Posts Tagged "Robotics"

Nanotechnology, Genetic Engineering & Robotics ? Doomsday or Miracle?

Advances in nanotechnology have proven that incredible progress is not only possible today and in the future, it is pretty well inevitable. Fantastic advances in nanotechnologic medical research have resulted in life saving techniques that were unheard of even a decade ago.

Genetic engineering research and development provides a means of revolutionizing agricultural output by enhancing crop yields while encouraging a decrease in the necessity for pesticides. It also holds out a promise of attaining newer, improved species of plants and animals, the ability to someday replace or supplement reproduction with cloning and the hope that cures will be developed for many fatal and debilitating diseases, which can only result in increased life spans and improved quality of life.

Robotic engineers firmly believe that development of a truly intelligent machine that is capable of performing most tasks better than humans will be perfected within our lifetime. They envision a time when a highly organized system of machines will perform all tasks with little or no human input.

It is not hard to imagine the revolutionary advancements that are possible if nanotechnology, genetic engineering and robotics combine their expertise in future technological advancements. Either the result will be a utopian world free of disease or pestilence or a jumbled chaos of grey goo and confusion.

Regardless of the outcome, it is inevitable that the future holds profound changes because of nanotechnology, genetic engineering and robotics, whether the accomplishments are made on their own or as a result of a coordinated effort. Along with the imminent progression, however, we must also be aware of the philosophical, moral and ethical issues that will come about as a result of biological change.

In addition to the potential threat from the unleashed power of nanotechnology based scientific advancements, there is also the promise of an improved future for mankind and the world in which he dwells. The line of demarcation is thin and easily crossed and therefore great care and planning must go hand in hand with technological advances.

Naysayers are quick to point out the many pitfalls of unbridled nanotechnology, genetic engineering and robotics research and implementation; however, to the chagrin of futurists, these non-progressive individuals fail to fully conceive of the many benefits these scientific advancements can and will provide. Progressive thinkers are quick to embrace the very real possibility of incredibly low-cost solar power, cures for debilitating disease via intensification of the human immune system, the ability to clean up our environment and the overall improvement of human existence that is not only possible but entirely plausible in the very near future because of nanotechnology, genetic engineering and robotics.

So, are nanotechnology, genetic engineering and robotics to be feared as an impending doomsday event or should they be embraced as miracles of the future? Only by carefully reviewing the past while embracing the future will we be able to tell. After all, if we are willing to build an artificial brain, we must be willing to construct one that is able to see what we cannot.

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Robotics for the Uninitiated

When people hear the word “robot,” they immediately see images of Irona, Richie Rich’s maid or the Terminator. Images of an entity with human-like appearance but with super human abilities are conjured up. In reality however, the term “robot,” encompasses so much more than just humanoid or android beings. Furthermore, most people are intimidated when they encounter anything related to robotics. It is true, it can be a complicated subject so most people, for convenience, assume it simply means androids. Origins of Robotics First, what exactly is robotics? Robotics, in the simplest of explanations, involves the design and creation of robots. It also involves the study of how robots can be used to perform a variety of functions. A robot is a mechanical device designed to automate tasks that are usually performed by people. The first industrial robot to be created was Unimate, which was utilized to perform tasks in an automotive company. It was created by Unimation, a company formed by Charles Devol and Joseph Engelberger. After the success of Unimate, companies started investing in robotics for their manufacturing operations. Types of Robots There are many types of robots now in existence, each with specific functions. – Industrial Robots. Industrial robots are widely used in the manufacturing industry. Many of the tasks involved in production entail speed and accuracy as well as repetition, which is why robots are heavily relied upon to perform these tasks. Some of the industries that use robotics extensively are: – Automobile industry – Medical industry – Food and Beverage manufacturing – Pharmaceuticals – Service Robots. There are service robots devoted for personal use as well as those tasked to perform professional functions. Two of the most popular service robots designed are Asimo, a walking humanoid and Aibo, a robot dog. Other areas where these types of robots are applied are in: – Patient care – Military functions – Underwater jobs – Telerobots. Telerobots are ideal for jobs that are highly dangerous or difficult to accomplish so they are often manipulated via a remote control device. Telerobots are used extensively in outer space exploration and military operations. Other uses for telerobots include: – Bomb diffusion – Surveillance – Certain types of surgery – Rescue operations such as the scouting of survivors in a burned building – Mobile Robots. Mobile robots are also known as automated guided vehicles and are used to carry materials on a given location. The more advanced versions can be manipulated to function independently using an installed map as a guide. – Agricultural Robots. These robots are still in the development stages but designers foresee that these equipments can soon be used for tasks such as planting and harvesting. Advantages of Robots Robotics affords the human population a lot of benefits. In the business sector alone, robotics counts for much of the profitability of companies as robots enhance productivity and quality. In critical areas such as the medical field, the use of robotics is significant not only to medical practitioners but also to patients. Robotics systems are a viable way to ensure that patients get the best medical devices, medicine and medical procedures.

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