Modern robots: the machines of tomorrow, today

Modern Robots:

The Machines of Tomorrow, Today

Mandy Mah

Every year, technological innovations reach and break milestones. As society transitions to a more digital age, robots are being developed at a rapid rate. This often leaves it hard to keep up with the latest additions to robot technology. What are some modern robot inventions?

Atlas

Atlas is an extremely active humanoid robot created by Boston Dynamics. It is able to perform at human levels of agility due to its advanced programming and control system. Some movements Atlas is capable of executing are backflips, vaults, and somersaults. Boston Dynamics is designing Atlas to be able to work with nuclear reactor meltdowns and douse forest fire flames.

ROBEAR

ROBEAR is a nursing robot created by RIKEN and Sumitomo Riko Company Limited. As a lightweight robot, ROBEAR has the ability to move through doorways, transfer patients from beds to wheelchairs, and assist patients in standing up. Its distinguishing features include its gentle strength, bear shape, and swiftness.

Sophia

Sophia is the Innovation Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme and was developed by Hanson Robotics. Sophia represents the Sophia Intelligence Collective (SIC) and is able to hold conversations, recognize faces, and display emotions. Its development often prompts debate about Artificial Intelligence (AI) ethics and the future of AI.