These 7 Robot Innovations Are Advancing Our World

Robots are making an impact in more than industrial settings. From medicine to entertainment, robots are joining professionals in creating a better world. 

Read more about the way robots are advancing all industries below! 

Innovations in Robotics 

Agricultural Robots 

Agriculture is one of the most important systems in the world. It feeds populations and fuels our ability to move forward. 

Technological advances are the name of the game in agriculture. Before modern times, advancement was slow, with new techniques being developed after several centuries. However, after the Industrial Revolution and the progression of technology, agriculture became more and more streamlined. 

Robots are among the more recent tools used in agriculture. “High tech farming” is the new term for robotic applications in agriculture, and they have plenty of uses.  

For example, weeding is backbreaking work, and new robot designs are managing weeds even around valuable crops. Another type of farming robot is using drone flight technology to survey crop health and plant seeds. 

With robots, farmers can better protect their crops from weeds, invasive species, and disease, as well as plant and harvest more efficiently, which is a win for both farmers and consumers. 

Medical Robots 

The thought of a robot performing brain surgery is intimidating, to say the least. However, these robots are changing the way medical practitioners perform surgery for the better. 

Over 250,000 people die every year due to preventable medical errors. Robots are shrinking that statistic as medical practices are enhanced and reduce surgical errors and risk of infection in patients.  

The daVinci surgical robot works with surgeons to make more precise incisions during procedures using 3D vision and tiny robotic tools that strap onto the surgeons’ arms and wrists. The CyberKnife robot provides hyper-localized radiation treatment to cancerous tumors, preventing exposure of radiation to healthy organs. 

These are just a few of the types of medical robots that are changing the face of medicine. With robots, doctors and nurses can more effectively treat patients. 

Entertainment Robots 

Robots have been used for entertainment in Disney parks since the 1960s, but as robotics become more advanced, their capabilities for shock and awe have skyrocketed. 

Disney is using small animatronic creatures called Vyloo to fascinate children and adults of all ages. They are autonomous and can act independently of their controllers, watching observers as they move and playfully wiggling.  

The Pepper robot by SoftBank Robotics is another example of entertainment, although it is hoped to be used by businesses to redirect customers and answer questions. Pepper can communicate like a human, understanding emotions and tone of voice. Interviews with Pepper show the humor a robot can have. 

Also, the first artificial intelligence robot actor named Erica will star in a $70 million sci-fi movie called b in 2021. 

As robots develop, their ability to amaze us will evolve into even more incredible projects. 

Delivery Robots 

USPS and Amazon Prime have seen a massive increase in home deliveries, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Contactless delivery is increasingly sought after due to pandemic-related worries, and robots are providing the solution. 

Autonomous delivery robots are slowly making their way into delivery services, particularly in food delivery. 

Caregiver Robots 

Caregiver robots seem like an oxymoron: how can a robot care for a human? 

However, robots are becoming increasingly popular in-house and in elderly homes, providing companionship to combat loneliness. 

Loneliness is a bigger threat to the elderly than obesity, a study finds, which exemplifies the importance of companionship. That could be in the form of a family member, a nurse, a pet, or, now, a robot. 

Zora is a new robot caregiver that participates in group activities and games, as well as one-on-one time. Surprisingly, patients adapted quickly to Zora, even treating it with affection by cradling it and telling it about events that they wouldn’t tell their nurses. 

While an advanced robot nurse is still years in development, caregiver robots like Zora may provide the boost elderly patients need to enjoy life in their golden years. 

Cleaning Robots 

In relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, cleaning robots have surged in hospitals, airports, and other high-traffic public areas. 

The Roomba vacuum robot has been a household favorite for years, but more cleaning robots have hit the market in response to the pandemic. In April, in the beginning of the pandemic shutdown in the United States, there was a 24% increase in purchases for self-cleaning robots according to Brain Corp., compared to the previous year. 

Self-driving UV light floor scrubbing robots are taking cleaning to the next level, giving relief to customers that their welfare is being prioritized. 

By automating cleaning tasks, robots are improving our systems for health and safety. 

Manufacturing Robots 

Automation in manufacturing is enhancing production to be faster, more efficient, less wasteful, and cleaner. 

Recent advancements in manufacturing robots have only improved these qualities. For example, additional sensors and process control transmitters have been implemented in robots so they can detect any issues and alert the operator. 

Also, the evolution of data storage and cloud software has secured manufacturing data by separating it from the robot’s software. This prevents security threats and potentially losing important data due to robot failure. 

Advancing robots in manufacturing will provide a better product and make the production process more sustainable and efficient. 

AUTOMATION IS THE ADVANTAGE. 

NRTC Automation is the leader in decommissioning and tear outs for industrial and manufacturing facilities around the world. Our robotics and automation services provide a solution to your company’s needs. From robotics engineering to industrial equipment repairs, NRTC Automation is your next trusted partner in all things manufacturing and automation. Contact us today for more information on what we can do to improve your production line.