There's a Robot in Our House!
"AI." "Bicentennial Man." "The Jetsons." "Richie Rich." "I,
Robot." These films and TV programs may have elicited various
emotions and opinions from the viewers.
Indeed, these movies and shows have unveiled the different sides
of robots. However, they still point out a certain fact --- that
robots, or robotic devices, are smart, fast, and hardworking.
They perform according to their assigned purpose or duty. And
they can be the most reliable members of your household. Yes,
your very own household!
>From vacuum cleaners and surveillance systems to pets and
leisure gadgets, robotic devices are definitely "invading" our
homes.
In fact, a study released last year by the United Nations
Economic Commission for Europe revealed that more than 600,000
consumer robots or household robotic devices were used all over
the world in 2003. The Commission also predicted that an
additional four million units would be used in the next three
years.
More and more consumers are joining the "robotics bandwagon" ---
purchasing devices basically to make their lives easier and less
complicated. These people have discovered that their lifestyles
should be attuned with the modern, fast-paced times.
Are you one of them? Why should YOU use robotic devices in your
home? Here's a list of some of the numerous benefits that such
technological gadgets can give you:
1) They make work --- and life --- easier for you.
Household robotic gadgets willingly, and literally, do the dirty
work for you. Consider the robot vacuum cleaner which can do the
following:
It cleans effectively and efficiently. Since it cleans more dirt
in a single sweep as compared to standard upright vacuums, the
robot vacuum cleaner actually saves 50% of your time.
It cleans a whole area. Because of its compact shape, the robot
vacuum cleaner can completely clean the area under your bed or
other furniture.
It detects areas that need the most cleaning. With its specially
designed robotic intelligence system, the robot vacuum cleaner
can sense the dirtier areas.
It avoids stairs and cliffs. Again, its robotic intelligence
system enables it to sense "dangerous areas" and prevents it
from falling off.
It recharges automatically. After a cleaning mission or upon
sensing that its battery is low, the smart cleaner automatically
returns to its "home base" and recharges, making itself ready
for its next duty.
Truly a popular robot helper, the robot vacuum cleaner has been
making life easier --- and cleaner! --- for at least 570,000
households around the globe.
2) They provide work safety.
Specially designed robots are specifically created to do
dangerous chores such as cleaning windows of high-rise buildings
or disposing of toxic materials.
3) They can provide unique and educational entertainment.
In 2003 alone, the sales of entertainment and leisure robotic
gadgets went up to 691,000. Such devices can provide the
following benefits:
Computer-based toys and games (such as an "educational laptop")
can give children a modern way of learning and having fun at the
same time.
People can test their various skills by playing interactive
computer games and competing with "robot opponents" that use
artificial intelligence. Such games can really be challenging.
In fact, "Deep Blue" (IBM's "chess computer") was able to beat
chess grandmaster Garry Kasparov in 1996 and 1997.
Robotic devices offer a wide array of entertainment and leisure
activities in the fields of music, video, graphics, animation,
et al.
4) They give accurate results.
Since robotic devices perform the very specific duty that they
were designed to do, they produce amazing results. They can
compute large numbers, draw perfect shapes and figures, detect
identifying marks --- all in mere seconds.
5) They can help save lives.
There is no question about how high-tech gadgets help in the
field of medicine. But robotic devices are giving this fact a
few more notches up. Here are some evidences:
A California-based company has invented a unique patch, which
when applied to the skin, can monitor and record a person's
blood pressure, heartbeat rate, and other such vital signs. The
said gadget is also able to automatically send such useful
information to the doctor's computer.
An Automatic Resuscitator can give treatment to a heart attack
patient and save his life. The gadget can perform faster and
leaves the medical professionals with more time, thereby
increasing the survival chances of the patient.
Therapeutic robots have been helping sick patients recuperate
faster.
Indeed, people may have different views about technology and
modern gadgets. In the end, however, the choice is really ours.
Should we look at and treat technology as a crutch that hinders
our journey towards the future? Or should we see it as a tool
that will help us take great leaps and get nearer to our
destination?