Robotics: The New Emerging Applications

Summary form only given.The discipline of robotics has emerged from developments in industrial robots where precision is of primary importance. Robotics research continues to contribute to the creation of objects and robotic systems that improve the quality of our lives. However, the body of knowledge generated in robotics is making an impact beyond robot applications. Recent developments coupled with advancement of computing technology facilitated the application of robotics knowledge to create robotic systems that can operate in unstructured environments occupied by humans, providing service and assisting humans. Furthermore, robotics as a science is being applied and contributing to the development of other disciplines not traditionally associated with robotics. These include computer graphics and animation towards realistic physical simulations of motions and interactions of moving bodies as they collide and interact with each other. Other applications include the study of motion-based behaviors of biological/organic materials including humans. The development of dynamic models of articulated bodies is central for achieving realistic motions and for the design of effective controllers with the needed performance in motions and interactions. These models are especially useful in simulation environments. At the same time, advancements in biology and other disciplines are having a significant influence on the developments in robotics. This synergy between robotics and emerging applications is resulting, for example, in biomimetic robotic systems with mechanical designs closer to biological beings and their learning capabilities. In this presentation, we will discuss models and algorithms in robotics and highlight examples showing their diverse applications.