Robots in our daily life

An important part of the automation scene is the area of “Robotics” a multidisciplinary field that involves
mechanical, electronics and several other engineering disciplines. Though the ultimate aim is to attempt emulate
human activities, something which is extremely difficult to attain, these attempts have resulted in development
of robots. These are beneficial in handling hazardous tasks and for operating in hazardous areas like chemical or
nuclear plants. Examples of such tasks include plates being x-rayed for inspection of internal cracks and flaws, a
routine but hazardous operation.
Where complex movements are involved as in welding along a 3D profile, robots can be used for assuring quality
and consistency. In assembly operation of precision and tiny parts, like in watches, robots perform with accuracy
and repeatability. (The SCARA robot developed in Japan is one such robot specifically suit5able for precision
assembly tasks.) Painting is hazardous to humans and also complex movements are involved (for example in
painting a car body) and in such applications robots may replace human beings.
Robots have certain inherent capabilities and limitations, just as any other machine or human being does, and
these should be borne in mind when attempting to use them in a given application. A lathe is best used for
generating cylindrical objects and milling machines are ideal for producing prismatic parts. One would not
attempt to use a lathe for manufacture of prismatic parts or a milling machine to produce cylinders. Thus
manufacturing processes are chosen to suit the product and conversely, products should be designed to suit the
manufacturing process. This philosophy applies to robotics also. One cannot expect a given robot to execute any
arbitrary task or handle any product. Some times it may be beneficial to redesign the product to enable robots
to handle them with ease. A wellknown example of designing a product to suit robots is the SONY “Walkman”
which has been designed for ease of assembly by robots.
Today robot finds applications in industries, medical and other fields. For example, in eye surgery (replacement
of retina), where a cylindrical portion needs to be replaced, the operation is best done by robots. Mobile robots
like walking machines, hopping machines are examples of robots, and so also are robotic aircraft and ships.
Nuclear and power plants uses fish like robots which move inside pipes for purpose of inspection
Computers are required for higher level control of such complex systems. Computers convert higher level
commands to lower level commands for purpose of interpreting sensor outputs and controlling motors in these
machines. In autonomous robots, operating at remote locations, endurance of power supply (batteries) may be an issue