CHAPTER 1

NEW AGE ROBOTIC SYSTEMS

 SMART CITY
• A smart city is an urban area that uses advanced technologies, data
analysis and innovative solutions to improve the quality of life for its
residents, enhance sustainability, and optimize the use of resources.
• Smart cities leverage a wide range of technologies, including the Internet
of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and big data analytics.
• It is also used to enhance the efficiency of urban systems, including
transportation, energy, water, and waste management.
 Examples of how smart cities are being developed
• Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS): Smart cities use ITS to optimize
the movementof people and goods within the city.
- This includes technologies such as intelligent traffic management
systems, connected vehicles, smart parking, and real-time transit
information to optimize transportation services, reduce congestion,
improve air quality, and increase accessibility.
•Smart Energy Management: Smart cities use
advanced technologies to optimize energy
production, distribution, and consumption.
- This includes smart grid systems, renewable
energy sources, and energy-efficient buildings
to reduce energy consumption, carbon
emissions and greenhouse gas emissions.
• Smart Waste Management: Smart cities use sensors and data analytics to
optimize waste management systems, reduce waste generation, and increase
recycling rates
- Robotics technology can be used to create autonomous waste management
systems that collect, sort, and dispose of waste more efficiently.
• Smart Water Management: Smart cities use sensors and data analytics to
optimize water management systems, reduce water consumption, and enhance
water quality.
• Smart Public Safety: Smart cities use technologies such as surveillance cameras,
emergency response systems, and crowd monitoring to enhance public safety and
respond to emergencies quickly.
- AI-powered security systems can be used to detect and respond to potential
security threats, such as crime or terrorism, ensuring the safety of city residents
and visitors.
• Intelligent infrastructure: AI-powered infrastructure can be used to monitor and
maintain various city assets, such as roads, bridges, and buildings, ensuring they
are safe and functioning properly.
• Public services: Smart cities use technology to improve public services
such as healthcare, education, and public safety.
• Connected Infrastructure: Smart cities use a range of sensors and Internet
of Things (IoT) devices to monitor and manage critical infrastructure, such as
water and waste management systems.
• Citizen Engagement: Smart cities engage with their citizens through a
range of digital platforms and tools, such as mobile apps, social media, and
online portals.
- This enables citizens to access city services, report issues, and provide
feedback to city officials
• Examples of smart cities around the world include Singapore, Barcelona, Copenhagen,
Amsterdam, and Dubai.
• In India, smart city initiatives have beenlaunched in several cities, including Pune, Jaipur,
Surat, and Bhubaneswar
 SMART SCHOOLS

• Smart schools are educational institutions that use a variety of tools,

including digital learning resources, online collaboration tools, data
analytics, and mobile devices, to create a more personalized and
engaging learning experience for students.

• The significance of smart schools lies in their potential to improve the quality
of education while also promoting innovation and efficiency.
 Key benefits and significance of smart schools
• Personalized learning: Smart schools use technology to create a
personalized learning experience for each student, helping to address
individual learning needs and preferences.
- AI and machine learning algorithms are used to analyze student data and
create personalized learning plans.
• Improved efficiency: Smart schools use technology to automate
administrative tasks, such as attendance tracking and grading, freeing up
teachers to focus on teaching and improving the learning experience.
- This can also reduce costs and improve the overall efficiency of the
school system
• Innovation: Smart schools promote innovation and creativity,
encouraging teachers and students to use technology to develop new and
innovative teaching and learning methods.
• Collaboration: Smart schools use online collaboration tools, such as virtual
whiteboards and video conferencing software to facilitate collaboration
among students, teachers and parents.
• Smart teaching assistants: Robots are used as smart teaching assistants to
provide personalized feedback to students and assist teachers in the
classroom.
• Intelligent tutoring systems: AI-powered tutoring systems are used to
provide students with additional support and personalized guidance
outside of the classroom.
• Virtual and augmented reality: AI-powered virtual and augmented reality
tools are used to create immersive and engaging learning experiences that
help students better understand complex concepts.

• Predictive analytics: AI-powered predictive analytics are used to identify

students who are at risk of falling behind and provide them with targeted
support.
• Access to resources: Smart schools use technology to provide students
with access to a wide range of learning resources, including digital
textbooks, online videos, tablets, smartphones and interactive simulations.
• Security systems: Smart schools use advanced security systems, such as
surveillance cameras and access control systems, to ensure the safety and
security of students and staff.
• Energy-efficient infrastructure: Smart schools use energy-efficient
infrastructure, such as LED lighting and smart HVAC systems, to reduce
energy consumption and lower operating costs.
 AUTONOMOUS CARS
• Also known as self-driving cars or driverless cars
• These vehicles are capable of sensing their environment and
driving themselves without human intervention.
• These cars use a variety of sensors, cameras, and algorithms to
perceive their surroundings and make decisions about how to
navigate roads and traffic.
 Features
• Sensors and Artificial Intelligence : Autonomous cars are equipped with
sensors such as radar, lidar, cameras, and GPS, which allow them to detect their
surroundings and navigate through them.
• The cars are powered by complex algorithms that use machine learning to
interpret data from the sensors and make decisions about how to operate the
vehicle.
• Communication systems: Autonomous cars can communicate with other
vehicles and infrastructure, such as traffic lights, to improve safety and
efficiency.
• Safety systems: Autonomous cars are designed with safety and have features
such as automatic emergency braking, collision avoidance, and lane departure
warning to prevent accidents.
 Benefits of Autonomous cars
✓ Improved safety: Autonomous cars have the potential to reduce the
number of car accidents caused by human error.
✓ Increased mobility: Autonomous cars could improve mobility for people
who are unable to drive, such as the elderly or people with disabilities.
✓ Reduced traffic congestion: Autonomous cars could be used to
optimize traffic flow and reduce congestion, which could reduce travel
times and improve productivity.
✓ Increased efficiency: Autonomous cars could be used to optimize fuel
efficiency and reduce emissions, which could have a positive impact on the
environment.
✓ New business opportunities: Autonomous cars could create new
business opportunities in areas such as ride- sharing, logistics, and urban
planning.
 Examples:
• Waymo: Waymo is a subsidiary of Alphabet
Inc. (Google’s parent company)
• They have been tested extensively on public
roads in Arizona, California, and Michigan.

• Tesla: Tesla is a company that is known for

producing electric vehicles, but they also
have a line of autonomous cars called
Autopilot.
• These cars can navigate highways and
freeways, change lanes, and even park
themselves.
 Examples:
• Cruise: Cruise is a self-driving car
company that is owned by General
Motors.
• They have been tested in San Francisco,
California
• Uber: Uber, the popular ride-sharing
company, has also invested in
autonomous driving technology.
• They have been tested in Pittsburgh,
Phoenix and San Francisco.
Challenges:

➢Regulatory hurdles

➢Cybersecurity risks

➢Ethical considerations related to decision-making algorithms

 AUTONOMOUS DRONES
• Autonomous drones are unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that can
operate without human intervention, using sensors, software, and
artificial intelligence to navigate and perform tasks.

• They can be programmed to fly specific routes, perform tasks, and

respond to changing conditions
Uses Of Autonomous Drones:
• Delivery: Autonomous drones can be used for delivery
of packages, medicine, and other goods.
• Agriculture: Drones equipped with sensors and cameras can be used to
monitor crop health, soil moisture levels, and crop growth patterns.
• Search and rescue: Autonomous drones can be used in search and
rescue operations to locate missing persons, or victims of natural
disasters, deliver supplies to people in need, and provide real-time video
feeds to emergency responders
• Mapping and surveying: Drones can be used to create high-resolution
maps and surveys of areas that are difficult to access by foot or vehicle.
• Surveillance and security: Autonomous drones can be used for
surveillance and security purposes, such as monitoring borders, critical
infrastructure, and public events.
• Inspection: Drones equipped with cameras and sensors can be used to
inspect buildings, bridges, power lines, wind turbines and other
infrastructure.
• This can help identify maintenance issues before they become serious
problems.
• Entertainment: Drones can be used for entertainment purposes, such
as in light shows, aerial photography, and filming of events.
Benefits Drawbacks

• Increased efficiency • Privacy

• Cost savings • Safety

• Improved safety in • Potential misuse of this

hazardous environments. technology.
Examples Of How Autonomous Drones Are Being Used
In India:
• Agriculture: The government of India has launched a program called the “Krishi Vigyan
Kendra’’ to promotethe use of autonomous drones in agriculture.
• The government has launched a project called the National Agricultural Drones Project,
which aims to use drones for crop mapping, monitoring, and precision agriculture.
• Disaster management: In 2021, the Indian Navy deployed autonomous drones for
search and rescue operationsafter Cyclone Tauktae hit the western coast of India.
• For example, during the Kerala floods in 2018, the National Disaster Response Force
(NDRF) used drones to locate stranded people and to assess the damage caused by the
floods.
• Delivery: In 2019, Zomato, a food delivery company in India, conducted a trial of its
drone delivery service inthe city of Lucknow.
• Healthcare: In 2020, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Bombay developed an
autonomous drone that can be used to transport medical supplies, such as blood samples
and medicines, to remote areas
• Infrastructure inspection: In 2019, the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution
Company Limited (MSEDCL) started using drones to inspect power lines and other
infrastructure.
• Mapping and surveying: For example, the Survey of India is using drones to map the
entire country, which will help in urban planning, disaster management, and resource
management.
• Surveillance and security: The Delhi Police have deployed drones for surveillance in
some areas of the city, which helps them to monitor crowds and detect any suspicious
activities.
• Delivery and logistics: For example, in 2020, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)
Ropar developed an autonomous drone-based delivery system that can deliver food,
medicines, and other essential items to people in remote or hard-to-reach areas.
 ROBOTICS FOR HEALTHCARE
• Robotics has become an increasingly important technology in
healthcare, with a wide range of applications in both medical and non-
medical settings to improve patient outcomes and streamline clinical
workflows.
 Uses Of Robotics In Healthcare:
❑ Surgery: Robotics is used in surgical procedures to enable
greater precision, accuracy, and control.
❑ Robotic- assisted surgery involves using a robotic arm
that is controlled by a surgeon to perform the surgery.
❑ Robotic systems such as the da Vinci Surgical System can
be used for minimally invasive surgery, reducing the need
for large incisions, less blood loss and enabling faster
recovery times.

❑ Rehabilitation: Robotics is used in physical therapy and rehabilitation to help

patients regain strength, mobility, andfunction.
❑ Robotic exoskeletons can be used to help patients walk and move around, while
robotic devices can be usedto assist with exercises and other therapy activities.
• Prosthetics: Robotics is used in the development and
design of prosthetic devices that can help people with
disabilities regain mobility and function.
• Robotic prosthetic limbs can be controlled by the
user’s thoughts, enabling greater precision and
control.
• Telepresence: Robotics is used in telepresence
systems, which allow doctors and other healthcare
providers to remotely examine and treat patients.
• Telepresence systems can be used for remote
consultations, remote monitoring, and telemedicine.
• These robots can be equipped with cameras,
microphones, and screens, enabling physicians to
interact with patients and make remote diagnosis.
• Hospital logistics: Robotics is used in hospital logistics to transport
equipment, supplies, and medication around the hospital.
• Autonomous robots can be used to move items between different
departments, reducingthe need for human labor and improving efficiency.
• Robotic pill dispensers can be programmed to dispense medication at specific
intervals
• Robotic pharmacists can help to manage and dispense medication in hospitals
and pharmacies.
Examples Of How Robotics Is Being Used In Healthcare In India:
❑Robotic-assisted surgery: Several hospitals in India,
including Apollo Hospitals and AIIMS, are using
robotic-assisted surgery for a variety of procedures,
including prostate surgery, gynecological surgery, and
joint replacement surgery.
❑Eg: The da Vinci Surgical System is one of the most
commonly used robotic systems in India.
❑Rehabilitation: Several Indian startups, such as
Tesseract Imaging and CureBot, are developing
robotic rehabilitation devices to help patients recover
from injuries or illnesses.
❑Eg: Tesseract Haptic Exoskeleton is a robotic device
that can be used to help stroke patients regain mobility
in their arms.
❑Telemedicine: Several Indian startups, such as
Innaumation Medical Devices and TRIVENIKA, are
developing telepresence robots that can be used for
remote diagnosis and monitoring of patients.
❑These robots can be used to provide virtual
consultations, monitor vital signs, and administer
medication.
❑Medication management: Several Indian hospitals, such
as Apollo Hospitals and Fortis Healthcare, are using
robotic pill dispensers to help manage medication for
patients.
❑These dispensers can be programmed to dispense
medication at specific times and can help to reduce
medication errors.
❑Diagnosis and monitoring: Several Indian startups, such as Artelus and
Tricog Health, are developing AI- powered diagnostic tools that use
robotics to assist with diagnosis and monitoring of patients.
❑Eg: Tricog ECG machine is a handheld device that can be used to
diagnose heart conditions in rural areas where access to healthcare is
limited.
 NARs (Neuro-Adaptive Robotics):

❑NARs is an emerging field in robotics that combines artificial

intelligence and robotics to create machines that can adapt to their
environment and learn from their experiences.
❑NARs use neural networks and machine learning algorithms to
enable robots to learn and make decisions based on their
experiences, rather than relying on pre-programmed instructions.
 Potential Applications Of NARs In Robotics:
✓Manufacturing: NARs can be used in manufacturing to enable robots to adapt to
changes in their environment, such as changes in the type or size of the parts they
are assembling.
✓Healthcare: NARs can be used in healthcare to create robotic devices that can
adapt to the needs of individualpatients. For example, a robotic
✓Agriculture: NARs can be used in agriculture to create robotic devices that can
adapt to different soil types and weather conditions. For example, a robotic
cultivator
✓Search and rescue: NARs can be used in search and rescue operations to create
robots that can adapt to theterrain and environment they are working in.
✓Space exploration: NARs can be used in space exploration to create robots that
can adapt to the extreme environments found in space.
Examples of research projects and companies in India working on
NARs
➢ Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB): Researchers at IITB are working
on a project called “Adaptive and Safe Human-Robot Collaboration (ADROIT)”,
which aims to develop NARs for industrial robots.
➢ Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR): CAIR, a laboratory under
the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is working on
developing NARs for military applications
➢ Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL): BEL, a state-owned aerospace and defence
company, is working on developing NARs for surveillance applications.
➢ Tata Consultancy Services (TCS): TCS, a leading IT services company, is working
on developing NARs for industrial robots.
➢ Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad (IIT-H): Researchers at IIT-H are
working on the development of a robotic exoskeleton that uses NARs to
enable the device to adapt to the movements of the wearer.
➢ Sastra Robotics: Sastra Robotics, an Indian startup, is
developing robotic systems that use NARs to adapt to
their environment and perform a range of tasks.
➢ Stellapps: Stellapps, an Indian agritech startup, is
developing a robotic system that uses NARs to monitor
the health and productivity of dairy cows.
➢ Threye: Threye, an Indian startup, is developing a drone
that uses NARs to adapt to its environment and perform
a range of tasks, such as monitoring crop health and
detecting landmines.
➢ Autonomous robots for warehouse management:
GreyOrange, a robotics and AI company based in India, has
developed a range of autonomous robots that can be used in
warehouse management.

➢ Healthcare robotics: In the healthcare sector, Indian startup

CureBot is developing a range of rehabilitation robots that use
NARs to adapt to the needs of individual patients. For example,
the company’s “ReWalk” exoskeleton.
➢ Agricultural robotics: In agriculture, Indian startup
TartanSense is developing a range of robots that use
NARs to optimize their performance in the field. For
example, the company’s “BrijBot” weed control robot

➢ Robotics for cleaning and disinfection: Indian startup

DronaMaps is developing a range of autonomous robots
that can be used for cleaning and disinfection.

➢ Autonomous transportation: Indian automotive

company Tata Motors is developing autonomous
vehicles that use NARs technology to adapt to changes in
their environment and optimize their performance. For
example, the company’s“Tata Hexa”.