Service robots are those that improve the quality and convenience in human life. The robot provides semi-automatic and fully automated services by combining a mobile base with a robotic arm. It is also equipped with a controller device.
What is a Service Robot?
According to wikipedia, service robots are robots that perform special tasks or serve humans. They can be placed in many complex environments. They are typically used in standard manufacturing processes, which is a significant advantage over industrial robots. They must be flexible because they are often required to interact with complex environments and people. A service robot must have “a certain level of autonomy” to avoid being reliant on instructions and actions. It should also be able respond to information received and adapt to changing environments.
Service robots can be compared to industrial robots in that they are composed of motorized devices, drive devices and control systems. They also include sensing and communication equipment. The most striking technology is not only the improvement of motion structure or human simulation but also the development of service robots. Service robots face complex environments and masses. They are equipped with different senses to mimic the five senses of humans. Even more important is the tester. To enhance communication capabilities, the tester is even more important than vision, hearing, or touch. The future direction of development is also a combination of artificial intelligence with cloud network systems. Intelligent service robots are able to respond quickly to changing environmental conditions, can operate more autonomously, and can integrate more seamlessly into society so that they can be used by people.
A service robot can be defined as “improving quality and convenience of life through the combination mobile base and robotic arm and equipped with a control device to provide semi-automatic and fully automated services.” They come in many forms and can be used in many industries. Industrial robots may sometimes be called service robots if they are not used in manufacturing. The robot industry is still young and market specifications are not yet standardized. There are many hurdles to overcome in this industry. Service robots are more versatile than industrial robots. They can be used in many areas, such as agriculture, construction, transport and storage, accommodation, catering, public administration and national defense.
Because multi-tasking robots are difficult to program and can adapt to different living environments, most robots on the market today do not serve specific purposes. The majority of them are used for housework, such as sweepers and vacuums.
What are the Service Categories of Service Robots
- Individual/Family
Home cleaning, care for the elderly, companionship, and audio-visual entertainment are some of the services available.
The trend towards an aging society is slowly making life care for the elderly a mainstream issue. Robots that are able to assist the elderly in their daily lives have been developed in many ways. They can help with transporting and fetching as well as providing remote care and entertainment. There is also a growing trend in medical care for those with reduced mobility. These robots can help patients get in and out of their wheelchairs, walk for rehabilitation, and so on. Some robots can also be used to provide companionship and support in daily life. They reduce the stress on patients and caregivers, and also offer psychological comfort to patients and help them relax. - Industrial use
A variety of industries are served: including agricultural crop production, medical and surgical assistance, construction handling, office assistants, and building handling.
The robot will act as the surgeon’s assistant in surgery. This is expected to decrease the risk of injuries. Robots are able to take over daily farm tasks such as picking, harvesting and weeding. This greatly reduces labor costs. Robots are able to lift heavy loads, which improves efficiency and reduces the risk of injury for workers. The robot can work underwater and overcome water pressure to record deep-sea exploration and recordings. The robot can also be used in the office as an assistant. It can record the office’s path and provide guidance to guests. Some service robots have created a buzz around them, that’s the case of Mcdonalds robot waiter in restaurant. - National Defense Security
For security/defense/military rescue services: such as community patrols, firefighting, disaster relief, and exploration of dangerous areas.
There are also fire-fighting robots available that can be used at the fire scene. It can perform firefighting, information camera and collection functions. Additionally, it has climbing rescue and ambulance designs that reduce the risk of high-risk scenarios. Disaster responders are more likely to be injured in an accident. Robots are also able to assist with disaster relief at major disaster areas, such as the cleanup of nuclear power plant disasters, earthquake rescue, detection and removal of poisonous gases, and explosives.
Reflections on service robotics:
Service robots can be more convenient for people and increase safety and health. They also improve the quality and quantity of human lives. However, it is possible that robots will be introduced into different industries, reducing the number of jobs available. What happens to those who used to be employed in these jobs when service providers introduce robots that work at lower technical levels, such as replacing cashiers, order service staff, or truck drivers with robots? When robots become more popular and cost-effective, countries will need to consider how to protect workers’ rights and how to split the work between robots and humans.
It will ultimately be up to humans whether service robots are a boon or a hindrance to human life. It is crucial to remember that service robots will eventually become machines that aid humans. How can we make them work well?