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Robots Reimagined
What comes to mind when you hear the word robot? For many people, the word makes them think of emotionless machines made of cold, hard metal. This image isn’t exactly wrong; since the mid-1900s, factories have been using robots like this to do difficult and repetitive tasks. However, not all of today’s robots are designed for factory work. In fact, scientists keep coming up with new kinds of robotic technology. Some of their designs are challenging people’s ideas about how robots should look and behave.
One of today’s most creative and unusual robots is called the ‘squishy robot’. Squishy robots are lightweight, ball-shaped structures containing cameras and sensors. These robots can be dropped from an aircraft and land on the ground without breaking. Dr Alice Agogino came up with the idea for squishy robots while working with NASA. The machines were first designed to be dropped onto a planet’s moon from a spacecraft. However, Agogino soon realised her squishy robots could also be used right here on Earth.
After a natural disaster, squishy robots can help first responders see the dangers ahead of them. These robots are often dropped into a disaster area before human workers arrive. As the squishy robots explore the environment, they send information back to the rescue team. This helps first responders avoid being hurt by things like fallen power lines or toxic chemicals. The robots also let the rescuers know what kind of help is needed and where to send it.
Of course, looking for dangers in a disaster zone isn’t the only way that modern robots help people. In the 1990s, Dr Cynthia Breazeal invented a new type of robot, called a sobot, with a very different purpose. Sobots are social robots meant to interact directly with people. These robots often have simple faces with mouths, eyes and eyebrows, which they can move to simulate emotions. Sobots recognise people’s feelings and respond with movements that make it look like they are feeling something, too.
Sobots can be used to help people who have trouble identifying emotions. These robots can also provide companionship for people who are lonely. One of the most popular sobots is a furry robot-seal named Paro. Hospitals and nursing homes let people hold Paro when they are feeling sad or distressed. After petting and interacting with the soft, sweet-looking robot, many people report feeling calmer and happier.
Hard, strong, metallic robots are great for doing tough jobs in factories. But creative engineers have proved that other types of robots can be helpful as well. One can only imagine what the robots of the future might look like. Or how these amazing machines might improve our lives.