Types and Applications of Robotics
Types and Applications of Robotics
1. Robotics
Robotics is the field of study focused on the design, development, and programming of
physical robots that can interact with the real world and automate tasks.
Robots can have different levels of autonomy, ranging from human-controlled systems to
fully autonomous robots that perform tasks independently without external control.
2) Types of Robots
I- Types of Robots based on their capability to perform particular tasks.
1. Pre-Programmed Robots: These robots operate in a controlled environment where they perform
simple, repetitive tasks.
2. Humanoid Robots: Humanoid robots look like or mimic human behavior and usually perform
human-like activities such as walking and carrying objects.
3. Autonomous Robots: Autonomous robots operate independently of human operators and are
designed to perform tasks in open environments without human supervision.
4. Cobots (Collaborative Robots): A cobot is programmed to perform a specific task, such as picking
up an object and placing it elsewhere. This is done using a specialized computer vision program,
often based on template matching.
i. Independent Robots: Independent robots perform their work autonomously and do not require
human operator control. Therefore, they need to be intensely programmed. Such robots are deployed
to replace humans in performing dangerous, repetitive, or otherwise impossible tasks such as bomb
diffusion, deep-sea exploration, and factory automation.
ii. Dependent Robots: Dependent robots are non-autonomous robots that interact with humans to
perform actions. Humans guide these robots to enhance and supplement their existing abilities.
iii. Bots (Software Robots): Bots, also known as software robots, exist only on the Internet and
originate within a computer. Hence, they cannot be considered robots because robots have a
physical form such as a body or chassis.
iv. Chatbots: -A chatbot is a computer program that simulates conversation online or over the
phone and is commonly used in customer service.
[Link] of a Robot
Robots are created to perform a variety of tasks and provide solutions to a wide range of problems.
To do this, they require a set of specialized components, which are explained below.
i. Control System: The control system acts as the CPU of the robot and directs the robot’s tasks at
a high level. It performs all computations and decides how the robot should use its components,
similar to how the human brain sends signals to different body parts to complete a task.
ii. Sensors: Sensors are devices that detect events or changes in the environment and send data to
the computer processor. They are equipped with electronic components that generate electrical
signals, allowing the robot to interact with its surroundings.
iii. Actuators: Actuators are the motor components that facilitate a robot’s movement. They receive
signals from the control system and work together to perform the required motion to complete a
task. Actuators are usually made of metal or elastic materials.
iv. Power Supply: Robots require a power supply to operate, similar to how humans need food to
perform work. The power supply converts electrical current to power the robot’s load. Stationary
factory robots usually operate on AC power, while mobile robots use internal batteries.
v. End Effectors: End effectors are the physical, external, components of a robot that help it
complete specific tasks. Examples include interchangeable tools such as paint sprayers, gripping
claws, or robotic hands used for activities like delivery, packing, and bomb diffusion.
1. Computer Vision: Computer Vision is an important domain of artificial intelligence that extracts
useful information from images, videos, and other visual inputs to perform appropriate actions.
2. Natural Language Processing (NLP): Natural Language Processing is used to give voice
commands to AI robots, enabling strong human–robot interaction helps robots understand and
reproduce human language. In addition to recognizing language, robots can learn accents and
predict how humans speak.
3. Edge Computing: Edge computing in robotics helps in robot integration, testing, design, and
simulation.
It provides better data management, lower connectivity costs, improved security practices, and more
reliable and uninterrupted connections.
Complex Event Process (CEP): An event occurs when there is a change in state. When multiple
events combine, they form a complex event.
Complex Event Processing (CEP) is understanding and processing multiple events in real
time.
For example, the deployment of an airbag in a car is a complex event based on real-time data
from multiple sensors.
4. Transfer Learning and AI: Transfer learning solves a new problem using knowledge gained from an
already solved, related problem. For example, a model trained to recognize a square shape can also
be used to identify a circular shape.
[Link] of Robotics
Robots are used in the following areas:
i. Manufacturing Industry: The manufacturing industry is among the earliest users of robots.
Robots and co-bots are used to test and assemble products such as cars and industrial
machinery efficiently.
ii. Logistics Industry: Logistics companies use robots in warehouses for shipping, handling
goods, and ensuring quality control. Robots pick items from shelves, transport them across
warehouse floors, package them, and are also used for last-mile delivery.
iii. Automotive Industry: Self-driving cars are developed by integrating data science with
robotics. Companies such as Tesla, Ford, Waymo, Volkswagen, and BMW are working on
autonomous vehicles. Uber and Lyft are also developing self-driving ride-sharing vehicles.
iv. Healthcare Industry: The healthcare industry uses robots to perform complex surgeries and
deliver medicines, medical supplies, and clean linens.
v. Space Exploration: Space agencies like NASA use robots in multiple ways. Robotic arms on
spacecraft move large objects in space. Robotic spacecraft explore other worlds such as the
Moon and Mars.
Drones Using AI
Drone also known as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) refers to any unpiloted aircraft
that operates using a combination of technologies such as computer vision, artificial
intelligence, object avoidance technology, and others.
Drones can range in size from as large as an aircraft to as small as the palm of a hand.
With drones becoming readily accessible, they are increasingly being used for dangerous and
high-paying jobs.
i. Emergency Response
Drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras are used by emergency response teams to
identify victims who are difficult to detect with the naked eye.
ii. Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief
During natural disasters, drones are used to assess damage, locate victims, and deliver
aid. They are also used to prevent disasters.
iii. Surveillance
Drones fitted with thermal imaging cameras monitor and combat forest fires by detecting
abnormal temperature variations and identifying fires at early stages.
iv. Conservation
Drones are used for geospatial imaging to monitor wildlife, track animals, and protect
ecosystems affected by poaching and climate change.
v. Disease Control
Drones capture and test mosquitoes to detect infectious diseases and help prevent
epidemics. They are also used to deliver medicines and medical equipment in remote
areas.
vi. Bomb Detection
Small-sized drones with cameras can enter confined spaces to detect live bombs and save
lives.
vii. Air Strikes
Drones are used in military operations to conduct air strikes. They can fly over suspected
areas under the control of defense personnel. Their use raises moral and ethical concerns.
[Link]-Code AI
No-code tools allows users to build applications and systems without writing long and complex
program codes. Applications are designed using visual interfaces and guided user actions.
Examples of Applications that can be built entirely using no-code tools include:
Many businesses struggle to implement AI to its full potential as it is often considered a task
meant only for core engineers. In such cases, no-code AI tools are useful due to the following
reasons:
i. Computer Vision: Enables machines to extract information from images, videos, PDFs,
and other visual data and take actions accordingly.
ii. Natural Language Processing (NLP):Allows machines to understand and process spoken
and written language, such as text messages.
iii. Predictive Analytics: Involves predictive modelling using structured data, such as churn
prediction, forecasting, and stock prices.
Advantages of No-Code AI
8 Low-Code AI
The key differences between traditional and low-code development are shown in Table 1.4.
8.1 Low-Code vs No-Code AI Development
Low-code AI platforms support rapid development, testing, and scaling of applications. They are
used by different types of users for various purposes.
Despite their advantages, low-code and no-code AI platforms have certain limitations:
Security Some platforms may lack robust access control mechanisms, leading to
potential security risks.
Lack of These platforms offer limited flexibility as they are designed for specific
Customization problem domains.
Requires Even though the platforms are user-friendly, training and expert guidance are
Consultation often required.
or Training
Lack of Trust Traditional ML platforms offer broader library support compared to low-
code/no-code platforms
Lock- High switching costs make users dependent on specific vendors.
In
Strateg
y
Limitations Certain parameters cannot be modified in some platforms.
on
Personalizatio
n
Data Data processing still requires the expertise of data scientists and engineers.
Management
Scalability Building scalable solutions for complex problems remains a challenge
ChatGPT (Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer)
ChatGPT is a language-generation software developed by OpenAI that can converse with
users, answer follow-up questions, reject inappropriate requests, and acknowledge
mistakes. It is trained on large amounts of text data using NLP techniques.
ChatGPT uses reinforcement learning with human feedback, where responses are ranked
by humans to train a reward model. This model is further refined to improve accuracy
and relevance.
ChatGPT can generate essays, mathematical solutions, stories, debug code, and respond
to diverse writing tasks. It has the potential to influence how search engines operate by
providing direct answers to complex queries.
Limitations of ChatGPT
[Link] are not new and have faced issues such as biased and harmful outputs.
[Link] systems are not perfect.
[Link] reflect biases present in training data.
[Link] may be nonsensical or inconsistent.
[Link] questions may produce different answers.
[Link] of repetitive phrases.
[Link] of clarifying questions for ambiguous inputs.
[Link] biased or harmful responses.
[Link] creativity compared to human-authored works.
9. Industrial Applications of AI
1) Application of AI in Healthcare
In recent years, the healthcare sector has widely adopted Artificial Intelligence (AI), leading to
an era of innovation and improved efficiency. The integration of AI into healthcare practices, as
shown in Fig. 3.2, is transforming how medical professionals diagnose, treat, and manage
diseases, with a strong focus on improving patient outcomes.
i. Data Privacy and Security: Protection of sensitive patient data against breaches and
unauthorized access.
ii. Ethical Considerations: Addressing bias in AI algorithms to ensure fair and accurate
healthcare delivery.
iii. Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring compliance with healthcare standards and data
protection laws such as GDPR.
iv. Interoperability: Lack of standardized data-exchange protocols limits effective system
integration.
2) Application of AI in Finance
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has significantly transformed the finance sector by streamlining
operations, enhancing decision-making, and improving customer [Link] applications
include algorithmic trading, risk management, customer service, and regulatory compliance.
i. Chatbots
AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants provide personalized support, using natural language
processing (NLP) to automate customer interactions.
ii. Robo-advisors
AI-enabled robo-advisors, provide tailored investment advice, portfolio management, and
financial planning by analysing customer data and preferences.
3) Application of AI in Retail
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has transformed the retail industry by enhancing operational
efficiency and improving customer experiences. Retailers leverage AI for demand forecasting,
inventory management, personalization, and supply chain optimization. AI-powered
recommendation engines analyze customer behavior to provide tailored product suggestions,
while visual search and virtual try-on experiences improve product discovery and engagement
AI also supports dynamic pricing, fraud detection, and smart store layouts, enabling retailers to
respond quickly to market fluctuations and customer needs. Customer engagement is enhanced
through AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants, providing instant support for order tracking
and inquiries.
i. Personalized Recommendations
ii. Visual Search and Virtual Try-On
iii. Customer Insights and Analytics
Despite its benefits, AI implementation in retail presents challenges that must be addressed
strategically:
i. Privacy Concerns: AI applications require customer data, raising concerns over data
privacy. Retailers must balance personalization with ethical data usage.
ii. Customer Acceptance: Some customers may hesitate to interact with AI-driven systems,
particularly for tasks traditionally handled by humans. Building trust is essential.
iii. Regulatory Compliance: Compliance with evolving data protection laws, such as
GDPR, requires careful planning and responsible AI deployment.
4) Application of AI in Agriculture
The application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in agriculture has ushered in a new era of
innovation, transforming traditional farming practices and addressing long-standing challenges.
By integrating machine learning, computer vision, and IoT technologies, AI has enabled
precision agriculture, allowing farmers to make data-driven decisions for optimal crop
management.
i. Limited Connectivity in Rural Areas: Poor internet infrastructure can hinder real-time
data transmission and AI functionality.
ii. Energy Infrastructure Constraints: Consistent access to electricity and resources is
essential for AI systems to operate effectively.
iii. Trust and Acceptance: Farmers may be hesitant to rely on AI insights due to perceived
gaps between traditional knowledge and AI recommendations.
iv. Weather Dependency: Variability in weather patterns can affect the reliability of AI
predictions and recommendations.
v. Dependency on Tech Companies: Over-reliance on technology providers could create
vulnerabilities if services are disrupted or altered.
5) Application of AI in Education
i. Ethical Concerns
AI involves collecting and analyzing student data, raising privacy issues. Systems must
comply with data protection regulations, and algorithms should be monitored to prevent
bias in grading or decision-making.
ii. Teacher Training and Acceptance
Teachers may resist adopting AI due to concerns about job displacement or reduced
autonomy. Effective integration requires training and demonstrating AI’s benefits for
teaching and learning.
iii. Equity and Access
AI tools should be accessible to all students. The digital divide can exacerbate
educational disparities if technology and internet access are uneven.
iv. Pedagogical Effectiveness
Research is needed to ensure AI enhances learning outcomes without replacing essential
human elements in education.
v. Regulatory and Policy Frameworks
Standardized regulations and policies are necessary to ensure consistent and responsible
AI adoption in education. Inconsistent frameworks could hinder effective
implementation.
6 Application of AI in Transportation
i. Traffic Prediction: AI algorithms analyses historical and real-time traffic data to forecast
patterns accurately. This information optimizes signal timings, reroutes vehicles, and
alleviates congestion.
ii. Smart Infrastructure: AI integrates with roads, bridges, and tunnels to enhance safety
and efficiency. Features such as smart road signs, adaptive speed limits, automated toll
collection, and AI- powered traffic lights dynamically adjusting signals improve traffic
flow and reduce waiting times.
iii. Route Optimization: AI algorithms optimize transportation routes by analyzing
factors such as passenger demand and traffic conditions. This reduces travel time
and improves efficiency for commuters.
[Link] Monitoring: AI-driven systems monitor driver behavior using cameras and
sensors to detect fatigue, distraction, aggression, or impairment. Eye-tracking and ADAS
technologies provide real-time alerts for unsafe behavior.
[Link] in Particle Physics: By integrating AI, CERN enhances the operation of its
sophisticated scientific infrastructure, accelerating discoveries in particle physics.
8. AI in Environmental Science
Question Bank
1) Define Robotics. Differentiate between Robotics and AI
2) Describe the different types of robot based on their capability to perform particular task and
degree of human control
3) Describe the different components of a Robot
4) Describe the AI technologies used in Robots
5) Describe the industry wide applications of Robots
6) What is a drone? Describe any 10 applications drones using AI
7) What is no cod AI? Why it should be used? Describe the Technologies used in No-Code Tools
8) What is low code AI? Differentiate between Traditional and Low-Code development
9) Who uses low-code development? Give the disadvantages of Low-Code/No-Code Platforms.
10) Describe the application of AI in Healthcare.
11) Describe the application of AI in Finance ---or—
Explain Credit Scoring, Underwriting, Fraud Detection, Compliance and Regulatory Risk with
respect to application of AI in Financial Risk Management.
12) Describe the application of AI in retail –or—Explain AI based customer service
13) Describe the application of AI in Agriculture and Education
14) Describe the application of AI in Transportation. ----or---
Explain the application of AI in traffic Management and optimization
15) Describe the challenges of AI in Healthcare, Finance, Retail, Agriculture,
Education and Transportation.
16) Describe the use of AI in Environmental Science