How are innovations in robotics changing the way we perceive the world?

There is no denying that the 21st century has brought phenomenal innovations and breakthroughs. From the rise and proliferation of smartphones to the unprecedented development of AI, machine learning, robotics and autonomous technology, the last few years have introduced remarkable new products and innovations that are making our lives easier and healthier as well. Robotics has come out from fictional movies to the real-world scenario, performing intricate tasks and changing the world we live in. Recent innovations in robotics have provided several ways where robots can be incorporated into human life.

Robotic adoption will likely be a critical determinant of business productivity. Robots have the potential to reshape the way businesses are done and are intended to bring more automation capabilities to the enterprise. Here is the list of the top 10 gaming-changing innovations in robotics to watch out for in 2021.

Multi-Tasking Robots

Modern robotic technology has found its way into every industry, carrying out multiple human tasks with precision. Ross Robotics, for instance, has built a new generation of adaptable, robust and cost-effective unmanned ground vehicles that can easily perform any number of tasks. Its multi-purpose UGVs can replace people in areas where it is too hazardous to work.

Humanoid Robots

Humanoid robots are the relatively new form of professional service robots developed to mimic human motion and interaction. These robots' applications range from research and space exploration to personal assistance and caregiving, education and entertainment, manufacturing and maintenance, healthcare, etc. Its market is predicted to be valued at US$3.9 billion in 2023.

Saul Robot

Saul Robot is designed to help fight the Ebola virus by shooting powerful pulses of highly energetic ultraviolet rays that melt the virus into useless fragments of genetic material. When the effective treatments of this virus were scarce, the Air Force used this robotic machine to eliminate the virus in rooms where quarantine procedures were conducted on aid workers.

Paro

It is a therapeutic robot developed by Dr. Takanori Shibata of Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology. Paro uses AI-powered software that changes its behaviors based on an array of sensors that monitor sound, light, temperature and touch. This robot is intended to help lower stress levels and expedite interaction between caregivers and patients.

Hadrian X

Hadrian X is a construction robot that handles the automatic loading, cutting, routing and placement of all bricks. Developed by Australian robotic company Fastbrick Robotics, the robot uses FBR's Dynamic Stabilisation technology, which adapts to environmental factors in real-time enabling precision robotics in large-scale outdoor applications.

Ocean Robot

The ocean is an integral part of our lives and we don’t know what does it carry in underneath. However, the advent of high-tech ocean robots is making it possible to explore the deep ocean. For instance, Eelume, a Norwegian company spun off of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, has developed a high-tech sea robot, dubbed the Eelume EELY500. It is designed to perform underwater inspections and maintenance tasks in industrial settings.

Pepper

Pepper is a semi-humanoid robot that adapts its attitude by perceiving the mood of humans around it. Developed by SoftBank Robotics, the robot senses emotional states like sadness, surprise, joy and anger while responding naturally and appropriately. Pepper uses multi-directional microphones to detect sounds.

Robotic Vacuum Cleaner

Robotic vacuum cleaners are intelligent programming systems for floor cleaning. They are more convenient to use as they can vacuum on their own. Such robotic vacuums can be kept under beds or desks or in closets, whereas a regular vacuum cleaner requires a larger amount of space. iRobot's Roomba, for instance, is the smartest and more powerful robot vacuum. 

Asus Zenbo

Asus Zenbo, a low-cost robot, is capable of rolling around autonomously and understands verbal commands. It is designed to help individuals remember daily tasks, such as exercise and medication schedules as well as doctor's appointments. This robot can also monitor the surroundings to detect any emergencies while connecting to smart home components such as security cameras, lights, door locks, etc.

Delivery Robot

Last-mile delivery services with efficiency have become crucial for vendors to stay competitive in today's crowded market. Robotic delivery services promise massive opportunities to companies in service delivery. For instance, Venezia’s New York Style Pizza in Phoenix, Arizona uses Starship Technologies' delivery robot to deliver pies. Amazon's Scout vehicle is another delivery robot delivering goods to customers by driving itself along the sidewalk and opening up when it reaches their front door.