Transcript Robots - Robotics

Robots
What is a robot?
• A dictionary defines "robot" as a mechanical device
that sometimes resembles a human, and is capable of
performing a variety of often-complex human tasks on
command, or by being programmed in advance.
• Also, a machine used to perform jobs automatically,
which is controlled by a computer.
• Or, a machine capable of carrying out a complex
series of actions automatically, especially one
programmable by a computer.
Robot, which is derived from a Czech word meaning "menial
labor," got its modern meaning from a 1920 play, R.U.R.
(Rossum's Universal Robots), by Czech playwright Karel
Capek (1890-1938). The robots in Capek's play develop
emotions and overthrow their human masters. A sinister
"power struggle" with robots has long been a popular theme
in science fiction.
– Today, robots are used in many ways, from lawn mowing
to auto manufacturing. Scientists see practical uses for
robots in performing socially undesirable, hazardous or
even "impossible" tasks --- trash collection, toxic waste
clean-up, desert and space exploration, and more. Think
the Three D’s: Dull, Dirty, and Dangerous!
Asimov’s Laws of Robotics or How do
we keep them from taking over!
• Three Laws of Robotics Asimov also proposed his three "Laws
of Robotics", and he later added a 'zeroth law'.
Law Zero: A robot may not injure humanity, or, through
inaction, allow humanity to come to harm.
Law One: A robot may not injure a human being, or, through
inaction, allow a human being to come to harm, unless this
would violate a higher order law.
Law Two: A robot must obey orders given it by human beings,
except where such orders would conflict with a higher order
law.
Law Three: A robot must protect its own existence as long as
such protection does not conflict with a higher order law.
R2D2 and C3PO and Wall-E: Fictional, but
possible? What do they do?
Huey and Louie
Hero or Villain? If they can think for themselves,
will they become too dangerous? Or will they save
us from ourselves?
Mini sensor robot- How does it
resemble something in nature?
Robot Uses: Those three Ds
• Industrial robots are consistent and
accurate and do not get tired.
• Medical robots can stop within a
human hair’s width of accuracy.
• Exploratory and military robots
(drones) keep humans out of
dangerous areas.
• Entertainment robots are friends,
toys, or clean the house so we can
play.
• Domestic robots mow the lawn,
clean up, etc.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is arguably the most exciting
field in robotics. It's certainly the most controversial:
Everybody agrees that a robot can work in an assembly
line, but there's no consensus on whether a robot can ever
be intelligent.
Like the term "robot" itself, artificial intelligence is hard to
define. Ultimate AI would be a recreation of the human
thought process -- a man-made machine with our
intellectual abilities. This would include the ability to learn
just about anything, the ability to reason, the ability to use
language and the ability to formulate original ideas.
Can robots ever be
human?
Should a robot be
compensated for its
work?
Does a robot have rights?
Is there such a thing as
robot abuse?
Can a robot be charged
with a crime?
If a robot hurts someone,
is that a crime, or a
malfunction?
What they can do
• Computers can already solve problems in limited
realms. First, the AI robot or computer gathers facts
through sensors or human input. The computer
compares this information to stored data and decides
what it means. The computer runs through various
possible actions and predicts which action will be most
successful based on the collected information. Of
course, the computer can only solve problems it's
programmed to solve -- it doesn't have any generalized
analytical ability. Chess computers are one example of
this sort of machine.
1. A robot is artificial. It has been
manufactured and does not occur
naturally.
2. It is controlled by a computer of some
description. This could be a small
microcontroller, or a full sized machine.
3. It can sense the surrounding
Lego Man!
environment.
4. It can perform actions and
movements.
Robots have generally
agreed upon elements like
the ones listed above.
An army for industry
A new kind of “friend”- Can we have robot nannies or robot
teachers?
"I'm sorry, Dave, I'm afraid I can't
do that."
-- HAL 9000, 2001: A Space Odyssey
• Movies have often
shown the darker
side of robots and
robotics. Are humans
likely to become
obsolete in some
areas?
http://www.emeraldinsight.com/fig/0
330240205001.png
• Smart House Technology currently being
developed will give our houses even more
capabilities!
Smart House
Technology
• On the shores of Lake Washington Bill Gates lives in a $113
million smart house where automation controls everything
from lighting to security.
• Today smart house technology begins with PC based starter
kits that now sell for less than $500. A smart house relies on
networking, programming and automation to move many of
our home's functions to a cyber autonomic nervous system.
• As just one example, you could push a movie button on a
touch pad which would dim your lights, close the drapes, turn
on the popcorn maker, check for soda in the fridge, put your
phone on voice mail, adjust heating or air conditioning in
unused parts of your home for the duration of the DVD, and
then turn on your home theater system. If your children use
this function on their own, you could also check the ratings of
the DVD’s they watch.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0
UVKBhKPPuc