Hobbies And Interests
Industrial Robots
Industrial robots are used to automate some tasks, especially on production lines where repetitive work needs to be done fast and accurately. Examples include auto manufacture and "pick-and-place" work such as assembling circuit boards for the electronic and computer industry. Robots can operate 24 hours a day and can be accurate to within thousandths of an inch. As well as speed, endurance and accuracy, industrial robots have the advantage of being able to work on tasks and in environments that would be dangerous for a human being.
Military Robots
Military robots are often mobile. Robots are used for tasks and situations where it would be unnecessarily dangerous for a human to go, such as underwater mine-sweeping, bomb disposal or operations in areas that are contaminated with biological hazards or radiation. Unmanned drones -- flying robots -- can fly over terrain for surveillance and reconnaissance purposes. They can also be weaponized to attack targets from a distance; the Predator drone, for example, is equipped with laser-guided missiles.
Medical Robots
Many modern surgical operations are carried out with robot assistance. Robots can be made much smaller than human hands, allowing more delicate operations to be undertaken. Robots are used for neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery and in other situations where a robot's greater accuracy can be of use. Robots are also used in situations that would expose medical personnel to unnecessary hazards; for example, a robot may be used to administer radiotherapy. Miniature robots are being developed that will be able to enter a patient's body to clear blocked arteries or administer precise amounts of drugs.
Assistive Robots
Robots can be used as assistive technology to rehabilitate and support people with disabilities. Robots can be programmed to wash patients, assist them with eating or help them in and out of bed, for example. Robots can help people to recuperate from injury or illness by helping them to exercise. Mobile robots can assist people in moving from room to room, giving them more independence and reducing the need to have a carer present.
Training Robots
Robots can be used to help people develop skills. For instance, Hanako-2, a dental training robot, mimics the behavior of a living dental patient: coughing, sneezing, flinching, gagging or becoming tired, allowing trainees a more realistic experience. Robots can also give pre-programmed lectures.
Social Robots
Social robots are designed to interact with people in a human-like way. They can be used to perform tasks, such as directing visitors around a location or giving a simple demonstration or presentation. Robotic dolls with animated faces can be used to help autistic children learn to interpret facial expressions and moods. Social robots programmed to mimic humanlike emotional responses can also provide surrogate companionship to elderly or housebound individuals.