It’s no secret that robotics technology makes jobs in specific industries easier. From construction to manufacturing and even healthcare, automated processes make every industry safer and more efficient.
This is truer than in industries that require workers to work in harsh conditions. In these jobs, robots working in extreme environments greatly reduce the risk of injury or more serious injuries from environmental hazards. Here are some examples of industries that require robots that can handle harsh conditions.
When it comes to extreme environments, it doesn’t get more extreme than space. While the final frontier has a lot for humans to discover, it also holds just as many dangers. From lack of oxygen to extreme temperatures, there are many dangers that astronauts need to overcome before they can even consider setting foot on another planet.
Robots operating in extreme environments are the perfect representation of human explorers. In addition to not requiring oxygen to survive, robots could be developed to withstand a variety of harsh conditions. Because of their capabilities, robots can fly farther in space than any human being can hope to in the 21st century.
Some famous examples of robotic astronauts include Mars rovers and satellite probes. NASA is also constantly developing new robots to perform different types of tasks. The Buoyant Rover for Under-Ice Exploration, or BRUIE, is designed to explore planets dominated by water. These planets are the most Earth-like, so collecting data from them could be invaluable for understanding Earth.
Speaking of water, it is estimated that at least 71% of the earth’s surface is made of water. Apart from space, the ocean is considered the harshest working environment for humans. The reason is simple - humans are not aquatic creatures. From lack of oxygen to high pressure, people working in or near the ocean face seemingly endless dangers.
This is where the robot appears again. Just like in space, robots that replace humans in extreme environments can allow complete exploration without risk. These robots come in many shapes and sizes and can be fully autonomous or remotely controlled by an operator. They can explore areas of the ocean unexplorable by humans and document never-before-seen discoveries.
Robots in extreme environments are helping humans explore the ocean. However, their uses are not limited to exploration. Industries such as deep-sea mining use robots to mine precious resources such as cobalt and nickel.
Natural reservoirs of these resources are found in some of the deepest parts of the ocean, where no one can stay for very long without risking their health. Batteries are made using these and other metals, and these materials are becoming increasingly scarce as the world becomes more reliant on computer technology.
These mining robots extract these metals while affecting their surroundings as little as possible. This ensures that these mining activities do not damage marine ecosystems.
One of the most dangerous jobs in the maritime industry is working on an oil rig. Operating complex machinery and handling very volatile materials is common on drilling wells, and one mistake or malfunction can lead to disaster.
Using robots to replace humans in some of the most dangerous tasks can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents or injuries in the workplace. When paired with human operators, these robots can make drilling rigs more efficient while keeping workers out of harm's way.
Being a firefighter is a dangerous job. Whether it's a home fire or a forest wildfire, firefighters are constantly battling extreme conditions to save lives.
Not only do they face direct dangers from heat and smoke inhalation, but continued exposure to toxic chemicals can also increase the chance of cancer. Additionally, firefighters may develop mental health issues due to severe stress and trauma.
Robotics companies recognize the dangers firefighters face while saving lives and have designed a variety of robots to help mitigate those dangers. These robots can be used for a variety of purposes, from pinpointing and extinguishing fires to delivering hoses and water to firefighters in need.
While there are serious concerns about how the intense heat of raging fires will affect the robots' power systems, these robot firefighters are tenacious enough to stand up to their human counterparts.
Drone robots, in particular, have found a place in helping prevent and control wildfires. They quickly extinguished wildfire fuel by helping to clear away dry brush and vegetation. This will prevent it from growing further and allow human firefighters to better control wildfires.
While nuclear power plants provide most of the world’s electricity, they also produce highly radioactive by-products. Exposure to these is a significant risk that workers in this industry must face on a regular basis. Exposure to ionizing radiation can cause considerable health problems, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer.
While numerous protective measures are in place to contain this dangerous radiation, one particularly dangerous job in the nuclear industry is decommissioning power plants and disposing of radioactive waste. Inspecting and dismantling nuclear power plants means workers could be exposed to any remaining radiation in the area.
Therefore, robots that help complete these critical tasks have become critical. These specialized robots can help speed up the dismantling of power plants while keeping humans away from hazardous materials.
In addition, robots can help mitigate the effects of nuclear accidents and investigate the causes of these accidents. Remote-controlled robots can show investigators exactly what went wrong at a power plant to help ensure it doesn't happen again.
By using robots to bravely face extreme environments, humans can accomplish more tasks than they can on their own. Robots are helping explorers make discoveries and work alongside people, helping them stay safe in the most dangerous working conditions. As robotics technology advances, companies will find more uses for robots in extreme environments.
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