In scientific settings, for instance, a liquid-handling robot is used to automate the process of transferring liquids, mixing samples, and preparing solutions. This technology speeds up research while reducing human error, demonstrating one of the many subtle ways robotics is enhancing daily life. Beyond the lab, robotics is making improvements in healthcare, home automation, and other areas, transforming the way we live without us even realizing it.

Enhancing healthcare and patient care

The healthcare industry has seen tremendous benefits from robotics, with technologies designed to improve patient care, streamline processes, and support medical professionals.

• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Robotic-assisted surgery has gained popularity for enabling minimally invasive procedures. Robotic systems allow surgeons to make smaller incisions with greater precision, resulting in shorter recovery times and less pain for patients. Robots are used in complex surgeries, such as heart and neurological procedures, where delicate movements are crucial for success.

• Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy

In physical therapy, robotic devices are used to help patients regain mobility. For example, robotic exoskeletons can assist individuals recovering from spinal injuries or strokes by guiding their movements during rehabilitation exercises. These devices provide personalized support, adapting to the patient’s progress and helping them rebuild strength and coordination over time.

• Automated Medication Dispensing

Robots are also helping hospitals improve patient safety by automating the medication dispensing process. Automated systems can sort, label, and distribute medications with a high level of accuracy, minimizing the risk of human errors that could lead to incorrect dosages or drug interactions.

Improving home convenience and efficiency

Robots have made their way into homes, enhancing convenience and helping with everyday tasks that can be time-consuming or cumbersome.

• Smart Cleaning Devices

Robotic vacuum cleaners and mops have become common household gadgets, keeping floors clean without requiring manual effort. These robots use sensors to navigate around furniture, avoid obstacles, and adapt to different floor surfaces, making them an efficient solution for busy individuals or families. There are even window-cleaning robots that can tackle hard-to-reach areas, ensuring a spotless home with minimal effort.

• Smart Lawn Maintenance

Robotic lawnmowers are designed to keep gardens and lawns neatly trimmed without the need for human intervention. These small machines can automatically navigate the yard, trim grass, and avoid obstacles, all while running on a schedule set by the homeowner. They offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional gas-powered lawn mowers by using rechargeable batteries.

Advancing scientific research and innovation

The impact of robotics on scientific research cannot be understated. Automation has become an invaluable tool for laboratories and research institutions, where accuracy and speed are critical.

• Liquid Handling Robots in the Lab

Laboratories often use automation to perform repetitive tasks that would otherwise take up valuable time for researchers. A liquid handling robot, for example, can automatically pipette liquids, mix samples, and prepare solutions, speeding up experiments while ensuring consistent results. This technology not only increases efficiency but also reduces the likelihood of human error, leading to more reliable research outcomes.

• Robotic Microscopes

Automated microscopes allow scientists to conduct long-term studies on living cells or microorganisms without needing constant manual adjustments. These robotic systems can capture high-resolution images and automatically detect changes in specimens, making them ideal for fields such as cell biology and medical research.

Revolutionizing the workplace

Robotics is not just limited to high-tech industries; it is also changing traditional workplaces by increasing productivity and safety.

• Warehouse Automation

Robots are now a staple in warehouses, where they assist in tasks such as picking, sorting, and transporting goods. Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) can navigate warehouse floors, carrying products to their designated locations, while robotic arms are used to assemble or package items. These technologies not only speed up the logistics process but also help prevent workplace injuries by handling heavy lifting and repetitive tasks.

• Collaborative Robots (Cobots)

Cobots, or collaborative robots, are designed to work alongside human employees in manufacturing and industrial settings. Unlike traditional robots that are confined to safety cages, cobots can safely interact with humans, assisting them with tasks such as assembly, welding, or material handling. This collaboration allows for a more flexible and efficient workflow while reducing the physical strain on workers.

Improving transportation and delivery

The transportation and logistics sectors are also benefiting from advancements in robotics, leading to more efficient and safer operations.

• Autonomous Vehicles

Self-driving technology has made significant strides, with autonomous vehicles being tested for passenger transportation and goods delivery. While fully autonomous cars for everyday use are still being developed, automated systems are already assisting drivers with features like lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, and emergency braking.

• Last-Mile Delivery Robots

Small delivery robots are being used for last-mile deliveries, transporting packages or food orders directly to customers’ doorsteps. These robots can navigate sidewalks and avoid obstacles, making them suitable for urban areas. As e-commerce continues to grow, autonomous delivery robots could play a key role in meeting increasing demand for quick and efficient deliveries.

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• • Drones, AI, robotics, and blockchain will change African agriculture as we know it today – Akinwumi Adesina
  • The future is now exploring sci-fi robots in modern times
  • Why advancements in robotics are likely to affect human dating

Supporting education and learning

Robotics has made its way into educational settings, providing students with new ways to learn and explore technology.

• Robotics Kits for STEM Learning

Educational robots designed for children are helping to teach the fundamentals of coding, engineering, and problem-solving. By assembling and programming their robots, students develop skills in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) that are crucial for future careers. These hands-on experiences also foster creativity and encourage teamwork.

• Interactive Teaching Assistants

In some classrooms, robots are used as teaching assistants, guiding students through exercises or demonstrating concepts more engagingly. These robots can adapt to individual learning paces, providing personalized support to students who need extra help, while freeing up teachers to focus on more complex instructional tasks.

Ensuring safety in hazardous environments

Robots are invaluable tools for performing tasks in environments that are dangerous for humans, such as disaster sites, chemical plants, or underwater locations.

• Disaster Response Robots

After natural disasters, robots can be deployed to search for survivors, assess damage, or deliver supplies in hard-to-reach areas. Equipped with cameras and sensors, these robots can navigate rubble or flooded areas, providing real-time information to rescue teams.

• Inspection and Maintenance

In industrial settings, robots are used to inspect pipelines, oil rigs, and nuclear power plants. Their ability to withstand extreme temperatures, radiation, or toxic substances allows them to perform tasks that would be hazardous for humans.

Robotics is advancing industries and scientific research and quietly improving our quality of life in many subtle ways. From home, automation, and healthcare to education and disaster response, robots are making our world safer, more efficient, and more comfortable. As technology continues to progress, the positive impact of robotics on everyday life will only grow.

See also: Leading industries with high utilization of robotics

The post How Robotics is Quietly Improving Our Quality of Life appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

The idea of something like a Sci-Fi Robots dates back to years or even centuries ago, and ideas are drawn from mythology or folklore. Nonetheless, the modern perception of robots was not seen until the beginning of the 20th century. Works of popular culture such as Isaac Asimov’s fictional robot and the droids of the Star Wars movie created the theoretical foundation by which people started to conceptualize the future of robots. Early science fiction robots also symbolically reflected humans’ dreams and anxieties in relation to selfhood, intellect, and ethics.

Jumping to the present we can identify that many of these ideas presented in the fiction have become a reality. Sophia’s robot from Hanson Robotics can even joke with the guests, talk, and even blink her eyes. However industrial robots have brought a greater turn in the manufacturing industries where they perform functions with efficiency and accuracy than that of human ability. Mainly, the transition to the reality show is an indicator of how humans are using technology and are constantly on the lookout for better ways to develop it.

Revolutionizing manufacturing

The manufacturing industry started a long time ago to be thought of as the playground of Sci-Fi Robots’ creativity. From the assembly lines of automotive production to the careful procedures of electronics manufacturing, robots are now seemingly inescapable. Industrial robots have brought a higher turn in the manufacturing industries since they perform functions better than human ability. Most importantly, the transition to the reality show is proof of how individuals are using technology and are always on the lookout for a better way to enhance it.

This applied collaboration makes it easier to perform the manufacturing processes in a manner that adapts from one process or product to the other. The use of Artificial Intelligence and machine learning takes the functionality of these robots a notch higher by making the robots learn as they continue to work.

See also: Leading industries with high utilization of robotics

Transforming transportation

The transportation industry is experiencing revolutionary changes like the help of the newly developed Sci-Fi Robots technology. Self-driving cars which were once a mere theory in many movies today exist in the real world. Today there are leading players like Tesla, Waymo, and Uber which are holding high dreams for self-driving cars for some change in traveling.

They are level 5 self-driving cars that come with the newest technologies like sensors including artificial intelligence (AI) that enables the car to see and decide on the surroundings. While self-driving cars are not yet the new normal today, it is only a few years from becoming the new normal in societies. Nevertheless, it is crucial to mention that robots are being implemented not only in cars but also in other forms of transportation, like delivery drones and automated transit vehicles like trains.

Expanding space exploration

Robotics and space explorations have always been hand in hand from the time the space age started. The urge to explore space is not new and the first unmanned space probes started as early as 1958 while the relatively more advanced robots such as the Mars Exploration Rovers are relatively recent. These are mechanical devices designed to withstand the environment in space and perform operations that cannot be done or are hazardous for a human person. The Perseverance Rover that was launched by NASA to Mars, for instance, has sophisticated tools for the search for the presence of life’s trace, as well as its collection of samples for future Mars Sample Return Missions. At the same time, robots’ arms and drones are being created to help astronauts in the ISS, to deal with maintenance as well as making experiments. It saw the future of space robotics as still bright and unbridled, as offering hopes for further opportunities to study the Universe.

Advancing entertainment

The entertainment business has adopted the use of robotic technology in one way or another ranging from theme park robotics of animatronics to gaming technology made up of AI characters. Robots are employed as an effective means of making an audience engage in a live performance whilst impressing the imagination of the audience.

Examples include those used in Disney’s theme parks for characters that are moving and acting in a life-like manner. Moving into video games, the incorporation of AI may allow characters to have the ability to learn players’ behaviors which makes the game more realistic and colorful. Also, robots are introduced in the shooting of films and television programs like Babangida Yanagida to do stunts and special effects to boost the quality of the visual narrative.

Enhancing security

Another area in which robots are finding their way into futuristic sci-fi creations is security. Robotic security systems are already being applied in many places including offices, business establishments, and public places to boost security. Such robots can move around, keep watch, identify vices, and relay their message immediately to the officers.

See also: Navigating the digital maze: A guide to online safety and cybersecurity

Shaping the future

The appearance of Sci-Fi robots in the modern world can be regarded as a result of people’s inventive genius and striving for progress. These robots are revolutionizing many sectors of the economy, making operations fast and also the standard of living. Yet, as it is with any acquisition of progressive technology, it is important to carefully think about the ethics involved and possible drawbacks that modern society has yet to fully encounter.

It is important and remains to be seen that the future of sci-fi robots will open up such a vast potential that it has to be put into proper and careful social use. New horizons can be opened and a future in which people and robots can live together for the benefit of society.

The post The Future is Now Exploring Sci-Fi Robots in Modern Times appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

. This well–written article looks at the future of 5G technology in IoT, threats faced in this sector, and possibilities that may transform our world. visit Limerick Time.

Understanding 5G and IoT

5G Technology: The fourth generation technology, also known as 4G, is the forerunner of the fifth generation, also known as 5G which has various advantages over the previous generation as faster data speeds move up to 10 Gbps, the latency low (from 1 millisecond ), and… powerful to manage multiple devices at once. These are significant characteristics that are seminal to the effective operation of IoT ecosystems.

Internet of Things (IoT): IoT however is defined as the web of connected things that interact with each other and share information on the Internet. These include; smart consumer products such as smart thermostats and wearable health monitors, smart commercial products such as industrial equipment, machinery, and systems, as well as smart city systems. This paper aims to describe how 5G improvements help the Internet of Things to evolve.

How 5G Enhances IoT Development

1. Increased Connectivity: A key advantage that 5G has over other technologies is the number of devices it can accommodate in a square kilometer of space. This is crucial, especially in IoT settings, where multiple sensors, actuators, and other connected components can start functioning simultaneously.
2. Ultra-Low Latency: The concept of 5G enables a faster response time for every device that communicates through the ultra-low latency of the network. These include areas where feedback must be near real-time, including self-driving vehicles, tele-surgeries, and robotics.
3. Enhanced Data Throughput: 5G refers to the five Generation of telecommunication network, it is characterized by a high data throughput rate necessary for the smooth transfer of big data. This capability is especially important for IoT devices with heavy data generation and applications, such as high-resolution video from security cameras or complex analytics from smart manufacturing
4. Improved reliability: The use of 5G networks is guaranteed to reduce the frequency of network outages.. This reliability is now essential in several sensitive IoT applications across the health sector, rescue organizations, and security services.

Challenges and Considerations

While the benefits of 5G for IoT development are substantial, several challenges need to be addressed:

1. Infrastructure Deployment: Combining Low-Level Requirements (LLRs) based on the functional hierarchy of the three layers: Data Layer, Application Layer, and Presentation layer.
2. Security Concerns: 5G entails multiple improvements in infrastructure where new small cell towers and Fiber optic links are to be deployed. This may take a long time and may be costly, particularly in the rural and developing regions, which are more likely to face high vulnerability levels.
3. Interoperability: Security Concerns: The development of new technologies connected to devices, leads to potential threats of cyber threat attacks. Keeping an ion control of the data that transfers through the network as well as protecting the identity of users is important as IoT systems grow.
4. Energy Consumption: Energy Consumption: For instance, a large number of IoT devices are portable and use batteries, and 5G may put further energy demands on these devices by increasing data analysis and communication frequency. Energy efficiency of the devices will be the next crucial aspect to fix while the best utilization of power will hold the key to the IoT’s sustainable future.

Potential Applications of 5G-Enabled IoT

1. Smart Cities: Smart cities, which can be facilitated by 5G IoT smart technologies, can increase the quality of traffic control, optimize energy usage by smart grids, and provide a fast response to emergency incidents due to the application of real-time surveillance systems.
2. Healthcare: Telemedicine, remote surveillance, and immediate data examination are enhanced by 5G, which means that it will positively impact the residents and the quality of the offered healthcare services.
3. Industrial Automation: In manufacturing, it has enabled the creation of smart manufacturing environments that have automated machines, equipment that can predict when it needs repairing or replacing, and real-time supply chain management, which enhances productivity and lessens or eliminates costs.
4. Autonomous Vehicles: Some of the features that can be helpful for AV are low latency and high reliability of the connection necessary for safe and effective operation of auto vehicles, for instant connection to other AVs, and necessary infrastructure.
5. Agriculture: The concept of smart farming can also be enhanced through 5G through such approaches as precision agriculture since crops’ conditions can be closely monitored in real-time and even the irrigation systems can be operated automatically, resource usage is also well boosted.

Ultimately, the combination of 5G technology with the IoT offers the prospect of realizing corresponding evolutions on a wide scale across numerous domains to improve efficiency, productivity, and demographics. While these challenges and opportunities are relevant nowadays because of the synergy between the two fields, the future provides a world that is integrated and smart. To learn more about technology and keep up to date with other news, visit Limerick Time and explore their technology category.

The post The Impact of 5G Technology on Internet of Things Development appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

AI Engineering

AI engineers are the architects behind the development of AI systems and algorithms. Their role involves designing, testing, and implementing AI solutions tailored to specific needs. They work closely with data scientists and machine learning engineers to translate conceptual AI models into functional systems.

AI engineers require strong programming skills, expertise in AI frameworks, and a deep understanding of mathematical concepts such as calculus and linear algebra.

ALSO READ: PURPOSE OF PROMPT ENGINEERING IN GEN AI SYSTEMS

Data Science

In the era of big data, data scientists play a pivotal role in extracting meaningful insights from vast datasets. They utilize statistical techniques, machine learning algorithms, and data visualization tools to uncover patterns and trends that drive informed decision-making across various industries. Data scientists possess strong analytical skills, programming proficiency, and domain expertise to interpret complex data and derive actionable insights.

Machine Learning

Machine learning engineers are tasked with building and training models that enable machines to learn from data and improve their performance over time. They design algorithms and develop scalable machine-learning solutions that power intelligent applications ranging from recommendation systems to autonomous vehicles.

Machine learning engineers require expertise in machine learning algorithms, proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, and knowledge of software engineering principles.

AI Ethics

As AI technologies become increasingly pervasive, the need for ethical oversight grows exponentially. AI ethicists ensure that these technologies are developed and deployed in a responsible and ethical manner, addressing concerns related to bias, privacy, and societal impact.

They collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to develop ethical guidelines, policies, and frameworks for the responsible use of AI. AI ethicists possess a deep understanding of ethical theories, legal regulations, and technological implications of AI.

AI Product Managing

AI product managers oversee the entire lifecycle of AI products, from ideation to market launch. They collaborate with cross-functional teams to define product requirements, prioritize features, and manage project timelines.

AI product managers bridge the gap between technical development and business objectives, ensuring that AI products meet customer needs and market demands.

They possess strong communication skills, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of both technology and market dynamics.

AI Research

AI research scientists push the boundaries of AI through groundbreaking research and experimentation. They explore new algorithms, methodologies, and techniques to advance the state-of-the-art in AI. AI research scientists publish their findings in academic journals, present at conferences, and collaborate with industry partners to apply their research in real-world settings.

They possess strong analytical skills, critical thinking, and a passion for innovation and discovery.

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Natural Language Processing (NLP)

NLP specialists develop algorithms that enable computers to understand, interpret, and generate human language. They apply techniques from linguistics, machine learning, and computer science to build NLP models that power applications such as virtual assistants, chatbots, and language translation tools.

NLP specialists require expertise in natural language processing algorithms, proficiency in programming languages such as Python or Java, and domain knowledge in linguistics or computational linguistics.

Computer Vision Engineering

Computer vision engineers specialize in creating systems that can interpret and analyze visual data, mimicking the human ability to perceive and understand the visual world. They develop algorithms and techniques for image recognition, object detection, and scene understanding, with applications in fields such as healthcare, automotive, and surveillance.

Computer vision engineers require expertise in computer vision algorithms, proficiency in programming languages such as C++ or MATLAB, and knowledge of image processing techniques.

AI Consultancy

AI consultants provide strategic guidance and expertise to businesses seeking to harness the power of AI. They assess AI readiness, identify opportunities for AI integration, and develop implementation roadmaps tailored to the unique needs of each organization.

AI consultants collaborate with stakeholders across departments to align AI initiatives with business objectives and drive organizational change. They possess strong problem-solving skills, business acumen, and expertise in AI technologies and applications.

Robotics Engineering

Robotics engineers design and develop intelligent robots and automation systems that can perform tasks autonomously. They integrate AI algorithms with robotic hardware to enable machines to perceive, plan, and act in dynamic environments.

Robotics engineers work across various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and aerospace, to create robots that enhance productivity, efficiency, and safety. They require expertise in robotics principles, proficiency in programming languages such as C++ or ROS, and knowledge of mechatronics and control systems.

The more AI advances, the better careers will become in this ever-evolving sphere, and the more sophisticated the tools will become.

ALSO READ: THE BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN SIX INDUSTRIES

The post 10 Career Opportunities That Are Thriving With Artificial Intelligence appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

When a patient reports a medical problem that needs to be investigated, a diagnosis can be made using sonar, MRI, or CT scans to take electronic images of various parts of the body to determine the area and nature of the problem. These methods use sound waves, magnetic resonance imaging, and X-ray technology to detect irregularities in our bodies.

In the diagnostic process in the pelvis or abdomen, a laparoscopy or keyhole surgery can be performed wherein a small incision is made through which a camera is inserted. This enables surgeons to take pictures and remove small samples of tissue for examination.

Similarly, a bronchoscopy takes pictures of the lungs, or a CT scan-guided needle can be used to pierce the lung and remove tissue for biopsy. Many forms of minor heart surgery today take place by means of a catheter inserted through a large blood vessel, usually in the groin, and guided to the site of the operation or investigation area by means of X-ray technology.

Microscopic cameras and robotic instruments can also be inserted through the urethra for urinary tract diagnosis and repair.

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy, or lithotripsy, can be used to blast stones in the kidney or ureter without surgical intervention. The resulting stone fragments are small enough to be passed out of the system.

Educating patients, nurses, and physicians about these procedures so they understand their benefits is important. Instead of incisions that are wide enough to accommodate the surgeon’s fingers and allow for manipulation of an organ that may be in the way, robotic instruments can fit into minute crevices in the body, resulting in considerably smaller incisions. This reduces blood loss, and thus the need for blood transfusions, while minimizing the chance of wound infection. It also means a smaller dose of anesthesia is required, and in older patients or patients with severe health issues, this could make a difference when considering whether to operate.

Smaller incisions also mean less scarring and a quicker recovery time, leading to shorter hospitalization periods. Moreover, patients may be able to return to normal daily activities and exercise sooner than they would after conventional surgery.

From the surgeon’s perspective, the high-resolution 3D images of the operable area magnified on the screen improve clarity and visibility, while maneuvering minute tools enhances the surgeon’s dexterity and allows for greater precision when performing complex operations. These robots are finely tuned to pick up slight tremors in the surgeon’s hands and correct them.

The surgeon is always in complete control of the instruments and has the backup of the anesthesiologist and nursing team at the patient’s side, monitoring the patient and changing the instruments when necessary.

Typically used for intricate operations in various parts of the body, robotic methods are particularly useful in heart surgery, gynecology, and gastrointestinal procedures, as well as thoracic surgery. General surgeons use robotics for procedures such as repairs to hernias, appendectomies, and gallbladder removals.

What is the nurse’s role in robot-assisted surgery?

As more surgeons opt for robotics in their operations, nurses need to advance their skills in this area to grow in their professional careers and remain competitive in the job market. New methods mean new protocols and nurses’ functions vary in this changing environment, which means their job descriptions are becoming more diverse when seeking employment.

With these changes in the operating room environment comes a need for updated skills, new protocols, and revisions of existing best practice methods. Updated evidence-based procedures and documentation regarding patient outcomes will be based on new experience and training, as well as documented patient outcomes.

Surgeons and nurses must learn new methods of communicating with one another, aided by computer screens and electronics. Teamwork between the nurses attending to the patient takes on a different dynamic as they adjust to the new equipment and patient care procedures. Because the surgeon is facing a monitor and not at the patient’s side, the onus has fallen entirely on the nurses and anesthetists to monitor the patient and pick up any signs that indicate a potential problem.

Nurses prepare the operating room for operations, laying out the instruments and positioning the patient. According to a publication by Hospital Healthcare Europe, nurses who assist in robotic surgery may become as specialized in robotic technology as the surgeons who are performing the operation.

Once the operation is complete, the nursing team completes the patient charts, performs an inventory of robotic components, cleans the equipment, and sets everything up again for the next operation. The nurses’ role in this environment is labor-intensive and needs to be done quickly and efficiently. Therefore, attention to detail, good organizational skills, and strong teamwork are key factors in this environment.

Each nurse has a specific function in the operating room, and together they form a well-synchronized unit. The nurse coordinator, scrub nurse, and circulating nurse work together to ensure surgical efficiency and patient safety.

The nurse coordinators manage the schedule, paying careful attention to the time needed to clean and set up equipment in between operations. The computer software and operating system must be set up and ready to run for the next procedure to take place. The nurse coordinator will also be responsible for training new nurses in the team and organizing training on any new equipment that is introduced to the environment.

Scrub and circulating nurses are responsible for placing the robotic equipment on the cart. Therefore, they need to be familiar with the type of equipment needed for each surgical procedure. They also check pads, tubes, cables, consoles, and oxygen tubes to ensure everything is working. Patient safety is their main concern, and they need to be able to access additional equipment promptly when required. A checklist should be consulted before each procedure begins to make sure that nothing has been omitted.

Safety measures include testing the equipment before the operation and draping it with sterile material to avoid pre-operation contamination. When the process begins, they assist with moving the robotic arm into position. They also install and manage the camera.

While the surgery is in progress, the nurses monitor the patient’s safety levels by checking for possible pressure on the patient’s body caused by the equipment and signs of robot malfunction. They also check the console for error messages and react accordingly.

Robotic instruments have a limited lifespan, and the nurses’ duty is to keep track of how many times a piece of equipment is used, discarding it when it has reached end-of-life status. This tracking process should ideally be done using computer software that records usage and dates. The same program can be used to record malfunctioning parts and other information that may be useful when calling out technicians to service the equipment.

These nurses are familiar with the different types of surgery and how the patient should be positioned. The patient’s surrounding pressure points, muscles, and skin are protected from harm with the use of foam padding or inflationary devices, and nurses are trained in efficiently undocking the equipment should an emergency arise.

The advantages for nurses who move into the field of robotic surgery are numerous. For many, this is a less stressful method of operating as the smaller incision leads to less shedding of blood and a reduced need for blood transfusions. The lower likelihood of infection means nurses can focus on other aspects of the operation.

Qualified nurses with at least two years of experience can find out more about new technology in nursing and upgrade their qualifications at Walsh University online while still working and gaining valuable experience. It’s an exciting time to be in nursing, and the options for improving your technical skills and your value as a skilled nurse are just a click away.

Employment options and training for robotic surgery nurses

Ongoing learning in the medical profession is part of the job, and medical personnel worldwide are finding it necessary to keep up with the latest trends in technology as they are being introduced into the clinical environment.

Nurses who work with robotic machinery are required to have expert knowledge in this field. Proper cleaning and sterilization of robotic equipment is just a small part of their duties. Knowing how to operate the equipment and troubleshoot when it malfunctions is vital. Whether it is training given by the robotics supply company or in-house training, it needs to be of a high professional standard with patient safety as the main priority.

As nurses learn how, why, and when the various instruments are being used, they become an invaluable part of the surgical team as they change instruments and ensure the optimal functioning of the system.

The Severance Hospital, a world-class university hospital in South Korea, has made inroads in the field of robotic surgery, training surgeons from around the globe. As a guideline when employing robotics-skilled nurses, Severance Hospital has a strict set of requirements. They require three years of experience in an operating room setting, with multi-specialty training in an operating room that uses robotic equipment. Competency and enthusiasm help to secure a position in this environment.

Once employed, the nurses undergo a two-week training course to operate the machinery that is specific to their hospital and procedures. This includes setting up; powering the equipment on and shutting it down; knowledge of the cable connections, docking, and undocking; the position of the table and consoles; and managing errors and malfunctions. Then, nurses must attend a six-week apprenticeship course where they act as scrub nurses for at least two procedures a day. During the apprenticeship, a thorough evaluation is performed to determine the nurses’ understanding of the equipment and the procedures it is used for. A successful apprenticeship means incorporation into the operating team.

An exciting future awaits

Recent advancements in healthcare technology have been incredibly exciting. When a decision is made to operate, many patients can now choose whether to undergo the traditional method of operation or less invasive methods of surgery using lasers and robotic equipment. Some patients are still a bit wary of technology, particularly when it comes to their personal health, but in time, we may even forget that open surgery ever existed.

The costs of robotic surgery can still be an inhibiting factor, but some of the costs for patients can be offset by shorter hospital stays and a reduced need for blood transfusions, pain medication, and other incidental expenses — and the outcomes are undeniably superior.

For nurses, there is no time like the present to get involved in this fascinating field of medical technology. Becoming a robotics specialist is a great way to advance your career.

The post The Benefits of Robot-assisted Surgery and the Vital Role of Nurses in this Innovative Field appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

The need for businesses and corporations to become more competitive and productive is another reason for the high demand for robotics. However, some industries are yet to adopt the use of robots. In contrast, others depend almost entirely on the services of robot assembly systems to boost their production capacity and product quality.

Leading the pack of sectors with the highest dependency on industrial robots is the manufacturing sector made up of various industries. Even though industrial robots are not a new thing in the manufacturing sector, an entry of more advanced robotics has seen newer industries entering into the automation world.

Top industries with high utilization of industrial robots

The following industries have the highest robot assembly systems, and there is a high likelihood that you may be using them in your line of work. Many of these industries are also adopting collaborative robot assembly systems that come with smaller footprints and easier mobility than traditional industrial robots.

Cobots are also more flexible, and their adaptability abilities are great. They can work alongside humans without the fear of any accidents at the workstation.

1. Automotive

The automotive industry has the highest usage of industrial robots. Robotics in the sector makes up almost 30% of all industrial robot assembly lines. The leading applications are material removal, logistics, welding, painting, machine tending, arc welding, parts transfer, quality inspection, and assembly.

2. Electrical and Electronics

The second largest industry with high utilization of robotics is the electronics and electrical sector. Some of the robot applications in the sector include assembling, pick, and place.

3. Metal and Machinery

The metal and machinery industry is one the most versatile sectors with a high demand for automation. Each year sees over 50,000 robots for a wide range of applications. Some of the most common robot applications in the sector are loading, unloading, painting, and welding.

4. Plastic and Chemical Products

The plastic and products industry sees an installation of over 20,000 robots annually. Industrial robots have a wide range of applications that include material handling, assembling, dispensing, and material processing. Furthermore, the market is also one of the fastest-growing industries in robotics utilization.

5. Food

The food industry is one of the newest sectors to embrace robotics in recent years. The growing industry is also one of the sectors with the highest number of modern and advanced collaborative robot assembly systems. Some of the most common robot applications in the industry are food deliveries, sorting, dispensing, pick and place, slicing, and cutting.

6. Health Care

The healthcare industry is another sector with a high percentage of robotics on their robot assembly line. Collaborative robots in the sector utilize the surgeon’s hand movements in the operating table for precision and safer surgeries. Besides surgeries, other robot applications in the healthcare sector include therapy, rehabilitation, dispensing of medication, and patient companionship.

7. Agriculture

The agriculture industry is another one of the newest sectors to embrace the use of robots. The most common robot applications in the sector are weed removal, spraying, fertilizer application, thinning, mowing, pruning, and harvesting. The latest technology in the sector includes sensors to manage common crop diseases and pests.

8. Warehousing

Our last sector on the list is warehousing which has a rising demand for robotics. The projected growth of robots by the year 2025 in the sector is 11.7%. Many of the warehouses utilizing robots today require little or no human workforce.

Wrapping it up

Other sectors not in the above list include the retail, hospitality, and military sectors. The rise of robots in all sectors continues to go up, especially with advanced technology making the machines more affordable. There is the likelihood that soon, almost every industry will embrace the use of robot assembly systems because of how they affect our lives.

The post Leading Industries With High Utilization of Robotics appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

Basically, the newest cobots on the market are risk-free and they can be used in any type of business, even in small to medium businesses. The major players in this field started to launch cobots that are accessible for smaller budgets and that don’t require so much tech knowledge from the people who want to make the transition from manual tasks to automated ones. Businesses that are interested in making this change will obtain all the support they need from these producers, including the required training to use the cobots. Here are some more details about this topic:

Hardware advancements

Most advancements that are related to collaborative robotics have to do with the hardware side. The software has been developing a lot in the past few years and the limitations that robotics companies encounter are exclusively related to hardware. The control systems of cobots were the main hardware part that raised problems among the users. Now that control systems are much more responsive and easier to use, cobots require little to no programming at all, which is very convenient for business owners that don’t know much about technology but would like to automate some processes. The reason behind the need of automating processes is that it reduces the long-term costs of production while increasing the ROI of the business and simplifying the tasks that employees have to deal with during work. Because safety at the workplace is increased and the difficulty of the job is overall reduced, employees are happier and retention is elevated.

Even though the advancements in terms of hardware may be expensive, the general price of cobots went down tremendously in the past year. The reason behind that choice is giving small to medium businesses the possibility to invest in automating their processes without worries. This way, the major players in collaborative robotics will also gain more profit than before, when business owners were too scared to try implementing something that involves many risks or simply couldn’t afford this type of technology by the time it was launched. Nowadays, a cobot offers great efficiency, ease of use and delivers a great ROI, all for an affordable price.

Artificial Intelligence and Cloud Connections

The future of collaborative robotics involves using Artificial Intelligence and Cloud Connections in developing them. There are companies that run researches in this sense and the purpose of these researches is to find the best method to reduce tasks that are repetitive, time-consuming and do not necessarily require human intervention. The cobots of the future are supposed to work and react just as human employees, which may mean that a lot of people will lose their jobs. Even though this is a downside of the advancements in technology, by 2030 this change will happen, and it is not necessarily related to collaborative robotics, but to technology in general. Yet there are a few years left until that change will happen, so people should focus on the capabilities that cobots have at the moment, that includes human interaction too. Artificial Intelligence and connecting robots in the Cloud will definitely revolutionize the collaborative robotics field, but machine learning is still under development and it is going to last a while until it becomes mainstream and – most importantly – affordable.

The benefits of cobots in small to medium businesses

Many business owners wonder how could collaborative robotics influence the way they run their companies. In fact, cobots have so many benefits that it would be difficult to include them all in one single article. The major reasons why cobots should be on your list of improvements are:

• You can program them to do different tasks

Once you buy cobots, they are not limited to one type of task only. They can do multiple tasks, depending on the way you program them. Because there are companies that have a versatile ecosystem, the cobots are easy to personalize based on the business’ purposes, needs and available resources. The main goal is to automate some of the processes in your business and see what results you obtain. Automating diverse manual tasks with the same robot is the best investment you can make.

• Programming is minimal and very easy to understand

Because of the major improvements in terms of technology, programming necessities are now reduced to a minimum. This gives people that are not that tech-savvy the chance to include such technology into their businesses and take advantage of their many benefits. Some cobots include a drag-and-drop control system which is very intuitive and easy to use, granting business owners the chance to run the exact processes they need. The flexible deployment is – maybe – the biggest benefit of purchasing and using cobots.

• Setting them up is as fast as ever

More than that, business owners seemed to fear the amount of time involved in the installation of devices that are supposed to automate tasks, so they were stuck with their old ways of handling tasks manually. Today, the installation of cobots is faster than ever and don’t require much of your attention, as you will get support from the producers of the robot. The typical deployment that business owners are used to is no longer present in the picture, and awareness should be raised about these advancements. This way, the use of cobots will be encouraged in all types of industries and various sized businesses.

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”Technologies to achieve Africa’s green revolution exist, but are mostly just sitting on the shelves. The challenge is a lack of supportive policies to ensure that they are scaled up to reach millions of farmers,” Adesina said during a keynote speech delivered at the 2018 Agricultural and Applied Economics Association (AAEA) Annual Meeting held in Washington, D.C.

Adesina cited the case of Nigeria, where policy during his tenure as the country’s Minister of Agriculture, resulted in a rice production revolution in three years.

“All it took was sheer political will, supported by science, technology and pragmatic policies…Just like in the case of rice, the same can be said of a myriad of technologies, including high-yielding water efficient maize, high-yielding cassava varieties, animal and fisheries technologies,” Adesina said.

The African Development Bank is pointing the way to how this can be done, and is currently working with the World Bank, the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to mobilize USD$1 billion to scale up agricultural technologies across Africa under a new initiative called Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT).

TAAT is taking bold steps to bring down some of the barriers preventing farmers from accessing latest seed varieties and technologies to improve their productivity.

“With the rapid pace of growth of the use of drones, automated tractors, artificial intelligence, robotics and blockchains, agriculture as we know it today will change,” he said.

Adesina further added that it’s more likely that the future farmers will be sitting in their homes with computer applications using drone to determine the size of their farms, monitor and guide the applications of farm inputs, and with driverless combine harvesters bringing in the harvest.

Adesina used the opportunity to advocate for African universities to adapt their curriculum to enable technology-driven farmers and to focus on agribusiness entrepreneurship for young people, emphasizing the need to rise beyond theories to application.

Through its innovative Enable Youth initiative, the African Development Bank has in the past two years committed close to USD$300 million to develop the next generation of agribusiness and commercial farmers for Africa.

Adesina stressed the Bank’s resolve to change the face of agriculture in Africa to unleash new sources of wealth.

Adesina told delegates at the 2018 conference, “There is no reason why Africa should be spending USD$35 billion a year importing food. All it needs to do is to harness the available technologies with the right policies and rapidly raise agricultural productivity and incomes for farmers, and assure lower food prices for consumers.”

Adesina, who was the 2017 World Food Prize winner, is advocating for the creation of staple crops processing zones across Africa (SCPZs): vast areas within rural areas set aside and managed for agribusiness and food manufacturing industries and other agro-allied industries, enabled with right policies and infrastructure.

The African Development Bank has already begun investing in the development of processing zones in a number of African countries, including Ethiopia, Togo, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Mozambique, with a plan to reach 15 countries in a few years.

To help Africa transform its agriculture, the Bank is investing USD$24 billion over the next ten years to implement its Feed Africa Strategy.

The post Drones, AI, Robotics & Blockchain Will Change African Agriculture As We Know it Today – Akinwumi Adesina appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

The Laws of Robotics are likely to turn into actualization as Artificial Intelligence expands its application. The creation of ASIMO (Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility), by Japanese car manufacturer Honda, in 2000, intensified the competition within the artificial intelligence sector of robotics.

While ASIMO made waves with its human-like ability to climb steps, it is Sophia the first AI humanoid to become an official citizen of the world, that shows the real potential of robotics in social interactions. The fascination is not only solely due to her ability to talk, with a less than iPhone Siri type voice, but also the seemingly organic way she interacts.

It can be said that the robot wars are on, and humans are likely to share companionship with mechanical counterparts.  This means that the next few decades are likely to produce more robots with human-like emotions and reaction, as portrayed in the movie iRobot. Innovations such as these have pushed the usage of artificial humans into becoming as commonplace as taking a selfie or downloading an app.

Besides practical application, what do the advancements in robotics mean for human social interaction in general? Chances are games like virtual reality dating can prove to assist in the mechanism of virtual or artificial dating.

Social apps Instagram, Snapchat and many others already virtualize people through allowing them to filter their imperfections. In a sense, it can be said people are creating their ideal artificial counterpart, where freckles, moles or birthmarks are removed to present silicone like skin perfection. This direction could also, indicate societies mental fertility in accepting automated humanoids.

Security is key

Trust in society is highly volatile, as people are more aware of scams perpetrated in the online world. But would it be safe to assume that robots could not be hacked in order to steal personal information? This issue, like many regarding information technology, would have to be addressed.

Currently, the dating industry platforms are trying their best to allay consumer fears and insecurities regarding online dating apps and website. Dating apps like Badoo use selfie verification to authenticate profiles, for instance. The initial sign up can also be done through a Facebook account. With series like Catfish still making waves, it appears that virtual dating and socializing could be improved, but brands are trying their best to do so.

The existing proponents

The multibillion-dollar silicon doll industry is indicative of the type of reception that artificial humans are likely to receive, as emotional behavior and confidence is often a determining factor. The more society pushes through to creating the idealization of the perfect human, the more likely human interactions are based on false expectations.

The fact stands, people do not like to feel lonely and even inanimate objects, such as toys and dolls, assist to fill the void. For members of society who wish to control all aspects of their lives, robots may present the ideal mate. They may just be able to alleviate their social anxiety through continuous interaction with their robotic counterpart.

The post Why Advancement in Robotics are Likely to Affect Human Dating appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

They modified micro-robots currently on the market, giving them the ability to move objects 2000 times their own weight.

See the Video below video below to see just what the robots are capable of!

The post These Tiny Robots can move a 2 Ton Car (Video) appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.