Robotics.......the word is known to conjure a variety of images......humanoid cops, fighter robots, weird insects, cars of various shapes and sizes, flying objects, and a host of others. But, have you ever read the definition of a robot? Now wait a minute, robots are so common-place, everyone has heard about them, its like cars or tables, we don't need to know the definition for that........or do we? What about an oven, is it a robot? A washing machine? Surprise, surprise.....there is no consensus on any definition of a robot. The ones that are available are widely differing and none can be called be 'the right one' as of yet.
To give you a feel of this, check this out.
"A mechanical device that sometimes resembles a human and is capable of performing a variety of often complex human tasks on command or by being programmed in advance." - The American Heritage Dictionaries
"A stand-alone hybrid computer system that performs physical and computational activities. Capable of performing many different tasks, it is a multiple-motion device with one or more arms and joints. Robots can be similar in form to a human, but industrial robots do not resemble people at all." - Tech Encyclopedia
"Any automatically operated machine that replaces human effort, though it may not look much like a human being or function in a humanlike manner." - Brittanica Encyclopedia
It does not end here. A quick Google on Robots will present a plethora of options for you to choose from. Pick anyone that you like. But, I think most of us have a common perception of what Robots are and there is scarcely any need of the perfect definition for the understanding of robots. Robots are said to be the next big thing. Some say, they will be as ubiquitous in the future are computers are today. Imagine all your work being done by a Robot. Your house-maid is a robot, your chauffer is a robot, your receptionist is a robot, all the manufacturing is done by the robots, etc. Wouldn't it be wonderful? All the complex surgeries, the intricate manufacturing, the delicate handling of nuclear stuff, everything being done by the robots. If it dosen't sound so exciting now maybe it is because none of this is a concept anymore but a reality.
Now, where do humans figure in this equation. A lot has been presented in sci-fi movies (iRobot) and a lot of novels about how the machines will take over humans and how we shall land ourselves in precarious situations. But, most scholars believe, this is unlikely to happen as humans are and will remain smarter (or rather more cunning) than the machines. Leaving that behind, one immediate effect that seems obvious is the replacement of man by machine. Millions (or billions) or jobs will be obliterated and that many people will be jobless. What can happen to such people is not a rosy picture to paint. But, wouldn't the manufacturing of robots create jobs? The answer is yes but, they will be a very small fraction of the jobs lost. So, does this mean that development of robotics is dangerous to human beings?
Well, if we peep into our past, the industrial revoution seems to offer a comfortable analogy for analysis. Machines that replaced humans in large multiples were installed at various factories which led to many people losing their jobs. Most of the people who lacked the skill sets to survive in this new world dominated by machines, lived from hand to mouth. But, the few who knew how to be the masters of the machines, employed the machines as their slaves and made a fortune. But, what about the majority who were not so lucky (or intelligent as they say)? Most continued to live from hand to mouth but, their next generation reaped the benefits of their sacrifice ( or rather a forced sacrifice). The generations that came later were much better at utilising the slaves called machines and this raised their standard of living. Imagine what would this world have been if the people then would have completely blocked the advent of the machines for short term gains (i.e. for the benefit of that generation)? Of-course some did try doing that but, most of the organisations that did so, failed miserably.
So, taking a lesson from history we can conclude that if robotics is the next big thing, we'd better start gearing up for it. Though it is hard to imagine that this transition into a completely robotized world will happed suddenly, it can happen well within half a lifetime of a person. Taking a cue from what happened to the early-birds in the computer (both hardware and software) industry, early-birds in this industry may very well strike gold in the near future (if they already haven't). But, what is important is that we must understand that being robotics-illiterate could be as bad as being computer-illiterate today (I can openly say so as those guys won't be reading this article, he he).
So, keep your eyes and ears open for the robots from now on. They are on their way and can arrive at anytime in the near future. Who knows when you might find out that your job has been offered to a robot with a lifetime bond with a onetime payment (for its cost price) and a meagre salary (for maintainece and repair). So, watch out, the robots are coming with all their wheel, limbs and God knows what all..............
Ring a bell? Agree with me? Disagree with me? Leave a comment.......
Author : Vj
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