Robot: My personal experience with these machines

Hello, I'm Amadeo Perez, and if there is something that I have seen change radically during my life is the world of robots. My relationship with them has been extensive, fascinating and, at times, terrifying. Today, I feel I have enough authority to talk to you about robots, not only from a technical point of view, but from the experience that has given me having seen how these machines have evolved.

I'm going to explain what robots are, their types, their most impressive applications, and how I believe they will impact your life, if they haven't already.

What is a robot?

A robot is, in essence, a programmable machine that can perform tasks autonomously or semi-autonomously. What is important here is that these tasks can range from the most basic, such as moving objects, to more complex activities such as operating surgically or exploring Mars.

Imagine a washing machine or a mechanical arm in a factory as the most basic robots. Over the years, these systems have evolved from simple manipulating machines to robots equipped with artificial intelligence (AI). In fact, we are already in the so-called fifth generation of robots, where machines not only execute commands, but learn and adapt to their environment.

Types of robots

There are many ways to classify robots, but the most common ones are grouped according to their mobility, function or the technology they employ. Let me break down the most interesting ones for you, because you've probably already interacted with some of them without realizing it.

1. Industrial robots

These are the ones used in factories for the automation of processes. These robots are capable of assembling cars, manufacturing electronic parts and performing repetitive tasks at a speed that a human being could not match. Have you seen those videos of factories where metal arms move at full speed assembling car parts? Those are the famous polyarticulated robots.

2. Service robots

These robots are already in our homes. The clearest example is the robot vacuum cleaner, such as the Roomba, which goes around the house cleaning while you relax. There are also the kitchen robots that help you prepare meals. Can you imagine a future where you don't have to do household chores thanks to these tireless helpers? Well, we're on our way.

3. Humanoid robots

Here we're talking about machines that mimic the shape and movements of human beings. Perhaps the best known is ASIMO, the Japanese robot capable of walking, running and even interacting with people. Today, these robots are used in fields such as education and care for the elderly, offering physical and emotional support.

4. Medical robots

In the field of medicine, surgical robots have made it possible to perform operations with incredible precision, something that a human being could not achieve without assistance. These robots not only operate, but are also capable of making diagnoses. telemedicine has taken a quantum leap thanks to them.

5. Cobots (collaborative robots)

These robots work side by side with humans, helping in tasks that may be dangerous or simply repetitive. They are an emerging trend in factories because they allow workers to delegate the most tedious, while they focus on more complex tasks.

Robot Applications: From Factory to Space

Robots are changing the world at an incredible speed. Here I will tell you about some of the most impressive applications I have seen in my lifetime.

1. Automation in factories

Years ago, when I started working in a factory, we did everything manually. Today, a single robot can do the work of five people on a production line, and best of all, it does it non-stop. This has made it possible to increase productivity to levels never seen before

2. Space exploration

One of the fields where robots are absolutely necessary is in space. Missions such as the rovers on Mars would not be possible without them. These robots are designed to explore dangerous terrain and send detailed information back to Earth. And not only on Mars, there are also robots at the bottom of the ocean exploring where humans cannot reach.

3. Robots in medicine

Robotic surgery has revolutionized medicine. Now, a doctor can operate on a patient on another continent using a surgical robot that he controls through a secure connection. Isn't it amazing? This opens up endless possibilities, especially in places where access to specialists is limited.

4. Rescue robots

In natural disasters, such as earthquakes or fires, robots are being used to rescue people trapped in rubble or dangerous areas. These robots can access places where humans cannot, and do so more quickly and safely.

My Analysis: The Future of Robots

After so many years of watching how robots have evolved, I dare tell you that we are only scratching the surface of what this technology can accomplish. The autonomous robots and advances in artificial intelligence are leading us toward a future where these machines will be our work and life companions.

What amazes me most is how educational robotics is training new generations. My grandchildren are already learning to program robots at school. When I think about what they will accomplish in the future, I feel optimistic.

That said, one must also take into account the ethical challenges involved in all this. Robots in the military industry, artificial intelligence making autonomous decisions... all this requires deep reflection to ensure that we use these technologies responsibly.

Conclusion

In short, robots are already part of our lives, and will be even more so in the future. From cleaning our house to exploring other planets, these machines never cease to amaze me. So the next time you see one, whether in a supermarket, a factory or a surgery, remember that you are looking at the future, a future that, although sometimes a little scary, is full of incredible possibilities.