Robots are one of the most incredible inventions to emerge from the technology industry. For years, humans have been applying them to a variety of things, from auto-pilot cars to manufacturing. However, did you know that robots are now being used for humanitarian purposes, too? If you’re wondering how this might work, then keep reading. We’re going to be discussing all the different ways that robots are being used for the betterment of humanity.
1.) Emergency Aid
Sometimes, when a disaster occurs, it’s impossible to send human helpers in to recover survivors without also putting their lives at risk. Robotics allows us to overcome this problem. For instance, Unmanned Vehicles and Remotely Operating Vehicles are fitted with cameras which live-stream everything, meaning we can safely survey an area before conducting a search and rescue operation. This is incredibly useful when the environment is volatile, like in the circumstances of earthquakes, collapsed mines or wildfires.
2.) Prosthetic Limbs
When people lose a limb, they often feel like they have lost their independence and old life, too. However, with advancements in robotic technology and prosthetic limbs, these people could be granted with full motor-function once more. Bionic limbs are being developed so they can detect signals from the brain, then translate these signals into the corresponding bodily movement. It’s an outstanding technical achievement. Philanthropists from across the world have flocked to give funding to robotics for prosthetic limbs, including the London entrepreneur Tej Kohli.
3.) Healthcare Analytics
Artificial intelligence is a subsection of robotics. It can be applied to all sorts of end uses, but most notably people have started using AI for data analysis, such as market research or healthcare analytics. With AI, we can study big data that would otherwise be too much for a human to sift through. What’s more, AI programs can analyse databases in a fraction of the time it would take humans to do so. Using healthcare analytics, we are able to identify the problems in our medical procedures, eventually helping us to improve things like quality of patient care, treatments and lessen the side effects of medication.
4.) Fast Manufacturing
Many employees were worried that robotics would put them out of work as machines started to replace people in the manufacturing industry. However, robots have actually been a massive benefit. They allow us to assemble products and equipment faster than ever before, helping companies to keep up with supply and demand. For instance, without robotics in manufacturing, we would have struggled with shortages during the coronavirus pandemic.
5.) Medical Assistants
Robotic medical assistants are used in hospitals across the world to monitor the vitals of patients and notify nurses when something has gone wrong. They’re also being used by surgeons to create tiny incisions as opposed to large incisions, making the process safer than ever. Not even the world’s steadiest hand can compete against this level of precision.
These are some of the most common examples of robotics being used for humanitarian purposes. Where will this incredible technology take us next?
