries, reducing labor costs and increasing efficiency.
9. Exploration Robots
Example: NASA's Mars Rovers (e.g., Perseverance): Deployed to explore the Martian surface, collect samples, and conduct scientific experiments to search for signs of past life and prepare for future human missions.
10. Entertainment Robots
Example: Disney's Animatronics: Used in theme parks to entertain guests by performing complex, lifelike movements and interactions, adding a magical experience to rides and shows.