From being confined to manufacturing plants, robots have entered into all aspects of human endeavour and will soon become, it would appear, as ubiquitous as smart phones.In 2010, the value of the robotics industry was placed at US$15 billion. It is expected to increase to an estimated US$67 billion by 2025; a quadrupling of its value. Whilst its applications in the industrial sector/manufacturing sector will continue to increase steadily, other sectors will see dramatic increases. The success of drones in warfare means that military application of these autonomous flying vehicles will be pursued with greater vigour, as many countries are developing their own programmes. The use of exoskeletons for soldiers in the battlefields is also in high gear as it provides greater carrying capacity for them.
More high-tech applications in the works include the use of robotic animals for load-carrying and, interestingly, robotic soldiers. It would appear that robots and robotic devices will be a standard feature in the military; certainly those of the developed countries.In the area of rehabilitative medicine, it has been conclusively demonstrated that robotic devices are more than useful and in fact will constitute standard medical equipment. It is now slowly working its way into assistive technology for the injured and elderly.The BBC recently reported on the case of a special groom walking down the aisle to get married, using a battery-powered bionic exoskeleton. He was paralysed from the neck down but and wanted to walk on his own for this momentous occasion.In the recently-concluded football World Cup, a quadriplegic kicked a football at the opening ceremony. What was interesting about his exoskeleton was that it provided feedback to his brain ensuring that he experienced his foot hitting the ball. This is the direction of the R&D, the interlinking of man and machine to ensure that the devices are extensions of us.
The world's ageing population is also a big factor influencing the growth of robotics. The Japanese government views robotics as a key element in its economic growth strategy. In fact a robot panel has been constituted. It is tasked with promoting measures to increase the use of robotics and related technologies in manufacturing hotels, distribution, medical and elderly nursing care services.
The ageing population in the western world is also quite significant and thus assistive care is proving to be quite a challenge. It is estimated that, at present in the US, some 8.5 million people require assistive care and this number is set to grow. The use of robotic technology is seen as providing an answer.
One such application is the distribution of meals. A robotic cart system, designed to operate in elderly and health care facilities,is undergoing trials to determine suitability and to iron out operational bugs.T&T has a significant and growing aged population. There is a definite shortage of skilled manpower to care for the elderly. There continue to be labour and performance issues with ward attendants and other similar support staff in the nation's health care system. Furthermore, there is a longstanding labour shortage in the manufacturing and service sector and low productivity in the public sector. These are serious problems that negatively affect the ability of the country to be competitive in the global economy and on its capacity to care for its citizens in their golden years.
Robotics and allied technologies can provide the answer. For this to happen a clear national policy initiative on robotics and automation technology need to be devised. The first step must be a public education programme, aimed at citizens and the trade union movement, to dispel and dispense with misconceptions about robotics.