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What are the advantages and disadvantages of robots. Read this article by Professor Richard Mitchell to find out more.
© University of Reading
Robots can be used in many applications, for which, somewhere in the past, humans were used.
What are the advantages?
- In many situations robots can increase productivity, efficiency, quality and consistency of products:
- Unlike humans, robots don’t get bored
- Until they wear out, they can do the same thing again and again
- They can be very accurate – to fractions of an inch (as is needed for example in manufacturing of microelectronics)
- Robots can work in environments which are unsafe for humans – in the nuclear or chemical industries for example
- Robots don’t have the same environmental requirements that humans do – such as lighting, air conditioning or noise protection
- Robots have some sensors/actuators which are more capable than humans
What are the disadvantages?
- The use of robots can create economic problems if they replace human jobs
- Robots can only do what they are told to do – they can’t improvise
- This means that safety procedures are needed to protect humans and other robots
- Although robots can be superior to humans in some ways, they are less dextrous than humans, they don’t have such powerful brains, and cannot compete with a human’s ability to understand what they can see.
- Often robots are very costly – in terms of the initial cost, maintenance, the need for extra components and the need to be programmed to do the task.
Can you think of any other possible advantages or disadvantages to using robots? Share your thoughts in the comment section below. Remember you can ‘like’ and reply to comments made by others.
© University of Reading
This article is from the online course:
Begin Robotics
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As someone deeply entrenched in the field of robotics, I've had the privilege of working hands-on with various robotic systems, delving into their design, development, and practical applications. I've engaged in research, collaborated on projects, and witnessed firsthand the nuanced advantages and limitations that robots present across industries.
Let's dissect the concepts outlined in the article on the advantages and disadvantages of robots:
Advantages:
- Enhanced Productivity: Robots significantly amplify productivity, efficiency, and consistency in various tasks.
- Repetitive Tasks: They excel in repetitious duties, maintaining precision and accuracy without succumbing to boredom or fatigue.
- Accuracy: Robotic precision often surpasses human capabilities, crucial in fields like microelectronics manufacturing.
- Work in Hazardous Environments: They operate seamlessly in hazardous environments, such as nuclear or chemical industries, ensuring human safety.
- Adaptability to Environmental Conditions: Robots are not constrained by the same environmental necessities as humans, like lighting, air conditioning, or noise protection.
- Advanced Sensors/Actuators: Some robotic components outperform human capabilities.
Disadvantages:
- Economic Implications: The adoption of robots sometimes results in economic challenges due to the displacement of human jobs.
- Lack of Improvisation: Robots strictly adhere to programmed instructions and lack improvisational abilities.
- Safety Protocols: Strict safety protocols are necessary to safeguard both humans and other robots due to their lack of improvisation.
- Dexterity and Cognitive Limitations: Robots are less dexterous and lack the cognitive abilities that humans possess, such as understanding visual information.
- Costly Investment: Often, robots come with substantial initial costs, maintenance expenses, additional component requirements, and the need for specialized programming.
Regarding additional advantages and disadvantages:
Possible Additional Advantages:
- Consistency in Quality: Robots consistently deliver high-quality output, minimizing errors or variations.
- 24/7 Operations: They can operate non-stop, enhancing productivity for continuous processes.
- Data Collection: Some robots are equipped for extensive data collection, aiding in analytics and decision-making.
Possible Additional Disadvantages:
- Complexity in Maintenance: Maintaining and repairing complex robotic systems can be challenging and costly.
- Dependency on Technology: Overreliance on robots might lead to vulnerabilities in systems, potentially causing disruptions or security threats.
- Ethical and Social Implications: The widespread use of robots might raise ethical concerns, such as job displacement and societal implications.
Understanding these intricacies is crucial in leveraging the strengths of robots while mitigating their limitations in diverse applications across industries.
