Types of Robots
Robots are programmable machines that can emulate human actions and perform tasks. Robots are designed to perform specific jobs and are used in different industries or environments.
In this chapter, we will learn about some common types of robots used in various industries and applications.
Industrial Robots
Industrial robots are used as the fundamental components in modern manufacturing and logistics industries. Industrial robots are large sized, programmable machines that can perform repetitive tasks with high precision.
Some of the common functions that industrial robots perform across various industries include welding, assembling, painting, drilling, handling materials, etc.
Industrial robots are widely used in manufacturing plants, warehouses, factories, etc. These robots improve efficiency and productivity, and reduce errors in operations.
Service Robots
Service robots are specially designed robotic machines that can perform versatile functions and operate in various environments. These robots are primarily used for improving customer experiences and daily life activities.
Some of the common examples of service robots and their applications include –
- Cleaning robots, robotic vacuum cleaners, etc. used in domestic applications.
- Robots handling customer interactions in hospitals and retail industries.
- Robots used for entertainment and to provide personal assistance in healthcare sector, etc.
Medical Robots
Medical robots are used in hospitals and other healthcare institutions to provide precise and innovative patient care. They provide multiple functionalities such as diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, mobility, surgery, etc.
Humanoid Robots
These robots are designed to have a human like appearance and mimic the human behavior. Humanoid robots are widely used in studying human-robot interaction, entertainment, and customer services. Due to human-like presence, these robots provide enhanced user engagement.
Collaborative Robots (Cobots)
Cobots are specialized robots used in a shared environment alongside human workers. Thus, these robots assist human workers in completing tedious and heavy mechanical tasks. Cobots create a safer work environment through effective collaboration between human and digital workers, and automating repetitive and hazardous jobs.
Agricultural Robots
As the name implies, these robots are designed to transform farming by automating critical agricultural tasks, improving sustainability and productivity. These robots can assist in functions like Planting, Monitoring crop health, Applying pesticides, Harvesting, etc.
Autonomous Vehicles
Autonomous vehicles are nothing but self-driving cars, drones, or other vehicles empowered by robotic capabilities. These robotic machines are being used for revolutionizing the transportation industry.
Exploration and Space Robots
Exploration and space robots are designed to operate in challenging environments on the Earth and in space. Common examples of these robots include underwater exploration robots, mars rovers, etc.
Defense and Military Robots
These robots are designed for providing assistance in defense or military operations, increase operation efficiency, and safety. Defense robots are capable in performing functions like surveillance, bomb disposal, search and rescue, etc.
Conclusion
In this chapter, we highlighted the features and applications of some commonly used robots across various industries, from manufacturing to healthcare and space exploration.
Let's move forward to the next chapter in the tutorial and learn about Sensors and Control Systems used in Robotics.