Exploring the Various Types of Robots and Their Benefits

We’ve seen movies with robots of all shapes and sizes in them. They might be the good guys but they are usually the bad guys. But what exactly are they? And how many different kinds of them are there? Curiosity about the world of robotics and what it offers is what leads you here, so let's get right into it. In this blog, we’ll explore the world of robotics, from its history and development to the many types of robots out there!

What are Robots?

Robots are machines that are programmed to perform specific tasks. They are typically built from a combination of mechanical, electrical, and computer parts and are programmed to interact with their environment. 

What is Robotics?      

Robotics is the science of designing, constructing, and operating robots. Robots are used in a variety of industries, from manufacturing to healthcare. They are programmed to move and act a certain way to complete the task. 

Some robots are autonomous, meaning they can make decisions independently, while others are teleoperated, meaning a human operator controls them. 

Types of Robots

Robotics is a broad and diverse field, and many types of robots are used for various applications. Here is a brief overview of some of the most common industries that use robots: 

Industrial Robots 

These are independent robots. However, they are mostly a system of robots operating in an ecosystem of other robots designed to perform a specific task. Industrial robots are used in factories and manufacturing plants for welding, painting, and assembling parts. These activities aren’t complex and can be accomplished by following a fixed set of rules. They are typically programmed to perform repetitive tasks and are designed to be accurate and efficient. There are several kinds of industrial robots, including, 

• Articulated robots
• Cartesian coordinate robots
• Cylindrical-coordinate robots
• Spherical coordinate robots
• SCARA robots
• Delta robots
• Serial manipulators

Educational Robots

As the name suggests, educational robots are used in classrooms and labs across several schools and colleges. These robots teach students everything from the basics of a robot's work to more advanced concepts. They are often programmed to perform basic tasks and can be used to introduce young students to concepts of,

• Programming
• Electronics
• Mechanics

Military Robots 

Military robots are a relatively new field to adopt technology. They are designed to be autonomous or controlled by a human operator in a secure location, as they are often used in dangerous situations. These robots are used for various tasks, including 

• Surveillance
• Reconnaissance
• Bomb disposal

Space Robots

Space robots are designed to substitute human astronauts in space; they are used to explore, conduct experiments and study space. They are typically designed to be lightweight and durable and can operate in extreme environments. Rovers are the most used kind of space robot. Rovers are vehicles with robotic arms attached to them. They carry several onboard sensors and cameras to help them navigate their environment and record data.

Medical Robots

These robots come in various forms, from autonomous arms that assist surgeons with delicate procedures to the rapidly developing field of BCI robotic exoskeletons and prosthetics. Doctor-operated robots have pushed the limits of medicine in terms of what can be done without the need for harmful intrusive operations.

With gadgets like the daVinci system, risky operations can now be carried out with a small fraction of the usual risk.

Consumer Robots

These are designed for use in homes and offices. They are typically designed to be user-friendly and are often used for entertainment. Recently, consumer robotics and the internet of things have begun to combine with basic AI to create gadgets like Amazon Alexa and Google Home.  Examples of these kinds of robots include,

• Robotic vacuums
• Robotic mops
• Robotic toys 

Artificial Intelligence in Robotics

Robots were initially developed to replicate human behaviour, and advancements in computer science and Artificial intelligence (AI) have brought us close to this reality. Robots that behave and think more like people may be more adaptable and efficient in the workplace than human workers.

Benefits of Robotics

• Increased Productivity
• Robots can work faster and more efficiently than humans, allowing businesses to increase their output and productivity. 
• Reduced Costs
• Businesses can reduce labour costs and improve their bottom line by automating certain processes. 
• Improved Quality
• Robots can perform tasks more accurately and precisely than humans, producing higher-quality products and services. 
• Increased Safety
• By replacing humans in hazardous work environments, robots reduce or, in some cases, completely remove the risk of injury or death. 
• Increased Flexibility
• Robots can be built and programmed to perform various tasks, allowing businesses to adapt quickly to changing market conditions. 
• Increased Efficiency
• By eliminating manual labour, robots can help businesses streamline their operations and become more efficient. 

Conclusion

As robotics continues to evolve, staying informed on the latest advancements in robotics technology is important. To learn more about recent trends and technologies, check the blogs and courses offered by Skill-Lync. We offer courses such as the math behind machine learning and artificial intelligence using Python, machine learning fundamentals in depth etc. Book a free demo know more about the courses and opportunities we offer. So what are you waiting for? Start your learning journey today with Skill-Lync!