It’s time to start learning for the future… and the future is now! Here are 10 core skills that you’ll need to succeed with robotics in 2020.
Approximately 4 years ago — in January 2016 to be exact — the World Economic Forum (WEF) released a list of the “Top 10 Skills You Need to Thrive by 2020.” It identified the core skills that would be necessary for someone to thrive in the fourth industrial revolution.
Back then, the year 2020 was still very much in the future… but the future is now!
The WEF list contained a diversity of skills, including many relating to the more human aspects of business, like emotional intelligence, people management, leadership, etc. But, there are also 3 skills that very much relate to how we use robots within our business, which are included in the list below.
For many people, robotics is still quite new. It’s not always clear which skills we need to get the most from robots. It’s also not always clear what we need to succeed in the new and changing world of work.
To set you up for a successful 2020, here is our own list of 10 core robotics skills you’ll need to succeed.
The first robotics-relevant skill from the WEF report was “complex problem-solving.” As engineers, this skill is at the very core of what we do. The success of every engineering project depends on our ability to effectively identify and solve problems.
Robotic cells can be complex to design, build, and operate. But, we can make the problem solving much easier by choosing the right tools, training, and technology for the job.
A recent article in Forbes listed “tech-savviness” as a top skill that companies should be looking for in their employees and recruits in 2020. Robotics is one of the technologies that they listed, alongside artificial intelligence and virtual reality.
Being “savvy” in something means that you have practical knowledge in a field, which gives you the ability to make good judgments. You can build your robotics savvy through training as well as with hands-on experience with robots and/or robotic simulations.
The programming mindset is a special type of problem-solving ability. It doesn’t matter which programming language you use, having the mindset of a programmer will help you to build your robotic solutions quicker and more effectively than if you come to robotics with no previous experience in programming.
Having said that, you don’t need to be a programmer to get started with industrial robots, as we outlined in our article 15 Lesser-Known Facts About Industrial Robot Programming.
Robotics touches on many aspects of engineering and design, including mechanical engineering, electronics, programming, etc. This will get more complex in 2020 as there are increasingly more components to our systems (Internet of Things, AI, etc). Although you don’t need to be an expert in all of these aspects, it is certainly helpful if you can understand the “bigger picture” of the robotic system.
This requires the skill of “systems thinking” — i.e. being able to appreciate the interactions between the robot, the surrounding processes, and the software and hardware. Having a strong, streamlined workflow can help this a lot.
Yes, 2020 seems to be the year of Python programming. This increasingly popular programming language has finally become the top tech skill for the new decade.
According to the recent Udemy Workplace Learning Trends report, Python now ranks Number 1 as the skill that people are most looking to learn in the new year. With the right software, you can program your robot in any language you like, including Python.
With more and more potential components of a robotic system, it is now more important than ever that we can design robotic solutions in an efficient manner. In the past, it was acceptable for a robot integration to take months. These days, many robots can be deployed in a matter of weeks (or even days). There is a real need for people who have the skill to design a robot cell that does not disrupt the other operations or cause unnecessary downtime.
The second robotics-relevant skill from the WEF report was “cognitive flexibility.” The recent Forbes article also listed “adaptability and flexibility” as an in-demand skill. With robotics, this means the ability to update the robot cell to respond to changes in your products and your business.
Businesses can no longer afford to sit on their laurels and keep doing exactly what they have always done. Robotics software itself is often inflexible so it’s important to pick software which is adaptable.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a huge buzzword at the moment. However, you don’t need to go all out and invest in an entirely automated workflow to get the benefits. If you are using robotics, you can utilize AI tools to reduce the more boring, repetitive parts of the robotics programming process.
There is a recent trend for small AI tools that serve one particular purpose. For example, there are various competitive benefits to using a motion planner which automatically plans the industrial robot’s route around its workspace.
The third robotics-relevant skill from the WEF report was “critical thinking,” which was also listed as one of the four cornerstone skills that engineers need in the future of work.
This has always been an important skill for engineers but it is increasingly becoming our primary way to stay relevant as human workers. Robots and automation can take over a lot of tasks but they can’t beat us at our critical thinking skills.
Although some robots have a rudimentary ability to learn. I always say that our ability to learn new skills and technologies is the most important aspect of being human.
Some people are reluctant to learn new skills once they have been in a job for a while. This is a mistake. If we want to succeed in 2020 and succeed with robotics, we need to develop an attitude of learning and focus on learning how to use new technologies as necessary.
Which skills do you think will be necessary in 2020? Tell us in the comments below or join the discussion on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or in the RoboDK Forum.
This article discusses the different types of sensory systems used in robotics, their components, functionalities, types of sensors used, and the most popular trends and challenges associated with each system.
Overall, while there are many challenges and limitations in the development of sensory systems for robots, researchers are making significant progress in developing innovative solutions to these challenges. The integration of multiple sensory inputs has the potential to transform the field of robotics, multiple types of sensors were displayed in Figure 1 , enabling robots to perform a wide range of complex tasks and interact with humans in new and exciting ways.
To address these challenges and limitations, researchers are exploring a range of solutions. These include the development of more advanced algorithms for processing sensory data, using machine learning and artificial intelligence to enable robots to adapt and learn from their environment, and developing new sensor technologies that are more robust and reliable [ 4 ]. There is also a growing focus on integrating sensors with other technologies, especially in robotics, to enable more advanced capabilities. The use of sensors in conjunction with robotic prosthetics can enable individuals with disabilities to regain some level of mobility and independence [ 5 ].
Considerable advancements have been achieved in the field of sensory systems for robots. However, there remain numerous challenges and limitations that must be addressed. One of the most significant challenges is the integration of multiple sensory inputs, which can be complex and require advanced algorithms to process and interpret the data [ 1 ]. Another challenge is the development of sensors that can operate reliably in a range of environments and conditions. For instance, sensors that rely on visual data may struggle in low-light or high-glare environments, while sensors that detect tactile information may struggle to distinguish between different textures [ 2 ]. There are also limitations related to the size, weight, and power requirements of sensors, which can limit their use in certain applications. Sensors that are too large or heavy may not be suitable for use in small robots or drones [ 3 ].
The integration of multiple sensory systems in robots has enabled them to perceive, interact with, and navigate their environment in a way similar to humans. These sensory systems include vision, touch, hearing, smell, and taste, as well as the idea of a Sixth Sense. However, developing effective sensory systems for robots is not without its challenges and limitations, such as the integration of multiple sensory inputs and the reliability of sensors in different environments. Despite these challenges, researchers are making significant progress in developing innovative solutions, such as advanced algorithms and artificial intelligence, enabling robots to perform complex tasks and interact with humans in new and exciting ways.
Robotics aims to design machines that can assist and help humans in various tasks. The robotic system consists of several components that work together to perform a specific task or set of tasks. These components can vary depending on the type of robot and its intended purpose, but some common components found in many robotic systems include actuators, control systems, power supply, and sensors.
Robotics is an interdisciplinary field of computer science and engineering that is rapidly advancing and transforming the world. The field of robotics aims to design machines that can help and assist humans in various tasks. This field integrates knowledge and expertise in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, information engineering, mechatronics, electronics, bioengineering, computer engineering, control engineering, software engineering, mathematics, and more. Our senses give us the power to explore the world around us! With our five senses—sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste—we can perceive the world and its changes. Sensors are the devices that help robots do the same. To make robots even more effective, engineers have been exploring ways to give them sensory abilities, such as odor-sensing, vision, tactile sensing, hearing, and taste. In addition to the traditional five senses, some researchers are exploring the idea of a “Sixth Sense” for robots. Have you ever wondered how robots can see, hear, smell, taste, and touch?
Robots can sense, plan, and act. They are equipped with sensors that go beyond human capabilities! From exploring the surface of Mars to lightning-fast global deliveries, robots can do things humans can only dream of. When designing and building robots, engineers often use fascinating animal and human models to help decide which sensors they need. For instance, bats can be used as a model for sound-detecting robots, ants can be used as a model to determine smell, and bees can be used as a model to determine how they use pheromones to call for help.
Human touch helps us to sense various features of our environment, such as texture, temperature, and pressure. Similarly, tactile sensors in robots can detect these qualities and more. For instance, the robot vacuum cleaner (Roomba) uses sensors to detect objects through contact [ 7 ]. However, similar to sight and sound, a robot may not always know the precise content of what it picks up (a bag, a soft cake, or a hug from a friend); it just knows that there is an obstacle to be avoided or found.
Tactile sensing is a crucial element of intelligent robotic manipulation as it allows robots to interact with physical objects in ways that other sensors cannot [ 8 ]. This article provides a comprehensive overview of tactile sensing in intelligent robotic manipulation, including its history, common issues, applications, advantages, and disadvantages. It also includes a review of sensor hardware and delves into the major topics related to understanding and manipulation.
Robots are increasingly being used in various applications, including industrial, military, and healthcare. One of the most important features of robots is their ability to detect and respond to environmental changes. Odor-sensing technology is a key component of this capability. In a survey presented by [ 9 ], the current status of chemical sensing as a sensory modality for mobile robots was reviewed. The article evaluates various techniques that are available for detecting chemicals and how they can be used to control the motion of a robot. Additionally, it discusses the importance of controlling and measuring airflow close to the sensor to infer useful information from readings of chemical concentration.
Robot vision is an emerging technology that uses cameras and sensors to allow robots to interpret and respond to their environment, with numerous applications in the medical, industrial, and entertainment fields. It requires artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to produce devices that can interact with the physical world, and the accuracy of these devices depends on the vision techniques used. A survey by [ 10 ] presents a summary of data processing and domain-based data processing, evaluating various robot vision techniques, tools, and methodologies.
Robot sensors and ears detect EM waves. The sound waves heard by human ears can also be detected by some robot sensors, such as microphones. Other robot sensors can detect waves beyond our capabilities, such as ultrasound. Cloud-based speech recognition systems use AI to interpret a user’s voice and convert it into text or commands, enable robots to interact with humans in a more natural way, automate certain tasks, and are hosted on the cloud for increased reliability and cost-effectiveness [ 11 ]. We examined the potential of utilizing smart speakers to facilitate communication in human–robot interaction (HRI) scenarios.
For the past decade, robotics research has focused on developing robots with cognitive skills and the ability to act and interact with people in complex and unconstrained environments. To achieve this, robots must be capable of safely navigating and manipulating objects, as well as understanding human speech. However, in typical real-world scenarios, individuals who are speaking are often located at a distance, posing challenges for the robot’s microphone signals to capture the speech [ 12 ]. Researchers have addressed this challenge by working on enabling humanoid robots to accurately detect and locate both visible and audible people. Their focus has been on combining vision and hearing to recognize human activity.
The sense of taste is the most challenging sense to replicate in the structure of robots. A lot of research has been conducted on this subject, but a definitive solution has not yet been reached. The human tongue, despite its small size, is highly complex, with different parts responsible for perceiving different flavors—bitter, sour, and salty—which adds to the difficulty of electronically reproducing the tongue. However, robots can now have a sense of taste. They can be programmed to detect flavors and distinguish between different tastes. This is used in the food industry to ensure that food products meet the required quality standards [ 13 ]. The study presented a review of an e-tongue, a powerful tool for detecting and discriminating among tastes and flavors. It consists of a sensor array composed of several types of sensors, each sensitive to a different taste. By analyzing the output of these sensors, the electronic tongue can detect and differentiate between various tastes and flavors. Additionally, the electronic tongue can measure the concentration of a specific substance in a sample, as well as its bitterness and sweetness.
The Sixth Sense is a revolutionary new technology that can help to bridge the gap between humans and machines. It uses advanced artificial intelligence to recognize and respond to the user’s environment and surroundings. This technology can be used to create a more personal and interactive experience with machines, making them more human-like and helping to improve the overall user experience. The potential applications of this technology are endless, and it is sure to revolutionize how humans interact with machines and technology [ 14 ]. The researchers developed a gesture-controlled robot with an Arduino microcontroller and a smartphone. It uses a combination of hand gestures and voice commands to allow for a more intuitive way of controlling robots. With this technology, robots can be given complex commands with a few simple gestures.
We all know that the field of robotics is increasingly being applied across various domains with different attributes. To continue evolving in this field, adaptable methods and sensors must be found to be incorporated into underwater or flying robots. Flying robots are critical pieces of technology that use sensors and algorithms to detect and avoid obstacles or potential hazards in their path. They are designed to be lightweight and scalable, providing a high level of safety while allowing for efficient and effective operation. In their work, the authors of [ 15 ] developed a new sense-and-avoid system using active stereo vision, which is more effective than fixed-camera systems. The system only requires one stereo camera, which can save costs and make it more accessible.
Underwater exploration is essential to advancing our understanding of ocean resources and the environment. With the development of underwater robot technologies, such as autonomous navigation, remote manipulation, and underwater sensing capabilities, exploration of the underwater world has become much easier. Despite these advances, the complicated underwater environment poses many challenges to the development of state-of-the-art sensing technologies [ 16 ]. The authors discussed the current state of underwater sensing technologies by focusing on underwater acoustic sensing, underwater optical sensing, underwater magnetic sensing, underwater bionic sensing, the challenges of underwater sensing technology, and possible solutions.
Imagine this: All of these sensors used in robotics are combined into one real, social robot capable of human communication. One of the real applications that combined the aforementioned electronic senses, Pepper, is the world’s first social humanoid robot able to recognize faces and basic human emotions [ 17 ]. Researchers presented an extended estimate of Pepper’s capacity for human–robot social interaction through the new version of the speech recognition systems.