Intro:
In recent years, the global rise of artificial intelligence and robotics has captured public imagination and sparked heated debate. Robots are increasingly present in everyday life, creating both excitement and concern. Some fear robots may lead to over-dependence on machines or even replace humans entirely. These concerns often overlook how robots can complement human abilities rather than diminish them.
To start, robots are suited to perform dangerous, repetitive, or high-precision tasks that challenge human capabilities. These tasks include repetitive laboratory pipetting, handling dangerous chemicals, or detailed assembly jobs. Rather than eliminating human involvement, robots can free up time scientists and technicians can use to focus on higher level problem solving and analysis, maximising overall productivity.
For example, in 2015, Asea Brown Boveri (ABB) introduced YuMi, a robot that adds flexibility to assembly processes. YuMi allows for collaboration between humans and robots by adapting to changes presented to them, meaning that people and robots can work side by side on the same task. [1]
Design and developing robots:
Robotics engineering is a multidisciplinary field that combines elements of mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering to conceptualize, design, build and operate robotic systems [2]. This process begins with mechanical design, where engineers determine the physical structure and the capabilities of a robot. This is often inspired by biological systems, leading to adaptive and flexible robot forms such as soft robots.
Soft robots use biological systems as a source of inspiration for the structure or function of the robot. For example, soft robots are made of materials that resemble the stiffness of skin, which allows them to hold and maneuver irregular or fragile objects. This allows them to work in tight spaces or environments that require precision, like medical applications. [3]
Hardware:
A robot’s effectiveness depends heavily on its hardware, which enables movement, perception, and interaction with its environment. Robotic hardware integrates mechanical and electronic components that work together to translate digital commands into real-world actions. [4]
Sensors allow robots to perceive their surroundings by collecting data like temperature, pressure, light, motion, and more. In laboratory and medical settings, sensors are critical for precision and safety, enabling robots to respond to environmental changes rather than following pre-set instructions [5]
Actuators convert signals into physical movement in order to control a robot’s joints and limbs. There are many types of actuators, such as electric motors, pneumatic actuators, and hydraulic actuators.
Different types of actuators use different methods to generate movement. Electric actuators have motors that can convert electricity taken from a power source into linear or rotary motions to open, close, or adjust a corresponding valve [6]. Pneumatic actuators use compressed air or pressurised gas to create movement. The pressure from the gas forces a piston to move, generating linear or rotary motion that can be controlled for precise movement [7]. Hydraulic actuators use the idea of fluid compression to generate motion. There are two types of hydraulic actuators, single action units and double acting units. Simple action units only apply pressure to one side of the piston and double acting units apply pressure to both sides of the piston.
The quality and precision of actuators determine how smoothly and accurately a robot can perform tasks such as surgical movements or delicate sample handling [4]. Advanced robots often use multiple actuators to mimic human or animal movements.
Robots require reliable power sources to operate effectively. Depending on the application, robots may use batteries, wired power supplies, or energy-efficient systems [5]. Power efficiency is especially important in mobile robots and medical nanorobots, where limited energy availability can restrict operational time and effectiveness.
At the core of robotic hardware is the processing unit, which controls the robot’s body and manages communication between sensors and actuators. This system must be fast, energy efficient, and robust, especially in hospitals or labs where failure could pose safety risks. The integration of specialised processors allows robots to handle complex computations, including real-time feedback and decision making.
Software:
The software in robots allows it to interpret sensory input, make decisions and execute actions. Robotic engineers use programming languages such as Python, C++, and Java, and frameworks like the Robot Operating System (ROS), to coordinate tasks and manage complex behaviors [8]. Developers continually test and debug robot code to ensure safe and efficient operation. This includes tuning control algorithms and responding to unexpected behavior during trials.
Effective robotic design depends on seamless integration between hardware and software. Sensors provide data, processors interpret it, and actuators execute the response. Any mismatch between these components can result in errors or inefficiencies. For this reason, engineers often test hardware and software together in iterative cycles, refining both physical design and code to improve performance and reliability.
Ethical Considerations
The increasing use of robots raises significant ethical concerns that must be addressed alongside technological advancements. One major issue is human dependence on machines; over-reliance on robots could erode essential skills and decision-making abilities. Additionally, accountability becomes complex when autonomous robots make decisions or perform actions independently, leaving questions about who is responsible for errors or accidents. In healthcare and research settings, the deployment of robots must consider patient safety, informed consent and equitable access to advanced technologies, ensuring that benefits are available fairly across populations. Furthermore, the integration of robots into workplaces may exacerbate social inequalities if certain groups are disproportionately affected by automation or excluded from opportunities to work with these systems. Addressing these ethical challenges requires collaboration between developers, policymakers and society to create frameworks that balance innovation with responsibility, safety, and human well-being [9,10].
Real-World Applications
Medicine and healthcare:
Robots have become vital tools in modern healthcare. Robotic assisted surgical systems enable procedures that improve precision and reduce recovery times [11]. However, these systems raise ethical concerns regarding informed consent, training requirements, and equitable access to advanced care [12]. Researchers also stress that robotics in healthcare must adhere to ethical principles like “beneficence, non-maleficience, and respect for (patient) autonomy” [13]
Another aspect of robot healthcare is nanomedicine. Nanorobots are designed to navigate the human body to deliver drugs to targeted cells and precise manipulation of cells which could revolutionise treatment by targeting disease at the cellular level. Nanorobots have the potential to transform healthcare by enabling accurate diagnosis, precise medicine administration, and less invasive surgical procedures. [14]
Chem and Bio research:
In laboratory settings that involve hazardous compounds, robots can safely handle toxins, pathogens, and radiation, reducing risk to human researchers and improving experimental consistency. This capability is especially valuable in high-risk environments where precision and repeatability are paramount.
Future Potential
As robotic technology continues to advance, its future potential lies in deeper integration with AI, allowing robots to become more adaptive, autonomous, and collaborative. Rather than relying solely on pre-programmed instructions, future robots should be able to learn from data, experience, and provide real-time feedback. This shift will enable robots to operate effectively in unpredictable, real-world environments such as hospitals and research laboratories.
A major area of growth is AI-driven perception and decision-making. With improved machine learning algorithms and advanced sensor systems, robots may be able to recognise patterns, predict outcomes, and adjust their actions accordingly. For example, in healthcare, robots could assist doctors by identifying early signs of disease through medical data like imaging or patient data analysis. [9]
Another promising development is the expansion of collaborative robots, or “cobots.” Unlike traditional industrial robots that operate separately from humans, cobots are designed to work safely alongside people. These robots could take on physically demanding or repetitive tasks while humans handle supervision, creativity, and ethical decision making [5].
Despite these advancements, the future of robotics depends heavily on ethical regulation and responsible design. As robots gain more autonomy, guidelines must be put into place to address accountability, safety, data privacy, and equitable access. Ensuring that humans remain in control of critical decisions will be essential to maintaining trust in robotic systems.
Conclusion:
From hardware design and software programming to real-world applications in science and medicine, robots are reshaping our world. While ethical challenges accompany these innovations, robots ultimately have the potential to improve safety, enhance human skill, and expand what is already possible across industries. By combining human creativity with robot consistency and precision, the future of work and research can be safer, more efficient, and more innovative.