Limitations of Robotics

In basic robotics machines are designed to do specific tasks and in advanced versions of it, robots are designed to be adaptive. This means responding to an ever changing environment which means the robot is capable of making decisions on it’s own. Naturally, the key thing to consider when producing or designing a robot is the function it carries out or possibly the problem it sets out to solve.

Robots have basic levels of complexity and each level has its scope for performing the requisite function. The levels of complexity of robots is defined by the members used in its limbs, number of limbs, number of actuators and sensors used and for advanced robots the type and number of microprocessors and micro-controllers used. Each increasing component adds to the scope of functionality of a robot. With every joint added, the degrees of freedom in which a robot can work increases and with the quality of the microprocessors and micro-controllers the accuracy and effectiveness with which a robot can work is enhanced.

The following are a list of limitations and considerations that I feel would impact the design as well as the campaign :

• Battery Life – All robots need a power source, it would be something to consider as some robots have a limited operation time. Several robots have been designed to function on alternative power sources such as Solar power so the tech is out there to look into alternatives.
• Language – An example of this is a robot by the name of Jia Jia, a humanoid robot that was designed to interact and communicate with people. When interviewed, the robot failed to provide detailed answers which underpinned it’s entire function.
• Hackable – Robots are still developing as is app related tech which means many issues remain. Hacking is a concern as it can turn robots into spy devices which would be disastrous in a school setting. With Alpha 2, ethical hackers have been shown using the robot to stab a tomato which means that is also a dangerous area to consider.
• Materials used – Another consideration is the materials used as this helps to determine the end product cost, the ability to repair the robot, the robots break-ability and the overall safety to the robot and the those using it.
• Environmental Factors – The manufacture, use and disposal of any product will have both beneficial and detrimental effects upon people, wildlife and the environment. The designer therefore, has an enormous responsibility to consider very carefully the potential effects of any new design. This will include: health and safety factors, noise, smell, pollution, etc.
• Construction –  A particular material can only be worked in a limited number of ways. The method of construction therefore will be determined by the chosen material, the availability of manufacturing facilities, the skills of the work force and the production costs.

Types of construction include :

• Cutting and shaping.
• Fabrication – the assembly of the parts using screws, bolts, glues, solder, etc.
• Moulding – by the application of a force on the material.
• Casting – using a mould to form the shape of a solidifying material.