AI Is Not Robots! The Role of AI in Robotics Technology

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In many people’s minds, all AI agents are robots, but is it possible to understand the reverse, that robots are AI? Robotics and AI (Artificial Intelligence) enable people to find creative answers to the problems encountered by humans and businesses of various sizes across industries. However, many questions still remain: Is AI a subset of robotics? Does AI belong to robotics? What is the difference between these two terms? Today, let’s explore these questions together.

Are Robots AI?

First, it should be clear that robotics and AI are completely different concepts. These two fields are fundamentally distinct, as illustrated in the Venn diagram below:

Are Robots AI?

AI robots are a small intersection of the two sciences. Due to this overlap, people often confuse these two concepts. We need to examine three concepts separately to answer the question, “Are robots AI?”

What is Robotics?

The technology that works with robots is called robotics. Robots are programmed machines that typically complete a series of tasks fully or partially independently.

A robot consists of three key components:

• All robots utilize some form of mechanical design. The mechanical components of robots help them operate in their original environments. For example, the independent electric titanium tube wheels of the Mars 2020 Rover help it maintain a firm grip on the challenging surface of the red planet, Mars.

Are Robots AI?: What is a Robot? Image Source: NASA

• The electrical components are essential for controlling and driving the robot’s mechanics. Essentially, most robots require current to operate (e.g., batteries).

• Robots are programmed to some extent. If a robot does not have a set of instructions telling it what to do, it would be another basic machine. Robots can know when and how to complete tasks through programming.

The field of robotics engineering involves the creation, design, production, and use of robots. Robotics aims to develop intelligent machines that can assist people in various ways.

There are many different types of robots. Robots can be machines that resemble humans or robotic applications such as Robotic Process Automation (RPA), which mimics how people interact with software to perform routine, rule-based tasks.

What is Artificial Intelligence?

The simulation of human intelligence functions by machines, particularly computer systems, is called artificial intelligence. Expert systems, natural language processing, speech recognition, and machine vision are some examples of specific AI applications.

As the hype around AI grows, many vendors have been competing to showcase how their products and services utilize AI. Often, what they refer to as AI is merely an element of AI, such as machine learning or robotics. To make machine learning algorithms effective, they require specialized hardware and software infrastructure. No programming language is specifically related to AI, but a few are, including Python, R, and Java.

Applications of AI in Robotics: What are AI Robots?

AI-driven robots are equipped with a wide range of sensors, including visual devices like 2D/3D cameras, vibration sensors, proximity sensors, accelerometers, and other environmental sensors, providing them with sensory information that can be processed and acted upon in real-time.

When combined with AI, robots can help organizations innovate and transform their operations. The most popular categories of AI robots in use today include:

Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR)

AI provides the following capabilities for AMR as they navigate their surrounding environments:

• They can capture information using 3D cameras and LiDAR sensors.

• Analyze the obtained data and summarize their environment and overall objectives.

• Adjust behavior for optimal outcomes.

AI-supported AMR perform activities and tasks that vary by industry. For example, AMR can avoid collisions while transporting products from one location to another in a warehouse by navigating around people or dropped boxes while also figuring out the best route.

Articulated Robots (Robotic Arms)

With the help of AI, robots with movable arms can complete tasks faster and more accurately. AI systems use information from visual sensors (e.g., 2D and 3D cameras) to segment and understand scenes as well as recognize and classify objects.

Collaborative Robots

With AI, collaborative robots can understand and adapt to human voice and gestures, eliminating the need for worker-assisted training.

The Difference Between Robots and AI

Although the terms AI and robotics are sometimes used synonymously, they have different functions. Since each author and expert has their own interpretation of these terms, there is no unified textbook definition, which is a major cause of misunderstanding.

Given the widespread nature of questions like “Are robots AI?” and the media’s continuous portrayal of AI and machine learning as terrifying robots like the Terminator, this has further deepened the confusion.

Robots	Artificial Intelligence
Robots are machines designed to autonomously perform one or more difficult tasks with the highest precision and speed.	AI is computer programs that often exhibit some characteristics of human intelligence.
Robotics is a field of AI that uses AI to enhance its capabilities.	AI is the link between machine learning and human intelligence.
Robots are autonomous or semi-autonomous machines that process information and use computer systems to control them.	AI is human intelligence that supports human thinking to improve task performance and self-enhancement.
Robots are used for assembly, packaging, earth and space exploration, surgery, laboratory research, weaponry, and other applications.	Spotify, Apple’s Siri, Netflix, Google DeepMind all incorporate AI.

Next, let’s delve deeper into the differences between robotics and AI.

Terminology

Most people mistakenly believe that robots and artificial intelligence (AI) are interchangeable, although they are two distinct concepts with different applications. AI is software, while robots are hardware.

Technically, robots are devices used to autonomously perform one or more tasks, ranging from simple to complex, at the highest speed and accuracy, while AI is similar to computer programs that typically exhibit some behaviors related to human intelligence, such as learning, planning, reasoning, knowledge sharing, problem-solving, etc. The study of intelligent machines that function and respond very similarly to humans is called artificial intelligence (AI).

Technology

The cutting-edge technology of robotics, AI allows humans and machines to collaborate in creative ways. In fact, AI systems have fundamentally different capabilities compared to traditional machines, and it can appear anywhere we see. In many ways, AI is the human intelligence that supports human intelligence to improve task performance.

Robots are intelligent machines that can work autonomously or semi-autonomously. They use AI to enhance their autonomy through self-learning. They simply use computer systems for information processing and control, simulating human behavior without needing human involvement.

Applications

Robots are used in various fields, especially in manufacturing and industrial applications. Modern robots are more efficient and do not require specialized software. Additionally, robots are often used in scientific research, armament, space and earth exploration, surgical applications, assembly, and packaging.

In addition to robotics, a branch of AI, artificial intelligence is also used for speech recognition. There are also other consumer applications of AI, such as Apple’s Siri and Google’s DeepMind. Furthermore, there are AI games that people play every day.

Examples of AI in Robotics

Are robots AI? The answer is no, but robots can become intelligent, largely thanks to AI.

Robots controlled by AI can learn from their surrounding environment and past experiences, then expand their capabilities based on that knowledge, which is advanced. Now, let’s look at some examples of AI in robotics technology.

Starship Delivery Robots

Robot delivery is a trend, Starship Technologies delivery robots are among the most popular robots.

Starship robots can deliver objects up to six kilometers away, navigate streets independently, and deliver packages to customers and businesses.

These robots are equipped with sensors, AI, and mapping systems to help them understand their surrounding environment and specific locations. They weigh about 45 kilograms and are very agile, moving leisurely.

By collaborating with numerous stores and restaurants, the robots have sped up and reduced the cost of local deliveries.

Customers can request direct delivery of packages and food through a smartphone app. Once a request is received, the robot’s whereabouts and route can be tracked using a smartphone. Thus, this is also one of the reasons leading to the question, “Are robots AI?”

PEPPER Humanoid Robot

A humanoid robot named Pepper was invented to help people communicate information and assist shoppers in retail settings.

Pepper is about 1.2 meters tall, has a tablet in the middle of its chest to display information, can gesture, and speaks multiple languages.

This robot utilizes AI for emotional recognition, interpreting and responding to human activities. It can recognize human emotions such as happiness and respond appropriately, for example, by smiling.

Pepper can provide tailored recommendations in stores, guiding customers to purchase their desired items. Additionally, it can interact with human teams, cross-sell, and communicate.

Pepper works in hospitals, hotels, pizzerias, and banks to enhance customer service and help businesses reduce costs.

Penny Restaurant Robot

Penny is an AI food service robot resembling a bowling pin. It can autonomously move food and drinks from the restaurant kitchen to tables and return dirty dishes for cleaning.

Penny can operate in various dining service environments, including restaurants, pizzerias, large event halls, casino game rooms, and cafes.

This autonomous robot can smoothly deliver multiple drinks at once. Thanks to its long-lasting battery (with a lifespan of 8-12 hours), it can operate during night shifts or busy hours.

Thus, waiters can focus more on enhancing customer experiences, meeting diners’ needs, and inquiring about their satisfaction with the meal.

NIMBO Security Robot

Nimbo is a robot security guard built with cutting-edge AI technology for various security applications and asset protection.

The robot scans and patrols designated areas, routes, or optimizes its path while observing nearby activities and human movements.

When a security breach is detected, Nimbo can issue alerts to the area through lights, audio, and video warnings. It compiles video evidence and alerts human guards in real-time.

Human security personnel can decide which areas to patrol. The robot then moves from one location to another while continuously scanning its surroundings.

Nimbo operates in stores, workplaces, warehouses, schools, etc., and seamlessly connects with VMS (Video Monitoring Systems).

Shadow Robot Dexterous Hand

The humanoid robot hand, resembling a typical male hand in size and shape, is called Shadow Robot Dexterous Hand. It can move like a traditional human hand.

It can solve problems that require a hand most similar to humans, with 20 degrees of freedom (more than our hand), and has the capability to do so.

Force sensors and ultra-sensitive touch sensors are among the many sensors on the hand. It is a remote-operated tool and can also be mounted on various robotic arms to enhance the robot’s capabilities.

Shadow Robot Dexterous Hand has various applications across numerous industries.

For example, it is well-suited for product testing. Due to its highly precise sensing skills, the hand can detect and track a wide range of sensory data, including force, micro-vibrations, and temperature.

The hand can perform more dexterous and complex labor in manufacturing, accurately and efficiently grasping, lifting, and transporting goods.

In the agricultural technology sector, the robotic hand can assist with tasks such as picking soft agricultural products (like strawberries). Additionally, it can perform complex tasks in environments unsafe for personnel in the pharmaceutical industry.

MOLEY Robot Kitchen System

The world’s first robot kitchen, a fully automated and intelligent cooking robot system, developed by Moley Robotics.

The robot kitchen system includes a complete set of appliances, cabinets, computing, safety features, and robotic arms. Using preset recipes from the world’s best chefs, it prepares meals with the expertise of a chef.

The system can accurately mimic the activities of professional chefs, creating delicious dishes and cleaning up afterward, thanks to a pair of fully articulated robotic hands that mimic human hand movements.

Additionally, it can learn recipes, prepare dishes from around the world, and even create its own recipes.

The robot kitchen can be operated on-site via a touchscreen or remotely via a smartphone. The robotic arms retract to hide when not in use.

Major airlines, kitchen developers, catering companies, and even chef training institutions have employed Moley.

FLIPPY Robot Kitchen Assistant

Flippy is a self-sufficient robot kitchen assistant that can help chefs prepare freshly cooked hamburgers, fried potatoes, and crispy chicken and other fried foods.

Flippy operates fryers and grills. For example, it can automatically recognize when to insert raw hamburger patties, track each one in real-time, and switch between spatulas for raw and cooked meat while cooking.

It can lift baskets into fryers, gently shake the baskets while frying food, and monitor cooking times, etc.

Flippy’s AI brain is connected to the cloud, enabling it to learn from its surroundings and develop new skills over time.

NOMAGIC Pick-and-Place Robot

Nomagic pick-and-place robots can remove anything from boxes, scan it, and then place it into another box or sorting system.

The robots can autonomously identify and select objects from unstructured collections before placing them into different boxes.

One of the monotonous tasks people still have to do in warehouses is picking and placing items. In addition, Nomagic robots automate this process, completing hundreds of cycles every hour.

The robot’s AI allows it to inspect and process each object while analyzing its location, shape, and attributes.

The robots use barcodes, RFID, or images of products to identify them. Additionally, to identify any anomalies or quality issues, inspection tasks assess shape, weight, and movement.

To achieve full operational efficiency in warehouses, Nomagic robots interact with your Warehouse Management System (WMS), Warehouse Control System (WCS), or proprietary control software. This is also one of the reasons for the question, “Are robots AI?”

Scaled Robotics Construction Site Monitoring Robot

The stunning site monitoring robot produced by Scaled Robotics can observe the development of construction projects.

This AI-driven autonomous robot can roam around construction sites, precisely scanning ongoing projects, then checking data to identify quality faults and track overall progress.

The robot uploads the collected data to a cloud platform for processing. On a unique, color-coded 3D model, users can inspect issues.

This approach can help avoid costly mistakes and even highlight health or safety issues, such as vulnerabilities in edge protection.

Such data must be collected from many locations on the construction site, which takes time. This AI robot ensures that buildings meet high standards while saving time and reducing waste and rework.

Promobot Promotional Robot

Promobot is a business-oriented robot that autonomously moves and interacts with humans using AI.

It can respond to inquiries, recognize faces, provide detailed information about company services, scan and complete documents, collect payments, and display promotional materials.

Promobot connects to other systems and third-party services, including databases, websites, and online services.

The robot can be used for various tasks, such as consultants, promoters, construction managers, tour guides, navigation assistants, and assessors of health indicators like lung capacity, body temperature, and blood sugar.

AI Robot Companies

Despite the portrayal of AI-driven robotics in science fiction as a threat, several inventors have demonstrated how this technology can be used in robotics to promote innovation.

Here are some of them:

Diligent Robotics

The AI company Diligent Robotics is developing robotic assistants to help healthcare professionals with daily tasks. The company’s first robot colleague, Moxi, assists clinical staff in hospitals with non-patient-facing chores so they can spend more time caring for patients.

The Moxi robot can distribute PPE, transport medications, deliver lab samples, retrieve items from central supply, and run patient supplies. Moxi’s robotic arm allows it to interact with its environment, such as opening doors and elevators, and its AI technology enables it to learn quickly what to do in new facilities.

Boston Dynamics

Boston Dynamics creates sensor-based control devices that enable robots to adapt to various situations and terrains, producing dynamic, intelligent, and adaptive robots. The Netflix Black Mirror episode Metalhead was inspired by the company’s SpotMini robot.

Atlas is a dynamic humanoid robot developed by Boston Dynamics that has completed parkour courses and possesses hardware that showcases agility comparable to humans. Spot, Stretch, and Pick are new members of its robotic series that assist in warehouse operations.

Miso Robotics

Miso Robotics develops AI-powered robotic products for restaurants. The company’s kitchen robot Flippy has thermal vision and 3D vision, enabling it to learn from its environment and gain new abilities. This AI-driven kitchen assistant provides a complete frying solution designed to enhance efficiency in restaurant kitchens.

Miso Robotics’ Flippy can respond to increasing labor costs by automating activities in the frying station.

Conclusion

The fascinating field of robotics is undoubtedly AI (Artificial Intelligence). Everyone believes that robots can play a role on assembly lines, but there is a divide over whether robots will be similar to humans in intelligence.

You can see that robotics and AI are actually two completely different concepts. Robotics requires creating robots, while AI requires creating intelligence.

The decision-making capability of AI sets it apart from other systems. It can improve the output of software, meaning improvisation. AI is a wired, programmed technological brain. Without prior instructions or code, robots cannot operate autonomously or to any extent.

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