Why Does This Matter?
Robotic technology is becoming more advanced. Robots are now more intelligent and more human-like than they were before. Eventually, this technology may be useful enough to assist humans in different situations. It is still in development, but some robots are being used for these tasks today.
Search and Rescue
In recent years, robots have been developed to take on rugged terrain and obstacles. The technology is also being enhanced to predict actions and help robots decide what they should do in certain situations. These advances in technology will allow robots to be used in emergency rescue situations. Robots can go into dangerous environments that humans cannot endure. When it is too risky for a human to perform a rescue mission, a robot can go in their stead.
Atlas is a robot designed by Boston Dynamics to work in search and rescue. It has fine motor skills to operate equipment such as valves doorknobs. It utilizes two visions systems: a laser rangefinder, which determines how far away things are, and stereo cameras, which work similar to human vision and use two images to make a single, 3-D image. Atlas is able to maintain its balance on rough terrain and perform in conditions where humans could not survive.
Atlas is a robot designed by Boston Dynamics to work in search and rescue. It has fine motor skills to operate equipment such as valves doorknobs. It utilizes two visions systems: a laser rangefinder, which determines how far away things are, and stereo cameras, which work similar to human vision and use two images to make a single, 3-D image. Atlas is able to maintain its balance on rough terrain and perform in conditions where humans could not survive.
Pack Mules
Boston Dynamics has created two pack mule robots: BigDog and AlphaDog. BigDog is able to carry up to 340 pounds and AlphaDog can carry anywhere between 400 and 600 pounds depending on the shape of what it is carrying. BigDog uses the sensors from its onboard computer while AlphaDog uses infrared sensors. AlphaDog is able to perform leading operations and is currently in use by the US Marines.
Both robots utilize actuators, which contain position and force sensors. Each of these robots has the capability to accompany military soldiers in rough terrain. The purpose of the pack mule is to carry several hundred pounds of supplies to assist humans.
Both robots utilize actuators, which contain position and force sensors. Each of these robots has the capability to accompany military soldiers in rough terrain. The purpose of the pack mule is to carry several hundred pounds of supplies to assist humans.
Testing Purposes
Since robots can survive conditions that humans cannot survive, robots are great tools for testing purposes. Boston Dynamics created the robot PETMAN (short for Protection Ensemble Test Mannequin) to utilize for testing purposes. PETMAN is used to test chemical protection clothing. PETMAN is a bipedal robot that mimics the natural movement and conditions of a human. It can do squats and other movements that stretch the fabric to measure its strength. PETMAN is also capable of simulating sweat, which is useful in testing the durability of the fabric.
Assisted Living
Since robots have been enhanced to have more finely tuned motor skills and better interaction with humans, they now have the capability to aid the elderly and the disabled within their homes. They can be a companion and a constant supervisor for those who need assistance with their daily chores and routines around the house. Robotic assistants like these may eventually be necessary with the growing elderly population. By 2030, the percentage of the population over 65 years of age in the US is expected to jump from 13% (in 2010) to around 20%.