Robotics

Robotics

Definition

Robotics is a highly integrated subject area that includes computer science, electrical engineering and mechanical engineering. Robotics connects the physical world with information technology and systems, deals with planning, development, operation, control and use of robots and computer systems, networking and data processing. Sensors, actuators and data processing are the basis for an interactive unit - robots. 

Since their first use in 1961 at General Motors for the acceptance of injection molded parts and in 1973 at VW in Wolfsburg for the production of the VW Passat, robots have played an increasingly important role in recent decades, including in industry. 

Use of robots

Their use has expanded rapidly into various fields - from service, education, trade and industry.
According to statistics from the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), the use of industrial robots is growing worldwide by an average of 18% annually (since 2015). The figures for the forecast in 2020 and 2021 are likely to be revised upwards. A "Handelsblatt" report shows that "laboratory and disinfection robots are in demand in the fight against the corona pandemic". While industrial robots become more and more important in Asia, educational robots are currently going into millions of Chinese families as "learning partners" and conquering the hearts of children and parents.

 

Annual worldwide installation of industrial robots (per 1000 units)

Type and application area of robotics

  • Collaborative robots or Cobos are compact, flexible robots that are used hand in hand with humans in the production process instead of being separated from humans by protective devices.
  • Industrial robots refer to programmable machines that are used for handling, assembling or processing workpieces. They consist of robot arms, grippers, sensors and control systems.
  • Autonomous transport systems/AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) are driverless transport systems with their own drive, which are automatically controlled and guided without contact. They are typically used in workshops and logistics centers to automatically transport material from A to B.
  • Service robots are machines that provide services in private or public sectors.
  • Humanoid robots are designed to resemble the human being.

Artificial intelligence (AI)

A further and important subfield of artificial intelligence is increasingly coming into focus, which is the basis for the development of humanoid robots. The definition of artificial intelligence is not uniform. "Artificial intelligence refers to intelligent units of action that make decisions appropriate to their environment and goals." (C. Bartneck etc., 2019). Essentially, the view prevails that AI cannot be "programmed", but is the result of a learning process. Opinions on AI are very controversial. All legal frameworks and ethics still need to be defined.

 

 

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