How has the Robotics Revolution Shaped Urban Lifestyle?

Gone are the days when everything being controlled by automation was a dream and considered to be a thing of the future. But, today getting to see robots and drones excelling in possibly every field out there is a moment of pride for all of us. Not one, not two but there are numerous fields that have had the privilege to make use of advanced technology in the form of drones and robots – be it healthcare, construction, agriculture, entertainment, etc. Had it not been for this advanced technology, a lot of objectives wouldn’t have been achievable. On that note, the fact as to how the urban lifestyle got through a major transformation by virtue of drones, robots and other autonomous systems cannot skip a chance of being unnoticed. These have the ability to maintain urban infrastructure without neglecting the safety of the people. Robots serve to be an extension to the already existing smart urban ecosystem. Some of the examples that justify the same are autonomous delivery robots, robots that act like maids and help you with your daily chores, driverless bus shuttles and a lot more. The healthcare sector has probably seen one of the most advanced applications of robots. Robots are seen to be assisting the surgeons thereby reducing time and improving care. Today, we get to see transport robots that help in moving drugs, documents, etc. Nowadays, it has become very common to find robotic waiters, robots that can assist while transportation, robots that take up the role of traffic police officers and the list is endless. Talking about drones, their applications seem to have no boundaries. Be it surveillance and security, search and rescue, entertainment, shipping and delivery, aerial photography and what not – drones surely are a treasure! The challenges and opportunities that these systems could have on the urban nature are also being given importance to by the researchers. Now that there has been an increase in the usage of robotics, autonomous vehicles and drones across cities and slowly into the rural sections as well, it is observed that the pollution and traffic congestion may reduce, thus making towns and cities more pleasant, clean and breathable places to live. Needless to say, drones, robots and similar systems have reduced the need for manpower, have saved a lot of time, have sometimes yielded results better than humans and have also paved way for many more advancements ahead. However, on the flipside, there are some issues associated as well that one cannot think of neglecting. For robots, drones and other autonomous system to come into play, there might be a requirement of re-planning the cities which ultimately means that the environment will have to face the aftermath as the greener space would be cut down. Also, with the already existing social inequalities, this would further add more to it. Despite the fact that these systems aid in taking the development of the nation to another level, the truth that there is an equal chance of risks and side-effects cannot be overlooked. For example, drones and robots could be highly responsible for generating waste as well as pollution. The growing use of robotics and autonomous systems has made it possible to sense, analyse, interact with and manipulate their physical environment in some way or the other. If only better examples than drones, self-driving cars, robots able to repair infrastructure can be found that just fit perfect here. Yes, we’ve had these systems serving as a boon in a variety of fields, catering to all our needs as and when required, thereby enabling us to live with utmost comfort and ease. But, what needs to be kept in mind is that getting to interact with nature has a range of human health and well-being benefits, which all of us are well aware of and are even blessed to have experienced some, if not all of this but robots are likely to transform many of the ways in which we experience and gain benefits from the nature. Also, not to forget the risks and side-effects posed by these systems, if handled in the right manner, can transform the world for the better, undoubtedly!