Robotics and Control

Abstract

As equipment and systems become more complex and sophisticated, the problems of operation and control by humans have become more difficult. Modern industrial processes and production techniques often require continuous vigilance of machine tools and equipment and entail boring repetitive jobs, where human error may lead to very expensive consequences, and put the operator, and possibly even the general public, at risk. In some cases, such as in the nuclear power industry and off-shore oil exploration and recovery, activities may need to be carried out in hazardous environments, and this may add ethical issues to the problems. Many of these difficulties and dangers can be relieved by the use of robots, devices which, properly designed, can operate faster, with greater accuracy and reliability, and with less fatigue, than their human counterparts, to give greater work output of a more consistent quality with increased safety.