It is not uncommon to hear people speak about robots and artificial intelligence (AI). This is mostly due to the exponential success of companies in either creating or utilizing these technologies. As we approach 2022, many are beginning to get excited about what the future holds. Could this mean the beginning of something special? These intelligent machines may possibly replace humans in many ways, making them a mainstream possibility. But how will humans manage in a world with superior machines?
What are robots?
To many, robots are self-aware, battery-operated robots. In truth, robots function based on their own programming, or data. They can be classified as either autonomous or non-autonomous. In robotics, we classify the latter as robots that can sense their environment. An autonomous robot is controlled by its own programming and can navigate a given space without any external help. This typically takes the form of physical hardware, such as a jointed arm, or software, such as a processor. They can also be designed with their own programming to achieve a certain task without instructions. A non-autonomous robot is controlled by its environment and needs external help to function.
The State of Humanoid Robots
A few weeks ago, UBTECH Robotics, one of the most prominent companies involved in robotics and artificial intelligence announced WalkerX. It is the state-of-the-art version of a humanoid robot. It is apparent that the Walker X will set the benchmark for humanoid robots with upgrades that include improved physical interactions, robotic Intelligence, and improved human interactions. One can envision loads of mundane tasks being automated by humanoid robots in the future. Walker X does just that. It can serve tea, water flowers, clean surfaces and use a vacuum as well!
It has stunning advancements in actions such as climbing stairs, moving up and down hills, playing chess, massaging, intuitive navigation around obstacles, walking speeds, balance on uneven terrains. These are extremely useful for homeowners, or the vulnerable and elderly at home. Let’s go into the details of its upgrades.
Terrain traversing capabilities
It can now imitate walking with a human-like balance at 3km/h. Additionally, it can navigate, ascend, and descend on any type of terrain using advanced movement algorithms. The walker X can climb staircases with 15cm height per step, on all types of surfaces!
Anti-Disturbance and Balance Upgrades
The Walker X can withstand being swayed walking or standing with an upgraded balance control system that offers greater steadiness. Furthermore, Walker X can lift 10kg of weight or walk with 3kg on both hands. These great capabilities are due to the foot and self-balancing upgrades.
Enhanced hand-eye synchronization
Computer vision is enhanced by utilizing a quad stereo camera system and dual RGBD sensor technology for detecting objects to navigate its surroundings. Walker X leverages upgraded sensor and camera technology and a rugged robotic arm with 7DoF and 6DoF force control palms to assist with household chores such as using refrigerator and coffee machines.
How Intelligent Machines Will Change the World
While we have developed intricate processes to create robots, humans have been working on creating technology for thousands of years. Early man crafted primitive devices that could assist his survival, such as saws, crossbows, nets, harpoons, nets, and hammers. But robots have finally come into their own as man creates incredible, advanced technologies. We live in an age where robots are available for just about anyone to use, which would seem unimaginable in earlier generations. Look back 30 years, and you’ll see even the Roomba was not as accessible as it is now. Robots can be used in factories, warehouses, and even your own home. We can build and operate robots from software to more complex devices, with diverse levels of sophistication. This will transform the world especially in cities with aging populations who are in dire need of emotional care and physical assistance.
Conclusion
Robots and AI are both exceptionally intelligent in several ways. These technologies possess cognitive abilities as well as sensory processing and decision-making skills. These abilities enable these machines to mimic human behaviour, as well as drive these machines to create their own actions and motivations. From this point on, we will be interacting with and shaping our world as these advanced machines take charge. For now, we must focus on anticipating and learning how these machines behave and accept the eventual world of both humans and machines.
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