The Future Potential of Robotics

Robotics technologyis revolutionizing many aspects of our lives. Robots combined with artificial intelligence (AI) are evolving into intelligent systems that perform complex tasks and interact with humans. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the current state of robotics technology, future possibilities, and its societal impact.

The Current State of Robotics Technology

Industrial Robots

Industrial robotsare primarily used in manufacturing, automating repetitive and hazardous tasks to increase productivity and reduce costs. For example, Hyundai Heavy Industries in Korea is leading the way in implementing smart factories by developing a robot system that combines AI-based process optimization technology with 3D vision sensors.

Global Examples

• South Korea: Uses 1,012 robots per 10,000 manufacturing employees, far exceeding the global average.
• Singapore: Records the second-highest robot density in the world with 730 robots per 10,000 employees.
• Germany: Boasts the highest robot density in Europe with 415 robots per 10,000 employees.
• Japan: Records the fourth-highest robot density in the world with 397 robots per 10,000 employees.
• China: Records the fifth-highest robot density in the world with 392 robots per 10,000 employees.

Service Robots

Service robotsare used in various service industries such as hotels, hospitals, and restaurants. LG Electronics' CLOi robot series offers contactless service robots and food delivery robots with autonomous driving and user-friendly interfaces.

Global Examples

• United States: Boston Dynamics' Atlas robot is a new electrically powered humanoid robot boasting powerful strength and a wide range of motion. Tesla is developing a general-purpose humanoid robot for use in various industrial fields.
• Europe: Germany's Fraunhofer Institute is developing service robots for use in various fields, including medical care, nursing care, and logistics.

Medical Robots

Medical robotsincrease the success rate and safety of surgeries through precise robotic arm control technology and 3D high-resolution imaging. Intuitive Surgical's da Vinci robotic surgery system is a prime example.

Global Examples

• United States: Intuitive Surgical's da Vinci robotic surgery system is leading the medical robotics field.
• Europe: EPFL in Switzerland is developing miniaturized robots for precise surgery, and Imperial College London is researching minimally invasive surgical techniques using robots.

Future Possibilities of Robotics Technology

Enhanced Autonomy

AI and machine learning technologiesare greatly enhancing the autonomy of robots. In logistics warehouses, robots independently identify the location of objects and perform loading and transportation tasks.

Human-Robot Collaboration

Collaborative robot (Co-bot) technologyallows robots to accurately perceive their surroundings through improved sensors and vision technology, maintaining high safety levels even when working in close proximity to humans.

Fusion of Generative AI and Robotics

Robots combining language modelsand behavioral modelscan recognize and understand human language commands and respond naturally. Potential applications span various fields, including household services and nursing care assistance.

Recent Research Findings

Non-contact Delivery and Disinfection Robots

The Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) successfully completed a demonstration experiment of the contactless delivery and disinfection robot 'Diliverdi-H' at Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital. This robot safely delivers supplies to quarantined patients during pandemics, reducing the workload and infection risk for medical staff.

Wearable Robots

KIST's Intelligent Robotics Research Team successfully completed a challenge where an elderly person wearing the wearable robot 'MOONWALK-Omni' climbed Bukhansan Mountain. This ultra-lightweight robot assists the elderly with muscle strength and can be safely used in various walking environments.

Soft Robot Gripper

A joint research team from KIST and KAIST developed a woven structure allowing a 130g soft robot gripper to lift objects weighing over 100kg. This gripper's high flexibility and safety allow it to handle various shapes of objects safely.

Boston Dynamics' Atlas Robot

Boston Dynamics recently unveiled its new electrically powered humanoid robot, 'Atlas'. This robot has a wider range of motion and more powerful strength than the previous hydraulic Atlas, and is expected to play a central role in solving industrial problems.

Tesla's Humanoid Robot

Tesla has ventured into the development of a general-purpose humanoid robot, showcasing a robot usable across various industrial fields. This robot, combined with generative AI, can recognize and understand human language commands.

International Federation of Robotics' Industrial Robot Report

The International Federation of Robotics (IFR) announced that the number of operational industrial robots worldwide has exceeded 4 million units. This represents a 10% increase from the previous year, with newly installed units in Asia playing a significant role.

Societal Impact of Robotics Technology

Job Changes

The advancement of robotics technology will bring about changes in the job market. According to a recent report by McKinsey Global Institute, approximately 15-30% of the global workforce will be directly affected by automation by 2030. This signifies that even office and professional jobs are within the scope of automation. However, the emergence of new technologies creates new types of jobs.

Education and Retraining

Education and retraining are crucial to prepare for the age of robots. By addressing the changing essential skills and implementing effective retraining methods, workers can adapt to new technologies. Governments and businesses must prepare for the age of robots through policy support and preparation.

Solving Social Problems

Robotics technology is making significant contributions to solving social problems. For instance, in today's rapidly aging population, robotics technology plays a crucial role in addressing the challenges of an aging society. Care robots for the elderly improve their quality of life and reduce loneliness.

Ethical Considerations

The advancement of robotics technology brings ethical challenges. Various issues are arising, including job losses due to automation and ethical concerns in medical and autonomous decision-making fields. For example, who is responsible if a problem occurs during a surgery performed by a robot? Thorough discussion and research are necessary to address these issues.

Conclusion

Robotics technology is bringing about significant changes to our daily lives and industries, and its potential is limitless. Through various technological advancements such as enhanced autonomy, human-robot collaboration, and the fusion with generative AI, robots will evolve into more intelligent and flexible systems. These changes will have a significant impact on society as a whole, including jobs and education, and we must prepare for these changes and explore new opportunities.