Robotics

• Robotics: a branch of computer science that incorporates the design, construction and operation of robots
• Isaac Asimov’s Laws of Robotics -

  • A robot may not injure a human through action or inaction
  • A robot must obey orders given by humans unless it comes into conflict with Law 1
  • A robot must protect itself unless this conflicts with law 1.
• Types of Robots -

  • Independent - Have no human intervention; they can completely replace humans
  • Dependent - Needs human intervention through an interface, can supplement but can’t completely replace humans
• Characteristics of robots:

  • a mechanical structure or framework
  • electrical components, such as sensors, microprocessors and actuators
  • programmable
• Advantages and Disadvantages of Robots

  • Advantages:
  • Robots can work 24/7
  • Robots can work in hazardous conditions
  • They are less expensive in the long run
  • They have high productivity and are more consistent
  • Disadvantages
  • Robots can find it difficult to do non-standard tasks
  • Robots can lead to higher unemployment
  • Risk of deskilling as robots replace humans in some task
  • Expensive to install and maintain in the short run
  • Robots have the risk of getting hacked.