Wouldn’t it be great if service robots existed? They could help individuals complete all sorts of boring and difficult tasks. And companies too. This would allow people to have more time to focus on more important endeavors. Wait a second. Many types of service robots already exist. And they provide more benefits than many people realize. Are you ready to learn about the amazing world of service robots? Let’s get started.
What Is a Service Robot?
A service robot is a unique classification of robot. It can get used for both private and personal operations. Some of them operate with full autonomous capabilities. The rest are semi-autonomous. Either way, service robots complete tasks that benefit either humans or equipment. But keep in mind that service robots are not involved in manufacturing operations. Many service robots can make decisions on their own. This is an example of how the robots are becoming autonomous. Their unique decisions can even apply to unpredictable environments.
So, what is the key reason that service robots exist? It is to assist humans and make their lives and jobs easier. Think to yourself of all the jobs that are boring, dirty, or dangerous. In the future, humans won’t have to deal with these types of tasks any longer. From household chores to cleaning up trash. Instead, expect service robots to do the dirty work on the behalf of humanity. After all, the technology is already there. And it is becoming more powerful at a very fast rate. Keep in mind that many modern service robots cannot act on their own. Instead, each robot contains a built-in control system. Most control systems have manual override options. These stop the robots from doing something that they’re not supposed to do.
Understanding the Personal Service Robot
One popular form of service robot is the personal service robot. This type of robot can do manual labor. Common actions include lawn mowing and vacuum cleaning. Some of them even operate in medical facilities to help care for elderly patients. Expect to see more and more personal service robots emerge on the market in the coming years. Many of them will get used for entertainment purposes. In fact, children will most likely start demanding to own personal service robots as toys. Plus, adults will also want to have them both at home and at work. For example, training robots are a subcategory of personal service robots. Training robots will get used to teach employees how to conduct many different tasks. A lay person often operates the modern personal service robot. But expect that to change in the coming years. That’s because service robots are becoming more autonomous by the day. They will soon not need a human operator unless an emergency occurs.
The 5 Types of Service Robots
There are five standard types of service robots. But keep in mind that this may change as technologies continue to evolve. The range of applications that service robots contribute to is very widespread. Here are the main categories of service robots:
-Type #1: Industrial Service Robots
The modern industrial service robot is very versatile. It can conduct both simple and complex tasks. One simple task that industrial service robots can do is welding. But never assume that these robots’ technical abilities have limitations. Some industrial service robots can dismantle nuclear power stations. Every industrial robot gets controlled in an automatic manner. They can get reprogrammed with relative ease as long as the programmer’s skilled. The industrial service robots have multipurpose manipulators. Humans use these to program the robots’ axes. The standard industrial robot has at least three axes.
-Type #2: Frontline Service Robots
These service robots are autonomous within a system-based framework. Their interfaces can adapt to new situations with ease. The advanced interfaces position the robots to perform three key actions for humans. 1. Interacting with humans and customers. 2. Communicating with humans and customers. 3. Delivering all sorts of different services to humans and customers. Expect to see these robots on the, well, frontlines of many companies in the coming years.
-Type #3: Domestic Service Robots
Domestic service robots are one of the most popular forms of commercial robots. Why? Because they conduct common tasks that humans perform. Keep in mind that “domestic” refers to non-industrial tasks. For example, domestic service robot can maintain swimming pools. They can also mow people’s lawns. You might have come into contact with a domestic service robot in the past. Are you familiar with robotic vacuum cleaners such as the Roomba? They are a popular example of this form of service robot. Expect to witness domestic service robots helping people with disabilities in the future. Plus, these robots will also assist older people that need help. You will then see these bots playing the role of people’s personal assistants and butlers.
-Type #4: Scientific Service Robots
Service robots are great for helping to conduct scientific research. Why? Because a lot of scientific research features very repetitive tasks. And those are right up the alley for service robots. Here is an example. Scientists can use service robots for help with gene sequencing and sampling. In the future, some scientists will not even have to watch over experiments. They can work in another building. Meanwhile, the service robot will design and run most experiments.
But that’s not all that scientific service robots can do. They can even create hypotheses and analyze complex data. These robots are very useful for research that takes place in dangerous areas. The areas include the deep sea and even outer space. One popular scientific service robot’s known as the Woods Hole Sentry. It can descend almost 5,000 meters below the ocean. What is its biggest advantage? It doesn’t need any oxygen. What are some more popular scientific service robots? The various Mars rovers. They can take pictures and collect samples in very harsh environments.
-Type #5: Event Service Robots
The development of event service robots has taken place in recent years. These robots can interact with clients and attendees at events. Many guests at events love communicating with service robots. As of now, this type of robot serves more as a novelty than as a contributor. People can’t do much other than ask these robots simple questions and take selfies with them. But in the future, expect event robots to become much more advanced. They will soon conduct all sorts of advanced actions. The actions will range from delivering drinks to working as security guards.