The field of robotics has witnessed a significant transformation with the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), enabling robots to sense and respond autonomously to their environment in real-time. The International Federation of Robotics (IFR) recently published a paper on ‘Artificial Intelligence in Robotics’ to separate fact from fiction and explore the future directions of AI in robotics.
AI has opened up new possibilities for robotic automation, particularly in the manufacturing and logistics sectors, where uncertainty and variability are common features. AI enables robots to identify objects to be picked from an unsorted bin or automatically identify welding points on a new part, reducing the time and resources needed to programme and re-task robots. However, it’s important to note that AI is not always necessary for robots to respond in real-time to their environment. Many ‘pick-and-place’ applications do not require AI, but the greater the level of variability and uncertainty, the more likely it is that AI algorithms will bring cost-benefits over traditional, deterministic programming.
Safety is a significant concern in AI-enabled robotics, as AI algorithms enable robots to act autonomously. Currently, the safety layer is hard-coded, but experts predict that AI may be used to determine how fast a robot should slow down based on the trajectory of the object or person in front of it in the future.
The European authorities are currently reviewing regulation on AI in robotics, with concerns around the proposed requirement for mandatory third-party certification of AI-enabled robots. The global robotics industry is worried that this requirement would impact any company selling robots on the European market, particularly SMEs and start-ups. The IFR calls on European policymakers to amend the drafts to balance the protection of citizens with the market’s need to adopt new technologies and ensure a level-playing field for companies.
In conclusion, AI has significantly impacted the field of robotics, enabling robots to sense and respond autonomously to their external environment in real-time. However, safety and regulatory considerations are crucial in AI-enabled robotics. It’s essential to balance the protection of citizens with the market’s need to adopt new technologies and ensure a level-playing field for companies. As AI continues to advance, it will be interesting to see how it shapes the future of robotics and how regulators respond to the challenges it presents.
