Topic 3. Robotics: key concepts

The field of robotics is closely related to AI. Intelligence is required for robots to be able to handle such tasks as object manipulation and navigation, with sub-problems of localization (knowing where you are, or finding out where other things are), mapping (learning what is around you, building a map of the environment), and motion planning(figuring out how to get there) or path planning (going from one point in space to another point, which may involve compliant motion – where the robot moves while maintaining physical contact with an object)

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlufiVu0imw)

These technologies deal with automated machines that can take the place of humans in dangerous environments or manufacturing processes, or resemble humans in appearance, behavior, and/or cognition. Many of today's robots are inspired by nature contributing to the field of bio-inspired robotics.

Task 3. In pairs or small groupsdiscuss the issues raised in Topic 4:

1. What human functions are robots already undertaking in medicine, the military, industry and the home? Think of examples and say if you personally had something done by robots.

2. How could jobs performed by robots change or expand in the future?

3. Do you think that replacing people with robots in the workplace has social and economic effects? If yes, what are they?

4. Would you mind being operated by a surgeon robot? Would you mind have a robotic au-pair for your disabled relative?

5. Would you like to have an artificial pet?

6. Could you totally rely on a robotic device in an emergency situation?

7. What are the three laws of robotics (A Asimov)? Would they work?