12: 4: The use of robots

We use robots in many areas of our modern life, helping us perform many tasks. In the
manufacturing industry robots are used in assembly lines. We also use robots in explorations in
space and earth. Medical science will use robots to carry out operations to humans. We also robots
in the agricultural; industry. Let’s explore each in detail below.

1. Exploration

It has been centuries where we have used robots to explore and scientists have helped us with this
mission of getting information and data about planet earth and our solar system. They have been
able to do this carrying out missions and voyages which have been very risky to humans. Currently
we are now relying on robots to gather data without using humans.

2. Robotics in the Antarctic

Compared to a century ago, the Antarctic was out of bounds. Today scientists who want to look at
the climate, ecosystems and glaciers affecting it can easily do so. We have not entirely had to rely on
no human involvement as there are places there that are too remote, expensive, and dangerous for
humans to enter and bring in standard research equipment.

3. Space missions

Geologists and scientists can only thank robots enabling them to support their research processes
otherwise this could not have taken place especially in space. Robots are ideal for space exploring as
they can undergo tasks less expensively and more efficiently than humans. They can operate for
longer hours and duration and can enter ‘sleep mode’ before commencing a mission that presents
suitable conditions for the robot to begin work. Since 2004 Mars Exploration Rovers and NASA’S twin
robot geologists have been studying and researching Mars. They will enter a low power hibernation
mode as there is not much sunlight offered to the solar panels on these robots (sunlight declines
during the day, as sunlight comes down). When the weather changes the robots wake up and begin
their exploration. There are rovers that move from one area to the next and perform geological
explorations and investigations. One rover is looked as a geologist carrying out investigations
mechanically instead of a human being. The rover’s arms act like human arms, they have an elbow
and a wrist and can place instruments directly to rocks and soil targets. The fist of the robotic arm
has a microscopic arm which has a smaller microscopic camera which acts like a lens.

4. Underwater exploration

Exploration also takes place under water where temperatures and pressure are so strong that they
would crush a human being. Robots have been designed like crabs which have an ability to walk on
land and under water. With the help of amphibious robots scientists have been able to study marine
plant and animal life and ocean currents and underwater ecologies.