posted on 12/22/2011 12:28:11 PM
Keeping the technology on the right path will require course corrections in industrial investment as well as science and engineering education.
The science of robotics appears to be in a state of flux, with even its most faithful adherents offering harsh words on the subject. For instance, Joe Engelberger, the acknowledged father of industrial robots, gave a pointed speech at the IREX exhibition back in 2005 that is still quoted by many in the industry. He took aim at the Japanese robot industry, but in fact addressed all robotic endeavors.
In his speech, Engelberger suggested that robotics was going in the wrong direction. He criticized the large investments in humanoid robots, such as “robot” doll heads that try desperately to express human emotions, and what he termed other blind-alley and toy-like pursuits. He also articulated the need for more investment in robotic solutions for the aged.
Engelberger has made enormous contributions to health-care robotics as well as industrial robot development. He should be listened to even in echoes from 2005, because the industry has not progressed much in the intervening years.
Do we really need 7 billion humanoid robots to match the planet’s human population? This class of robots would be very pricey and have limited battery life. Clearly, we do not.
One course correction that we do need on a global basis is to extend the application reach of industrial robots. This extension will probably come from technology not directly related to robotics; for example, with food processing robots, a deeper understanding of hygienics and its relation to automation machinery. We also need to better develop and apply the science of microrobotics, and this again takes us into uncharted territory. In addition, we need a world view of what can be done in the health-care arena using available and leading-edge robotic technology. There is, thankfully, an encouraging increase in the research and application of robotic-assisted surgery.
Another area of robotics that appears to be alive and well is the development and application of security and surveillance robots, and the advances of those amazing military drones. Non-military application of drones should be encouraged. The use of space robotics is a viable and intelligent alternative to expensive, pride-driven human explorer expeditions. The trickle-down of space-related technology breakthroughs could benefit industrial applications as well.
There is another major component to the course correction of robotics: education. Those of us who have attended a large science and robotics fair such as FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) can feel the energy of young robotics enthusiasts. FIRST is the brainchild of Dean Kamen, who has dedicated his life’s work to innovation in robotics. His iBOT electric wheelchair and the remarkable Segway PT are two of his bigger contributions, as is his work on robotic prosthetics for wounded veterans.
The problem, however, is translating the enthusiasm for a basketball-throwing robot or a mechanical gladiator into the desire to learn the nuts and bolts of disciplines such as calculus, chemistry, advanced algebra, basic and not-so-basic electronics, and programming. This transfer is not happening with enough young people. Robot-building can be pure fun for young and old, but mathematics and physics are not fun for most. Too many are failing at the hard stuff.
The future of robots, industrial and otherwise, depends on long-range programs and investments in young people to learn hands-on skills – and mental skills not related to computer games. Any significant advances in robotic automation depend upon a brave new vision, and proper funding, for robotics research and education.