It is not uncommon to hear people speak about robots and Artificial Intelligence (AI). This is mostly due to the exponential success of companies in either creating or utilising these technologies. As we approach 2022, many are beginning to get excited about what the future holds. Could this mean the beginning of something special? These intelligent machines or robots may possibly replace humans in many ways, making them a mainstream possibility. But how will humans manage in a world with superior machines?
We have heard about local companies like Foodpanda collaborated with 3 autonomous robot start-ups on a driverless delivery mode by the striking pink robot droid! These 3 companies include Whizz Mobility, OTSAW and Neolix. The main purpose of this collaboration is part of Foodpanda’s strategy to leverage on innovative opportunities to progress towards contactless, sustainable, and more efficient way of conducting deliveries to customers. Of course, when this happened, many were concern about robots taking over and replacing jobs for those who are already doing so. It did not necessarily garner the support from the public per say. But of course, the purpose of this droid is not to take away jobs, but rather tackle the issues faced by riders, such as:
1. Unable to deliver due to bad weather
2. Increase in orders during peak periods / pandemic period
3. Deliver orders in inaccessible areas
At the end of the day, Foodpanda’s only aim is to “enhance the delivery ecosystem to better serve customers and ensure operations are future-proof to adapt to the changing world”. It is no longer a surprise to see robots capable of doing pretty much anything and everything. It is scary yet fascinating at the same time. Many other countries are also doing the same thing and perhaps already integrated robots into most of their daily routines that it is a norm for them. Singapore has just recently rolled out these robots to improve on their business, which accelerated even more when Covid-19 hit. Even Jewel, everyone’s favourite mall, has robots roaming around to in their words, “revolutionise guest experience”!
What are Robots?
To many, robots are self-aware, battery-operated robots. In truth, robots function based on their own programming, or data. They can be classified as either autonomous or non-autonomous. In robotics, we classify the latter as robots that can sense their environment. An autonomous robot is controlled by its own programming and can navigate a given space without any external help. This typically takes the form of physical hardware, such as a jointed arm, or software, such as a processor. They can also be designed with their own programming to achieve a certain task without instructions. A non-autonomous robot is controlled by its environment and needs external help to function.
A recent example that has got the locals talking is the introduction of the ethical robot – Xavier. The purpose of this robot is to educate the public regarding these undesirable social behaviours, and in turn, provide additional support to the public officers, reducing the manpower required for patrols. Imagine getting called out by a robot? The future is strangely fascinating.
Well, being a robot, Xavier can navigate autonomously as it is fitted with different types of sensors, including safety feature. It can avoid stationary and dynamic obstacles, such as pedestrians and vehicles. Of course, these functions are imperative, as you would not want a robot roaming around and bumping into anyone, especially children and the elderly. Additionally, Xavier is equipped with cameras that provide 360-degree video feed to the command-and-control centre. It can also capture images and videos in dim light or the dark. With this data that is being captured from Xavier’s cameras, it will be streamed to a video analytics system, with artificial intelligence capability developed by HTX’s in-house computer vision engineers. Together with an interactive dashboard, public officers can receive real-time information in a command-and-control centre and be able to monitor and control multiple robots simultaneously.
The State of Humanoid Robots
I am pretty sure, we were all talking about Tesla Bot, a 125-pound humanlike robot that will incorporate Tesla’s automotive Artificial Intelligence and autopilot technologies. Of course, once the world was made known to this, some were bedazzled by the idea, whereas some say it is a cause of concern. This is another topic on its own, as we uncover deeper into ethical usage of Artificial Intelligence.
Additionally, UBTECH Robotics, one of the most prominent companies involved in robots and Artificial Intelligence announced WalkerX. It is the state-of-the-art version of a humanoid robot. It is apparent that the Walker X will set the benchmark for humanoid robots with upgrades that include improved physical interactions, robotic Intelligence, and improved human interactions. One can envision loads of mundane tasks being automated by humanoid robots in the future. Walker X does just that. It can serve tea, water flowers, clean surfaces and use a vacuum as well!
It has stunning advancements in actions such as climbing stairs, moving up and down hills, playing chess, massaging, intuitive navigation around obstacles, walking speeds, balance on uneven terrains. These are extremely useful for homeowners, or the vulnerable and elderly at home. Let’s go into the details of its upgrades.
Terrain traversing capabilities
It can now imitate walking with a human-like balance at 3km/h. Additionally, it can navigate, ascend, and descend on any type of terrain using advanced movement algorithms. The walker X can climb staircases with 15cm height per step, on all types of surfaces!
Anti-Disturbance and Balance Upgrades
The Walker X can withstand being swayed walking or standing with an upgraded balance control system that offers greater steadiness. Furthermore, Walker X can lift 10kg of weight or walk with 3kg on both hands. These great capabilities are due to the foot and self-balancing upgrades.
Enhanced hand-eye synchronisation
Computer vision is enhanced by utilizing a quad stereo camera system and dual RGBD sensor technology for detecting objects to navigate its surroundings. Walker X leverages upgraded sensor and camera technology and a rugged robotic arm with 7DoF and 6DoF force control palms to assist with household chores such as using refrigerator and coffee machines.
How Robots Will Change the World
While we have developed intricate processes to create robots, humans have been working on creating technology for thousands of years. Early man crafted primitive devices that could assist his survival, such as saws, crossbows, nets, harpoons, nets, and hammers. But robots have finally come into their own as man creates incredible, advanced technologies. We live in an age where robots are available for just about anyone to use, which would seem unimaginable in earlier generations. Look back 30 years, and you’ll see even the Roomba was not as accessible as it is now. Robots can be used in factories, warehouses, and even your own home. We can build and operate robots from software to more complex devices, with diverse levels of sophistication. This will transform the world especially in cities with aging populations who are in dire need of emotional care and physical assistance.
As long as the vision, goals and purpose of building the robot is aligned, there should not be any cause of concern amongst all stakeholders. Robots can be created to help humans in their tasks, to automate certain mundane tasks, to assist with intensive labour, and do certain things impossible for an average human to do. This is why ethical usage of such machine learning, deep learning and artificial intelligence in these robots must be understood by parties. Robots are here and the future is already here. Whether we are ready or not, we must learn and adapt to these changes. Better be on this side, than getting replaced by a robot!
Conclusion
Of course, there are many other usages of robots in real life, but perhaps we will uncover that some other time! Robots are here and they will co-exist with humans for a long period of time. As much as they are here to assist in mundane and labour-intensive tasks, they are also here to assist in enhancing services provided to customers. Wouldn’t it be cool then for us to understand how is it these robots are able to do so? How is AI integrated into these bots, and how does the programming work? Robots and AI are both exceptionally intelligent in several ways. These technologies possess cognitive abilities as well as sensory processing and decision-making skills. These abilities enable these machines to mimic human behaviour, as well as drive these machines to create their own actions and motivations. From this point on, we will be interacting with and shaping our world as these advanced machines take charge. For now, we must focus on anticipating and learning how these machines behave and accept the eventual world of both humans and machines.
Kick-start your AI and Robotics Journey With Us!
Well, if you are passionate and keen to venture more, Aventis Learning Group has got your back! On that note, Aventis is partnering with UBTECH with an introduction to robotics course. If you would like to learn the ropes on robotics, we have a course that is designed by experts! You will get to learn machine learning, artificial intelligence and robotics concepts that’ll take you anywhere!
This Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) Robotics for Beginners is designed to help learners to understand the mystery of artificial intelligence and its applications in the robotics field. This AI Robotics for beginners course provides an overview of AI concepts and workflows, machine learning and integration with a simple robotics system such as robotics arm. It is a hands-on course, in which learners are able to learn and apply techniques, and seeing it come to life! If you are a beginner, fret not! This course is designed for the beginners with no prior knowledge of the Artificial Intelligence Robotics domain and programming language! It will definitely be a fun and engaging session! So bring your friends or colleagues and join us! The more the merrier after all!
For more assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Ms Adriana at (65) 6720 3333 or training.aventis@gmail.com
References
Robots to patrol Toa Payoh Central for 3 weeks to detect ‘undesirable social behaviour’
Foodpanda Advances Future Of Delivery With Autonomous Delivery Partnerships
How robots are revolutionalising the guest experience at Jewel
Elon Musk’s Tesla Bot raises serious concerns – but probably not the ones you think
