What do you think of when you think about ‘robots’? If you think they are only the stuff of space movies and science fiction novels, then think again. Robots are the largest growing technological devices …show more content…
Like a puppy AIBO is initially clumsy and with time and training develops skills and unique behaviour patterns. Robots achieve their functions and tasks through sophisticated programming and designing. Many robots are controlled by computers, or work in partnership with computers. Light sensors are used to allow the robots to ‘see’. Robots that find and remove imperfect products from a conveyor belt need to be able to resolve complex, changing images quickly. In these situations , the image from a camera ‘eye’ must be analysed by a computer program. Most robotic ‘brains’ are rule based, often a single chip that functions as a computer called a microcomputer. Robots are incredibly useful and have many advantages. For example they perform dangerous tasks preventing humans from being harmed, help scientists to learn about space and the solar system, help surgeons perform to the best of their ability and in some cases are more environmentally friendly, eg Robomower. But despite all the advantages there is always a negative side and robots still have many disadvantages. With the increasing popularity of robots in the workforce there is less and less need for human workers and therefore a lot of people without jobs and less employment …show more content…
Although robots are very sophisticated and capable of great things they are lacking one vital thing that makes them second to humans; independent thinking and intuition. If something goes wrong, or something happens that the robot isn’t programmed to handle , the situation could become dangerous and products or property could be damaged. Also with all the technological advances and many different uses for robots there is the danger that society could become too obsessed with technology, become lazy and not be able to do anything without the assistance of a robot. An example of robots gone to far is the show, in the UK called ‘Robot Wars”; where contestants build their own robots and battle them against other peoples robots, while a live audience cheers them on. Robots can be made to look like whatever the designer intended and to suit the purpose and the function of the robot. The robotic dolls are designed to look just like a real baby, whereas the robotic dog looks more like a robot than a dog. Roomba and Robomover are used in and around the house so the aesthetic appearance is important. They are small to take up minimal space and look just like a