Robot
From The IT Law Wiki
[edit] Overview
A robot is a general-purpose system, with a great degree of autonomy, through which a computer senses its environment, plans and decides its actions, and performs mechanical manipulations and data handling, sometimes doing tasks normally done by humans. A robot may act under the direct control of a human (for example, a UAV) or autonomously under the control of a pre-programmed computer.
[edit] Enabling Building Blocks
Mobile robots and unmanned systems comprise several subsystems. All these separate systems and their components must work together to enable the robot to function properly. The technologies involved in these systems will all require advances if robots are to see extensive use in personal home and security applications.
- Hardware Technologies. Affordable robots will continue to be built using fairly conventional hardware, off-the-shelf electronic components, batteries, motors, sensors, and actuators. The availability of cost-effective hardware is extremely important.
- Practical Robot Software Platforms. Robot software platforms are already available (e.g. Evolution Robotics). These systems can provide a cost-effective way of producing and operating home security robots, and will continue to increase in functionality.
- Robot Cognition and Artificial Intelligence. The development of robots with cognitive abilities. Advances in artificial intelligence and associated technologies are vital for the development of intelligent, autonomous robots for domestic applications.
