Growing Numbers of Humanoid Robots
Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), has designed a female space-faring humanoid robot - ‘VyomMitra’, which has been attracting the attention of many. On January 22 2020, during the Human Spaceflight and Exploration symposium in Bengaluru, this half-humanoid had introduced herself saying “Hi! I am VyomMitra, a half-humanoid!”
VyomMitra is thought to be a breakthrough in the field of humanoid robots. ISRO plans to send the humanoid to space as part of the test flights ahead of India's first manned mission ‘GaganYaan’. It operates almost in the same manner as humans do, in space. It provides information to the astronauts on life support and oxygen operations. US space agency NASA has come up with a 300-pound humanoid robot ready to be launched for conducting research on the planet Mars. It consists of multiple lateral cameras that can continuously monitor the surrounding environment, 3-D stereos and video capturing cameras. Globally, scientists have been working with double enthusiasm on the manufacture of humanoid robots which is mainly due to the worldwide increased utilisation of the humanoids.
Read: ISRO to send humanoid Vyommitra into space first
A Step towards a New World
Humanoids are robots that mimic human form in terms of being moulded and also act like ordinary humans by interacting and sharing opinions. Some of these types of robots can also recall previous conversations, claiming that they can memorise too, just like us humans! Scientists have worked hard to create humanoid robots that can also express emotions. The Humanoid Robot – ‘Sofia’ developed by the Hong Kong Company can express 50 different kinds of feelings. It can further detect faces and sights. It can also imitate human gestures. It is also possible for Sofia to have a little conversation with humans, just like any other human.
Four years ago, China created the first humanoid robot which resembled a beautiful woman. Its name is ‘Zia’! This robot can tell what the weather is like. The robot was designed with all due care when it comes to eye movements and lip synchronization. Research in the field of ‘Artificial Intelligence’ is gaining momentum. As a result, qualitative changes in the design of robots are underway. In China, there are widespread use of robots in restaurants, nursing homes, hospitals and homes. The US, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Britain and Singapore are all active in making robots. Some countries have a special budget too, for ‘Artificial Intelligence’.
Japanese scientists designed the first Android robot that could read the news in the year 2014. This robot was manufactured to the likeness of the wife of the famous author and entrepreneur, Martin Rothblatt, under his direction and was named – ‘Bina48’. It has appeared on numerous TV shows, including the National Geographic Channel.
Read: Tech Mahindra introduces Artificial Intelligence-based Humanoid in Noida
Studies show that by 2025, half of the work undertaken by workers is going to be robotics. This is due to the increase in capacity and the steady decline in manufacturing costs. The use of robots in computers, electronic products, electrical appliances, home appliances and transportation equipment is increasing by the day. This is expected to affect the services sector more than anything else. The consumption of humanoid robots, which has been 2.96 crore units in the year 2016, is now projected to grow to 26.43 billion units by the year 2026 (Berg Insight Report). In the year 2018, the size of the robotic industry in the global market was around $ 3,801 billion, and by the year 2023, it is projected to reach $ 6,400 billion, as per the BCC research firm estimates. The usage of robots is high in the German industry. In Germany, there is an average usage of around 309 robots for every 10,000 employees. That is a lot more compared to the rest of the world in the present scenario.
Robot services are used in places that are difficult for human access. The 'Walk Man' was created by the Italian Institute of Technology. This robot was first designed in 2015 and has since been upgraded with additional technical features. It was designed to be six feet high and weigh 102 kg. It can serve for up to two hours with a kilowatt battery. In the event of accidents such as gas leakage in a house, it can automatically open room doors and enter the interiors of the house. It can also detect the source of the leakage and close the corresponding valve. It can also eliminate the ruins post such accidents. Robot services are also used in engineering activities. Joint Robotics Laboratory and Airbus Group have jointly conducted research for four years. Robots are being used as a substitute for workers in the manufacturing of aircraft and other activities that pose danger to humans.
Robots Everywhere…
Robot types such as HRP2 and HRP4 built by the Joint Robotics Laboratory, can actually climb ladders and reach tall heights. Scientists at Columbia University have worked on aligned ligaments that resemble human muscles, allowing the robots to move their limbs freely. They are equipped with 'synthetic muscles' that enable them to carry a thousand times of their weight, move and flex the body with ease. Robots support the elderly, toddlers, and those who need help in daily care. Robots can also help the kids with learning disabilities, through helping them in speaking clearly. They play a supporting role in the medical field too. The role of robots in the security sector is also quite significant. Control and detection of crime is made possible by artificial intelligence. It is possible to sense the movements of suspicious persons. They are also used in agriculture and food preparation.
Humanoid robots are expected to become part of the family in the same way as pets, such as dogs and cats. Experts predict that robots are no longer a viable option in human life. Robots are usually programmed first. They can only carry out their assigned responsibilities. They lack the power to make decisions independently. Lack of self-efficacy, lack of power supply on their own, and battery control can also limit their performance. As efforts are on to use these humanoid robots as development vectors, there is no doubt that they shall become effective tools for the economic growth of any country!!
Read: First humanoid robot 'Palki' serves delicacies at Guwahati eatery
