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can be replaced by machines, will require tremendous adjustments in how society views work. Those replaced by robots will be resentful if new and interesting jobs cannot be found for them. However, there is also the promise of cheap, plentiful labor from robots.
Types of Robots
Robot classification is not easy. Robots can be classified according the their type of mechanical structure, their control system, or their type of power unit. Furthermore, some classify robots according to their behavior (static or dynamic), while still another classification scheme focuses on such aspects as load capacity, ease of programming, or sensory capacity. The simple answer is that no one scheme can be used to classify all robots. Most of the robots existing today are of the industrial type, doing pick and place maneuvers. Apart from these industrial type robots, however, are others, including: 1) Medical simulators, designed to mimic medical conditions; 2) exoskeletons, devices to which human beings can link themselves to amplify physical capabilities; 3) autonomous guided vehicles, capable of self-navigation; 4) remotely controlled vehicles, suitable for bomb disposal or hazardous waste cleanup; 5) programmable mannequins, figures which can carry out certain human roles; 6) toy robots, with increasingly human sophistication; 7) domestic robots, suitable for performing simple household chores; 8) promotional robots, used in hyping movies or commercials; and 9) space probes, which are commonly used to collect data.
Applications
Today robots are being used in several important endeavors. For example, various types of robots are involved in the following:
Industry Applications As mentioned previously, many thousands of robots are being used in industry, primarily in manufacturing. They usually perform such tasks as spot welding, painting, forging, machine loading and investment casting. Japanese automakers have surpassed the United States in the use of robots to assist in car manufacturing on assembly lines. Robots clearly don't get tired or bored with the production process, nor do they collect pensions or require health care premiums. The Japanese were the first to leverage the capabilities of pick and place robots by redesigning the production process to make it more suitable for robotic involvement.
Food and Agricultural Applications Robots are not just involved with industrial manufacturing applications, however. They are also being used to handle food, shear sheep, and work in the fields as crop pickers. Robots have even been used to decorate cakes. For example, a robot capable of picking chili peppers has already been partially developed. This robot uses neural network technology to
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