Autonomous Robotics: A view into the future

A PR E S E N TAT I O N BY: D E E PA K D U B E Y & M R I D U L PI L L AY M BAT EC H M EC H A N I C A L 2 N D Y E A R

What is a Robot?
A robot is a mechanical device that can perform tasks

automatically. It may but need not be humanoid in appearance. Some robots require some degree of guidance, which may be done using a remote control, or with a computer interface. A robot is usually an electromechanical machine that is guided by a program or circuitry. Robots can be autonomous, semi-autonomous or remotely controlled and range from humanoids such as ASIMO and TOPIO to Nano robots and industrial robots. By mimicking a lifelike appearance or automating movements, a robot may convey a sense of intelligence or thought of its own.

Mans future replacement

So, What is Robotics?

Robotics is the branch of technology that deals with the design,

construction, operation and application of robots and computer systems for their control, sensory feedback, and information processing. These technologies deal with automated machines that can take the place of humans, in hazardous or manufacturing processes, or simply just resemble humans. Many of today's robots are inspired by nature contributing to the field of bio-inspired robotics. Throughout history, robotics has been often seen to mimic human behavior, and often manage tasks in a similar fashion. Today, robotics is a rapidly growing field, as we continue to research, design, and build new robots that serve various practical purposes, whether domestically, commercially, or militarily.

Curiosity: Talk about an accurate name!

Autonomous Robots: Will they change us?

Autonomous robots are robots that can perform desired tasks in

unstructured environments without continuous human guidance. Many kinds of robots have some degree of autonomy. Different robots can be autonomous in different ways. A high degree of autonomy is particularly desirable in fields such as space exploration, cleaning floors, mowing lawns, and waste water treatment. Autonomous robots can act on their own, independent of any controller. The basic idea is to program the robot to respond a certain way to outside stimuli. The very simple bump-and-go robot is a good illustration of how this works.

Curiositys Facebook Display Picture

 A fully autonomous robot has the ability to: Gain information about the environment (Rule #1) Work for an extended period without human intervention (Rule

#2) Move either all or part of itself throughout its operating environment without human assistance (Rule #3) Avoid situations that are harmful to people, property, or itself unless those are part of its design specifications (Rule #4) An autonomous robot may also learn or gain new capabilities like adjusting strategies for accomplishing its task(s) or adapting to changing surroundings.

Isaac Asimovs Three rules of Robotics

1. 2. 3.

A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm. A robot must obey the orders given to it by human beings, except where such orders would conflict with the First Law. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Laws. Although these laws were part of a novel written by the famous science fiction author, they are widely believed to have foreshadowed the field of robotics and are also believed to have given the researchers a new and futuristic approach: Why dont we build robots more like humans? It was this approach that has given birth to the concept of autonomous robotics.

ASIMO: Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility

ASIMO: Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility

ASIMO is a humanoid robot created by Honda. Introduced in 2000,

ASIMO was created to be a helper to people. With aspirations of helping people who lack full mobility, ASIMO is used to encourage young people to study science and mathematics. ASIMO has the ability to recognize moving objects, postures, gestures, its surrounding environment, sounds and faces, which enables it to interact with humans. The robot can detect the movements of multiple objects by using visual information captured by two camera "eyes" in its head and also determine distance and direction. This feature allows ASIMO to follow a person, or face him or her when approached. The robot interprets voice commands and human hand movements, enabling it to recognize when a handshake is offered or when a person waves or points, and then respond accordingly.

 ASIMO's ability to distinguish between voices and other sounds

allows it to identify its companions. ASIMO is able to respond to its name and recognizes sounds associated with a falling object or collision. This allows the robot to face a person when spoken to or look towards a sound. ASIMO responds to questions by nodding or providing a verbal answer and can recognize approximately 10 different faces and address them by name. Honda's work with ASIMO led to its later research on walking assist devices that resulted in innovations, such as the Stride Management Assist and the Bodyweight Support Assist.

Relevance of Robotics
These autonomous robots are now being used in both military and

domestic operations and are proving to be a necessity rather than a lavish desire. They are being used for detecting and clearing bombs and mines in strife-torn areas. Bots like ASIMO are kaleidoscopes which offer a view into the future; a future where robots perform even the most menial tasks, thus freeing humanity from its constraints. Robots equipped with Artificial Intelligence can even perform complex and difficult tasks generally assumed to be a humans domain.