AI and Robotics: A Bridge to Automation’s Future

Introduction

Two revolutionary technologies of the future are Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics. Robots are machines capable to perform specific tasks, and AI provides their learning, adaptation and deciding ability. Now, AI has engendered, from robots, a whole new category of industrial automation that is revolutionizing the industry.

We're already seeing the impact of AI and robotics on just about everything, from automated factories to self driving cars. In this article, we will take a look at how AI and robotics are leading innovations across different sectors and what the immense potential they hold for the future will mean.

1. Integration in AI and Robotics

Robots have been around for decades, but it’s the advent of AI that’s taking them from computers that can be programmed to simple machines to truly autonomous, adaptable machines. Robots can understand their environment, take action based on real time data and optimize their performance with AI.

How AI Enhances Robotics

Autonomy: Robots powered by AI can perform tasks outside of human intervention making them applicable in dangerous and difficult to operate areas for humans.

Decision-Making: Robots can analyze data and take decisions based on that according to AI. In the logistics sector, AI powered robots can optimise its routes in real time improving efficiency for example.

Adaptability: Unlike traditional robots that follow a set of instructions, AI powered robots can be programmed to learn new tasks and adapt to a new environment, in turn getting better at their task in the future.

Example: In the realm of automotive, companies such as Tesla are deploying AI to automate production lines (robotic assembly) and create self driving cars. Thus, these robots can learn from their environment, and tweak their behaviour accordingly, resulting in better efficient production and safer driving experiences.

2. AI powered Robotics Applications

Today, AI and robotics are already sweeping across all industries where applications are going a long way in changing the way businesses run. Below are some of the key areas where AI-powered robots are having the most impact:

Industry 4.0 (4th Industrial Revolution for cross border settlements)

AI powered robots form the core of next phase of industrial automation, Industry 4.0, in manufacturing sector. Assembly lines feature these robots and the robots are used in the assembly lines to automate repetitive tasks like welding, painting, and packaging. These robots are capable of detecting errors, optimizing workflows, improving productivity by using AI.

Example: Industrial robotics leader Fanuc uses AI to enable their robots to make real time adjustments to boost efficiency by having the capability to self diagnose issues.

Healthcare

In the healthcare sphere, AI robots are helping doctors perform surgeries, and assist patients with returning mobility through robotic prosthetics. Surgical robots like the da Vinci Surgical system are able to enhance precision and reduce margin of error during complex procedures using AI.

Example: Paralyzed patients are walking again thanks to AIpowered exoskeletons – powered by machine learning algorithms that learn from the patient’s movements and improve through time.

Logistics and Warehousing

AI powered robots are revolutionizing how we manage supply chain in the logistics and warehousing industries, by automating the tasks like sorting, picking and packing. For example, autonomous robots in the fulfillment centers help companies like Amazon better optimize storage and delivery processes making humans less prone to error and ensuring that everything runs faster.

Example: Boston Dynamics' robotic systems can pick and pack items much more quickly than humans can work, helping to meet the growing demand for e commerce.

3. Machine Learning in Robotics

Another great aspect of AI applied to robotics is machine learning [ML]: robots getting smarter each time they have an experience and learning from it. Through the process of recognizing patterns in these huge data sets, ML algorithms allow robots to predict what’s happening and to make predictions for the future and better decisions overall.

A real life application was applied in Reinforcement Learning for robotics.

Reinforcement learning (ML in robots learning by trial and error, and rewarding them or punishing them according to their actions) is a key area for ML in robotics. In environments where robots must adapt to new tasks or work in unforeseeable conditions, this method is extraordinarily useful.

Example: Reinforcement Learning is shown to be powerful for conquering such tasks as defeating human champions in the game of Go by DeepMind's AlphaGo. Now the same principles are being applied to robotics, so robots can learn complex tasks through interaction with the environment.

4. A couple of months ago, I had the opportunity to brainstorm on a research project with the engineers of Amikhub, a Windows AI Pack by Amik Academy, focused on robotics in AI powered smart homes.

The AI robots are already not limited to industrial applications, they also find their way into our homes. Smart homes are everything from AI powered appliances to household systems, but robots are becoming a more prominent fixture in that ecosystem, helping with cleaning, security and even providing company.

All about Domestic Robots and AI Assistants

Cleaning Robots: Machine learning powered Roomba vacuum cleaners map out homes and learn optimal cleaning routes.

Security Robots: Knightscope also runs on facial recognition and machine learning algorithms to patrol homes and alert them to potential threats.

Voice Assistants: Smart home systems integrate AI-powered voice assistants, including Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, which permits users to operate devices by calling out commands, and oversee daily functions.

Example: The LG CLOi robot will also assist with tasks like controlling smart home devices, offering notifications, and even serving the emotional needs of the elderly among all its residents.

AI and robotics are progressing, and the idea of autonomous smart homes in which robots will carry out both physical tasks and assist in decision making will become commonplace, providing a better quality of life for residents.

5. AI Robotics is used to illustrate ethical considerations in robotics, and some of the challenges that companies face when implementing AI robotics solutions.

However, the rapid advancement of AI and robotics also brings up some ethical concerns that we need to think about before AI and robotics become fully accepted by society.

1. Job Displacement

The biggest worry is the displacement of jobs due to robots and AI being able to do the job American workers have done for decades. Automation can boost efficiency but can delete jobs including in the manufacturing and logistics industries.

2. Privacy Concerns

AI powered robots now collect huge amount of data and worries about how such data is used and who can have access to it. The potential for misuse of personal information with AI powered security robots or domestic assistants is a serious problem.

3. Accountability and Regulation

As robots become more autonomous the issue of accountability is raised. And the question is, if an AI powered robot makes a mistake or does harm, who is responsible for that? To mitigate these risks it's essential to make sure proper regulations are in place associated with the use of AI in robotics.

Conclusion

Automating industries and constructing the as yet unborn world of the future, AI and Robotics are revolutionizing automation with the promise to enhance efficiency, safety and convenience across industries. As we persist in making robots do more the symbiosis between AI and robotics will be key to reinventing how we live and work.

But we need to address the ethical and societal challenges that accompany these advances if AI powered robots are to be used responsibly and in the interest of everyone.