8 November 2024 : Daily Answer Writing

Q1) With recent advances in technology, robots are now equipped to perform more than just conventional and routine tasks, which brings new opportunities as well as risks. In this context, evaluate the future potential of the robotics sector.

(150 Words/10 Marks)

ANS

A robot is a programmable multifunctional machine which can carry out complicated functions automatically, thereby substituting manpower. The branch of computer science and engineering that deals with robot design, construction, application, and operation is called Robotics. Robots have the potential to perform conventional and routine tasks of humans, as can be seen from:

1. Robots can aid in effective management of accounts, land records, administrative files (compilation, sorting) etc., reducing time and cost associated with these tasks.
2. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) has the potential to perform the task of big data analysis in an efficient, time bound and error free manner.
3. Robots found ready application in industrial production, operating and managing production lines.
4. Robots can safely substitute humans in fields related to monitoring and compliance. E.g., deployment of robots for monitoring social distancing protocols during covid-19 pandemic.
5. Robots can be deployed for cleaning sewage tanks, sceptic tanks etc., effectively checking manual scavenging. E.g., Bandicoot.
6. Robots can assist/substitute in domestic cleaning work. E.g., mopping, sweeping, dish washing etc.

Experts argue that with recent advances in technology (4th IR), robots/robotics sector will find application across diverse sectors in future:

1. Use of humanoid robots as personal companion/partner to ally depression and boredom. E.g., cobots.
2. Use of robots in future for carrying out space missions. E.g., kirobo robot of Japan; curiosity rover in Mars.
3. Use of robots with snake like mobility to manoeuvre traffic and conduct door step delivery of supplies.
4. Robot to robot interactions can have fascinating outcomes. E.g., self-driven cars etc.
5. Inducing robots with human intelligence can make them perform highly skilled and dangerous tasks. E.g., military robot.

However, several applications of robotics sector may pose huge risks, such as:

1. Misuse of robots at the hands of terrorists and insurgents can inflict heavy toll on public life and property.
2. Robots, drones etc., devices can easily be misused for inimical reconnaissance.
3. Lack of empathy and emotions in excessively powerful robotic devices can become hazardous to humans.
4. Algorithmic bias in robotic programmers may lead to skewed socio-economic application and outcome of robots.

Robotics is an exciting field of science and technology. It has the potential to revolutionize various industrial and domestic processes, enhancing the standard and ease of living. However, due regulation and diligence is warranted in their application.