How AI Changed Robotics

Robotics is the field of engineering and computer science that deals with the design, construction, operation, and application of robots. Robots are machines that can perform tasks autonomously or with human guidance, using sensors, actuators, and controllers. Artificial intelligence (AI) is the branch of computer science that aims to create systems that can perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, planning, and decision making.

AI and robotics have always been closely related, but in recent years, they have become more intertwined and interdependent. AI has enabled robots to become more intelligent, adaptable, and versatile, while robotics has provided AI with new challenges, platforms, and applications. Here are some of the ways that AI has changed robotics:

AI has improved robot perception and cognition

One of the key aspects of AI is to enable robots to perceive and understand their environment, using various sensors such as cameras, microphones, lidars, radars, and touch sensors. AI techniques such as computer vision, natural language processing, speech recognition, and machine learning have helped robots to process and interpret the sensory data, and extract useful information such as objects, faces, gestures, speech, text, and emotions. For example, AI has enabled robots to recognize faces and emotions, read signs and labels, understand speech and commands, and detect obstacles and hazards.

AI has also improved robot cognition, which is the ability to reason, plan, and make decisions based on the perceived information. AI techniques such as knowledge representation, logic, search, and optimization have helped robots to model and solve problems, generate and execute plans, and adapt to changing situations. For example, AI has enabled robots to navigate complex environments, coordinate with other robots or humans, and optimize their performance and efficiency.

AI has enhanced robot learning and adaptation

Another key aspect of AI is to enable robots to learn from their experience and adapt to new tasks and environments. AI techniques such as reinforcement learning, imitation learning, and meta-learning have helped robots to acquire new skills and behaviors, either by trial and error, by mimicking human or animal demonstrations, or by transferring knowledge from one domain to another. For example, AI has enabled robots to learn how to grasp and manipulate objects, play games and sports, and perform artistic and creative activities.

AI has also enhanced robot adaptation, which is the ability to adjust to changes and uncertainties in the environment or the task. AI techniques such as online learning, active learning, and self-supervised learning have helped robots to update and improve their models and policies, either by collecting and labeling new data, by asking questions or seeking feedback, or by generating and exploiting their own data. For example, AI has enabled robots to adapt to different lighting conditions, object shapes and sizes, and user preferences and feedback.

AI has expanded robot applications and domains

AI has not only improved the capabilities of robots, but also expanded the applications and domains where robots can be used. AI has enabled robots to perform tasks that were previously too difficult, dangerous, or tedious for humans, such as exploration, rescue, surveillance, inspection, and maintenance. AI has also enabled robots to perform tasks that were previously too complex, creative, or social for machines, such as education, entertainment, health care, and service. For example, AI has enabled robots to explore Mars and the ocean, rescue people from disasters, inspect bridges and pipelines, maintain wind turbines and solar panels, teach students and children, entertain audiences and customers, assist patients and elderly, and serve food and drinks.

AI has also created new opportunities and challenges for human-robot interaction and collaboration. AI has enabled robots to communicate and cooperate with humans and other robots, using natural and intuitive modalities such as speech, gestures, and emotions. AI has also enabled robots to understand and respond to human needs, preferences, and emotions, using techniques such as affective computing, social signal processing, and empathic computing. For example, AI has enabled robots to converse and socialize with humans, express and recognize emotions, provide emotional support and companionship, and work as teammates and partners.

Conclusion

AI has changed robotics in many ways, by improving robot perception and cognition, enhancing robot learning and adaptation, and expanding robot applications and domains. AI and robotics have become mutually beneficial and synergistic, as they inspire and challenge each other, and create new possibilities and frontiers for both fields. AI and robotics have also become more relevant and impactful for society, as they offer new solutions and opportunities for various problems and needs, as well as new ethical and social implications and responsibilities. AI and robotics are the future of mankind, and they will continue to change and shape our world in the years to come.

(1) AI and robotics: How will robots help us in the future? | World .... https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/02/robots-future-tech/.

(2) Why Robotics And Artificial Intelligence Are The Future Of Mankind - Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2022/05/31/why-robotics-and-artificial-intelligence-are-the-future-of-mankind/.

(3) How are AI robots changing the world? - Universal Robots. https://www.universal-robots.com/in/blog/how-are-artificial-intelligence-robots-changing-the-world/.

(4) 4 ways robotics, AI will transform industry in 2024. https://www.therobotreport.com/4-ways-robotics-ai-will-transform-industry-in-2024/.