When we think of robots, we tend to picture humanoids — robots that are built to mimic human beings. But there are many more different types of robots than humanoids, and most of them look and feel nothing like humans. Some common types of robots include:
Drones: Known as “unmanned aerial vehicles” drones are aircraft that operate remotely without needing a human onboard. Drones come in all shapes and sizes, and are used in wars, surveillance, journalism, firefighting, rescue missions, and more.
Industrial robots: Typically used in factories, industrial robots have robotic arms that allow them to perform repetitive tasks. Unlike humans, these robots don’t develop injuries or get tired, and can work without stopping, making them super effective for manufacturing.
Medical robots: A somewhat broad category, medical robots can be used for different purposes, including to perform surgeries and to serve as bionic prosthetics for people who have lost limbs.
Autonomous Vehicles: Also known as self-driving cars, autonomous vehicles are vehicles that drive themselves. These vehicles come equipped with advanced artificial intelligence technology that navigate roads by communicating with other autonomous vehicles and roadside infrastructure. While these vehicles are becoming more common, they still have a long way to go before they can be fully autonomous.
Underwater robots: Much of the ocean still has yet to be explored due to the fact that many parts are simply too deep for humans to get to. However, remote-controlled underwater robots can explore ocean depths humans cannot reach, opening up all kinds of possibilities for important oceanic research.
Military and security robots: Many of these robots are designed to mimic animals with four legs or have special wheels or tracks that help them maneuver across difficult terrain. They also include flying drones. On-the-ground military robots are often used to search for bombs or to carry heavy loads over rough terrain. Security robots can search dangerous areas, such as buildings that have been destroyed, for people who might be trapped inside.
How to Celebrate RoboWeek
National Robotics Week is a great opportunity for kids to start learning and developing an interest in robots early. Learn how to organize an event or join a local event that has already been organized here.
See more content on robotics from IEEE TryEngineering here.