Robotics has come a long way since the days when it was only portrayed in science fiction. The fears of robots taking over humanity have waned. Technology continues to advance, but the ability of robots to live without us is still not a reality. In fact, instead of lording over us, the field of robotics has largely innovated to protect humanity. Whether it’s robotic enhancements, automated transportation, eliminating the need for humans to do dangerous jobs, avoiding interaction with the sick, or aiding declining populations, below are some ways that robots can protect humans from harm.
Robotic Transportation
Self-driving cars are essentially robots. They have sophisticated automation, machine learning, and camera safety technology, autonomous vehicles will be able to keep humans safer than themselves. GPS technology continues to get better and the image-capture ability in these vehicles can stop accidents and create better routes for everyone on the road. Beyond cars, robots can transport humans and supplies in other ways. Doctors don’t have to leave patients when a robot can deliver the supplies they need. They can deliver food and water. When it comes to robotic transportation, the sky’s the limit.
Robotic Enhancements
One of the biggest ways that robotics can protect humans from harm is through robotic enhancements. There are robotic gloves to protect the hands when working with sharp objects, heat, fire, chemicals, sparks, and other hazards. You can even use a full robotic exoskeleton suit that protects the body while providing strength, endurance, and dexterity. Robotics can even provide better vision. With visual enhancements, humans can have better eyesight, but they can also see things they wouldn’t normally see. A heat map or the ability to see ultraviolet light is possible with robotic enhancements.
Remotely Controlled Robots
With remotely controlled robots, humans can avoid all kinds of danger and get their work done more effectively and precisely. There is no shortage of things that robots can help humans accomplish. They can work in nuclear waste. They can repair ships in water. They can be in high heat. They can work with hazardous chemicals. They can work in dangerous factory settings. They can even work in high up places where humans could fall and get hurt. Whatever the situation, remotely controlled robots are one of the best ways that humans can avoid working in hazardous work environments. It is probably the biggest benefit to humans so far.
Avoid Human Interaction
Another way that robotics facilitates human safety is by avoiding human contact when unnecessary. For example, China has been using robots in their fight against COVID-19. They have been using robots to transport goods, food, medicine, water, and other supplies to people who have contracted the virus. They have also used robots to test people for the virus and to take their temperatures. There are myriad ways that robots can eliminate the need to interact with humans when they are sick. As we live in a world where disease is prevalent and our immune systems seemingly weaker than the past, the ability to avoid the spread of disease is paramount.
Aid Declining Populations
It may sound odd that anyone needs aid when it comes to declining populations—there are over 7 billion people in the world—but population growth is necessary for economic growth and prosperity. However, with robots doing many of the tedious tasks humans used to do, people are free to do better paying and more meaningful jobs. Robotics will come in handy for these situations. Countries like Japan and South Korea are already using robots to aid their declining and aging populations. It’s an innovation that provides solutions for new problems.
Robotics is still a relatively new field for how long people have been discussing it. Robots have been the subject of stories, dreams, and imaginations, but now it is a part of the present reality. The stories were often focused on how robots would take over the world and use humans as their subjects, but this seems less and less like the case as the technology progresses. Of course, it is imperative to be cautious about the pace of technology and our relationship with it; it’s pivotal to use robotics to protect humans and enhance our lives for the better.
Ryan Beitler is a writer and journalist.
