What do you think of when you think of robots?
Do you picture the uptight, golden protocol droid C3P0 from Star Wars? Or do you see something a lot more human looking, like Data from Star Trek or 6 from Battlestar Galactica?
In 2019, robots aren’t just science fiction. They are a reality that is shaping our world and transforming life as we know it.
Read on to discover what the future of robotics has in store!
1. Robots in the Workforce
We are going to see a rise in automation across all types of jobs in the workforce. We already use robots in many areas of manufacturing; from automotive assembly robots, to glazing robots, to automated warehouse systems.
Robots will have a place in other industries too. From tax preparation to insurance underwriting, robots will be able to perform menial and predictable tasks more quickly than human beings.
We already see robots aiding humans in applications where their specific design works better overall. Microbots are used in search and rescue for emergency responders in places that are too dangerous or small for humans. They can cover a lot of ground at once with swarms of these small bots.
Exoskeletons can be used to augment a person’s physical strength. Allowing fewer workers to get more done on construction sites. They can also be used medically for people with disabilities or those in physical rehab.
This shift in society may cause some alarm that robots will take over all jobs, leaving us with nothing to do and no way to make money. But like the advent of any technology, jobs are not disappearing they are merely changing. Robots and AI will replace menial tasks freeing up humans to focus on more on areas of the job that require logic and reasoning.
2. Robots At Home
“Alexa, turn the thermostat up.”
Home automation is already a reality. Artificial intelligence and smart home technology are only expected to advance. We already have robots that can vacuum or homes for us, robots that can mow the lawn, rake the leaves, and remove snow won’t be far behind.
We even have robots that can cook you dinner. As technology continues to advance, we can only imagine the possibilities of what robots will be able to do in our homes. What do know is that the goal of robots in the home will be to free up time for us to spend on things we enjoy, and time with our families.
3. Robots on the Move
Automated transportation is already rolling out. (See what we did there?)
Self-driving cars are a reality and we can expect them to become increasingly self-sufficient and safe. The fascinating thing about self-driving cars is the way it is possible to improve the efficiency of our roads.
With human drivers, when the light turns green, it takes a small amount of time for the human driver to react to the light changing and go. The car behind them then reacts to that car moving… All those millisecond reactions add up. Networked self-driving cars can all begin moving at the exact same time, eliminating a lot of traffic downtime.
We won’t just see automation in personal vehicles though. The freight and shipping industry has much to gain from automated trucking and railroads. Public transportation will also become increasingly automated.
We stand to benefit from this greatly. Almost 1.25 million people die in car related crashes yearly. Automation has the potential of eliminating human error, keeping us all safer on the roads.
The Future of Robotics: A Better Life
The goal for the future of robotics is to improve our lives and give us more time to focus on what matters. Just like the industrial revolution, we are now in a technological revolution. Life as we know it will change rapidly over the next decade, so don’t be surprised when the Johnsonbots move in next door!
If you enjoyed this article on robot technology, check out some of our other great technology articles!