Artificial Intelligence in Robots: What Can It Do?

Artificial intelligence (AI) has quickly moved from a topic mostly covered in science-fiction stories to a game-changing technology in real life. People are perpetually curious about artificial intelligence in robots. How does it help those machines work better?

How Does a Real Artificial Intelligence Robot Work?

AI in robotics use hardware and software components that enable them to interact with the environment, collect data, process it, and make decisions based on that information. The first step is to sense its environment. The robot can do this through cameras, microphones, or touch sensors. It subsequently collects data from these sensors to build a model of its surroundings.

Once the data is collected, the robot processes it using its onboard computer. The machine can further examine the data and extract useful information thanks to the computer’s robust algorithms. For example, a robot that navigates a cluttered environment may use computer vision algorithms to detect and avoid obstacles.

After processing the data, the robot uses the information to decide its actions. This is where the AI component comes into play. AI algorithms enable the bot to learn from its experiences and make decisions based on what it knows. For example, robotics built to pick and sort items may use machine learning algorithms to improve picking and sorting accuracy over time.

Finally, the robot executes its actions based on its decisions. This involves controlling its actuators, such as motors, to move and manipulate objects in its environment. The bot may also communicate with other machines or humans to achieve its goals.

What Can Artificial Intelligence in Robots Do?

Let’s take a look at these revolutionary robots and what makes them tick, because they provide many benefits for humans.

Improve Navigation With Computer Vision

What is computer vision? It is an application of AI. It involves training robots to see and interpret visual data as you do. Robotics can observe and recognize patterns they have never seen before, thanks to AI. An AI robot improves detection and analyzes these patterns more precisely than traditional machines. For example, a self-driving car uses computer vision to recognize road signs and traffic lights and navigate them smoothly.

Many robots work without human intervention. That means they must steer around obstacles and respond to immediate environmental changes. Many warehouses have mobile robots that use AI to recognize the surroundings and operate safely in busy areas. If you have a floor-cleaning robot, it uses AI to do the same thing, knowing where your furniture and staircase are and maneuvering around those or other obstacles. 

Food delivery robots are similar. They move around a space to learn its dimensions and create a digital map. They then store that information in memory, then use computer vision to navigate in the future and avoid obstacles. Artificial intelligence in robots makes all those things possible. 

Ease Loneliness With Natural Language Processing

Natural language processing (NLP) is a sub-branch of artificial intelligence technology focusing on using natural language to establish communication between humans and machines. Robotics can use NLP to understand your commands and respond accordingly. For example, customer service chatbots can be programmed to understand and respond to common queries.

Loneliness can be a devastating problem at any age, but particularly for older adults. That’s why some people think artificial intelligence in robots could turn machines into pleasant companions. Some such products on the market can suggest activities or provide reminders, adding possible conveniences and friendship for the people using them. Because of the deep understanding of language, they could also talk to older individuals, resembling a perfectly normal conversation.

However, a small poll of older adults suggested they have mixed feelings about robots as companions. Some didn’t like the idea of robots telling them what to do and thought interacting with robots so much would shrink their brains. However, others felt the robots would be nice for helping them with tasks or providing some conversation. That’s a good reminder that robots may not improve loneliness in all cases, but they’re worth considering. 

Perform Surgery With Autonomous Robots and Cobots

Autonomous robots can operate on their own without any human input. These bots are equipped with AI algorithms that enable them to sense their environment, make decisions, and take appropriate actions. Autonomous robots, like self-driving cars and industrial automation, are used in various fields. Cobots are robots that work alongside humans with some control from an operator.

People eventually realized construction workers had better dexterity and strength when they wore robotic exoskeletons. Many researchers also understood that robots could lead to better surgical outcomes. They don’t replace human surgeons, but the machines can often perform with better accuracy than people. That’s an important advantage, especially when operating on a delicate and essential body part such as the eye. Many surgeons use tools such as joysticks to control robots. 

In one case, researchers made a laparoscope that self-corrected its position using AI algorithms. However, artificial intelligence in robots is often a supplemental part of a machine. Consider a product that shows visual overlays as a person uses a robot to perform bowel surgery. 

Provide Assistance With Machine Learning

Machine learning is a subset of AI in which training algorithms recognize patterns and make predictions. In robotics, you can use machine learning to enable robots to learn from their experiences and make better decisions. For example, you can program a bot to pick up and recognize different types of items while handling them appropriately.

Efforts are also underway to use artificial intelligence in robots that help people. One recent example comes from Currys, an electrical goods retailer in the United Kingdom. The company deployed a robot that greets customers and leads them to the products they want to buy. It knows how to greet people based on training about how to react and relay common formalities and greetings.

Some robots are specifically designed to help people working in assistance-based roles. One Korean barbecue restaurant purchased robots to help servers carry multiple hot dishes at a time. Machine learning helps it develop paths around the restaurant, knowing how to consider visitors and obstacles. That advantage promotes safety and productivity while enabling servers to be more attentive to customers. When they don’t have their hands full of food, it’s easy for waitstaff members to answer questions, address concerns and more. 

Industries Using AI in Robotics

AI increases the effectiveness of revolutionary robotics and has affected every industry in the current global environment. We’ve explored some of its uses in a few sectors. However, here is a quick look at various places where robotics uses AI to its advantage.

• Health care: AI-powered robots are now used in hospitals to assist with tasks such as medication delivery, patient monitoring, and sometimes surgery.
• Automotive: The automotive industry uses robotic AI to perform tasks such as welding, painting, and assembling machine parts.
• Agriculture: Robotic AI can be utilized in agriculture for planting, watering, and harvesting crops without human intervention.
• Construction: The construction industry uses AI-powered robots to perform tasks such as bricklaying and pouring concrete.

What Does the Future Hold for Artificial Intelligence in Robots?

As modern robots become more capable, people will keep pushing the boundaries of what the machines can do. It’ll be exciting to see where that leads, especially if the efforts break new ground in robotic technology. 

Of course, not all efforts immediately succeed. Even so, people will undoubtedly learn valuable things that will help them with future robotics projects. Plus, the failures will teach robotics professionals what works and what doesn’t, letting them apply that knowledge to all their endeavors. 

Many existing robotics applications help people solve problems. That’s why it’s so exciting to wonder what’s on the horizon. If robots help people live happier, healthier lives at home and work, these machines could change society for the better. 

This post was originally published on March 31, 2023. It was updated on December 19, 2024 to provide more information for readers.