Mobile robots could soon be in our homes and offices

Robots may not be a mass product right now, but they will be increasingly useful to sectors like mining, energy, manufacturing and construction. The technology used in them will be of great utility

The sight of a metallic, human-like walking machine is common in movies. Not so common in real life. Companies across the world though are continuing to invest in and creating increasingly human robots. The high decibel launch of a biped robot — Optimus — by Tesla sparks the question: Who needs walking robots?

For most of us, a machine which moves around on its own doing work is a normal sight. A mop machine moving around at an airport terminal. A boxy robot holding a tray in a restaurant. A cylindrical robot delivering medicines inside a hospital. Robotic and automated machines on wheels have become fairly ubiquitous.

A walking robot on the other hand is not so common. There are broadly two kinds of walking robots — ones that stand on two legs and those that walk on all fours. Some are tethered but most such robots are now able to move around on their own. 

The UK’s Engineered Arts has been making humanoid robots for several years now, mostly for entertainment and audience shows. It has created theatrical robots to work as mechanical actors. Its RoboThespian brings the house down with its rendition of prose and poetry. 

Boston Dynamics has been more edgy with its robots. Made mostly for industrial uses, its four-legged dog-like robot Spot is seen as cute and scary at the same time. Boston Dynamics describes Spot as “an agile mobile robot that navigates terrain with unprecedented mobility, allowing you to automate routine inspection tasks and data capture safely, accurately, and frequently.”

Spot is being used in places where human presence is difficult or dangerous. Another robot, Atlas, walks on two feet and can do impressive back flips. Boston Dynamics says that its custom battery, valves, and a compact hydraulic power unit enable Atlas to deliver high power to any of its 28 hydraulic joints for impressive feats of mobility.

By themselves robots may not be a mass product right now, but they will be increasingly useful to sectors like mining, energy, manufacturing and construction. But the technology used for their individual parts will be of great importance and utility. 

The hands of Tesla’s Optimus are “biologically inspired design”. This means that the various joints in the limbs and finger are far more dexterous. If the robot’s fingers are able to lift a coin or thread a needle then such a skill can be deployed in precision manufacturing. They can even be an aid to ailing humans who need constant support. 

Several companies in India have developed robots too. These include Grey Orange, Fanuc, Gridbots, and Wipro Pari. Most of them offer industrial and warehouse robotic solutions. 

A biped or a four-legged robot grabs attention and excites. Will such robots soon become personal valets or conversation buddies? Will they bring us coffee in the morning and discuss a movie in the evening? Perhaps a four-legged robot could take our pet out for a daily walk. Visualise the image of idea of two four-legged creatures walking together — one with plastic and metal, the other with flesh and bones! 

Voice assistants are already good at basic conversation and cleaning bots can bring coffee too. The question is, how soon will these get two legs, be mass produced and be affordable. That time is not far away. Walking robots could be in homes and offices faster than we realise. Tesla has declared mass production of Optimus. 

Walking robots will become a consumer product sooner rather than later. Retail buyers will be asking prosaic questions such as repairs and after-sales servicing of walking robots.