Robots
Robots on Earth
By Shelly Linger
The word “robot” brings to mind images of mechanical beings taking over the earth and destroying humanity. Truth is, the robots of today are nothing like the evil mechanical monsters of movies or books. Robots do not harm the human population. In actuality, robots are an aid in making life safer, healthier and more productive for humans.
Jobs such as welding and painting pose a hazard to human health. The fumes in the automobile and airplane factories can harm the human body. Even when precautions are taken, workers can suffer from lack of adequate ventilation. These robotic manipulators don’t need clean air or specific air temperature. This is an example of working side by side with robots to protect human life.
Yes, there are robots in space, but we are the ones taking them there. The R2 is a humanoid robot that was flown to the International Space Center in 2011. The R2 robot completes the dangerous tasks for the astronauts, thus protecting them from hazardous situations. The robot also performs mundane tasks on the space station. This frees up the astronaut’s time for more important responsibilities.
What happens when robots are used to boost human health? Just as contact lenses are used to enhance human sight, robotics is being used to increase human mobility. This is bringing hope to people who are paralyzed. Scientists are working to create an exoskeleton that attaches to the outside of the human body, yet make a connection to the human brain. Humans unable to move will have full mobility of their limbs. Neuroscientist Miguel Nicolelis has a dream. “We are working with the Brazilian government, who is helping fund the project. At the 2012 soccer World Cup celebrations we hope to have a Brazilian teenager with quadriplegia walk out and make the opening kick”.
For some people, the idea of robots continues to instill fear. Others feel the excitement of the future as the field of robotics grows. All evidence points to the
By Shelly Linger
The word “robot” brings to mind images of mechanical beings taking over the earth and destroying humanity. Truth is, the robots of today are nothing like the evil mechanical monsters of movies or books. Robots do not harm the human population. In actuality, robots are an aid in making life safer, healthier and more productive for humans.
Jobs such as welding and painting pose a hazard to human health. The fumes in the automobile and airplane factories can harm the human body. Even when precautions are taken, workers can suffer from lack of adequate ventilation. These robotic manipulators don’t need clean air or specific air temperature. This is an example of working side by side with robots to protect human life.
Yes, there are robots in space, but we are the ones taking them there. The R2 is a humanoid robot that was flown to the International Space Center in 2011. The R2 robot completes the dangerous tasks for the astronauts, thus protecting them from hazardous situations. The robot also performs mundane tasks on the space station. This frees up the astronaut’s time for more important responsibilities.
What happens when robots are used to boost human health? Just as contact lenses are used to enhance human sight, robotics is being used to increase human mobility. This is bringing hope to people who are paralyzed. Scientists are working to create an exoskeleton that attaches to the outside of the human body, yet make a connection to the human brain. Humans unable to move will have full mobility of their limbs. Neuroscientist Miguel Nicolelis has a dream. “We are working with the Brazilian government, who is helping fund the project. At the 2012 soccer World Cup celebrations we hope to have a Brazilian teenager with quadriplegia walk out and make the opening kick”.
For some people, the idea of robots continues to instill fear. Others feel the excitement of the future as the field of robotics grows. All evidence points to the