Biggest Problem With Robotics?

Question

The technology is getting better and better, but it doesn't seem like there's much of a market (at least here in the USA, except as expensive vacuums like the Roomba).

What would you say is the biggest factor regarding robotics and its use/popularity?

Price? The technology isn't where it needs to be? Practicality? do people not "need" them so there's no demand? (also, if you feel this is the case, how can we make them more useful?)

Some of you have asked what my definition of a robot is in regard to this question. well, I was mainly referring to a multi-function, preferably (but not necessarily) non-industrial robot. -Think of Honda's "Asimo" or something of that nature -but with a brain capable carrying out many tasks competently -for ex: trainable, can learn new tasks, etc.

I am well aware that robots are used in industrial settings regularly and have integrated into the manufacturing workplace with great success. -I was more thinking of the "next level" so to speak. A high capability, multiple-function robot.

Answer 1

as always, its a combination of all the factors you mentioned and a few more

robotics has a huge market in this country and expensive robotic devices are being sold everyday for industrial applications

i just saw a documentary on television that showed a really cool robotic system that stacked bricks (wet bricks before they were baked and also finished bricks afterword)

i visited a mercedes factory in alabama not long ago and they had really cool robotic welders putting the car bodies together

because of expense, maintenance requirements, and the fact that technology can't yet provide very versatile (multi-function) robotics, consumer robots are not very marketable/useful/cost-effective

specific-task industrial robots are a booming business

Answer 2

How I answer your question depends in part on what you define as a robot. Don't worry I will be back with a better answer. I just notice that i am often first but the effort I put in has me way down near the bottom by the time I submit.

High volume repetitive tasks. My experience is in a tube mill where we had to pack tubes into different configurations. The robot was an auto tynes for the layers and numbers whilst the autostrapper did the number of straps required. They also have a lot of use in the Auto industry. Also all those high speed printed serial numbers on your soft drinks etc. i think perhaps the prescence of robots in the modern world is partly a perception thing.
I define robots as being technology that uses positioning feedback loops to do repetituive and precise tasks. i know the classic definition is broader but I am trying to answer in the context of what a student would be expected to study that distincts him/her from other engineering fields.

To answer your question directly: I think the development cycle; both the time and cost is off putting, unless the work for the robot is very high volume.

Answer 3

It's the difficulty of creating even a low grade of quasi artificial intelligence, and enough sensors & the above intelligence to navigate through the everyday world.

Robots can easily be built that are driven with an operator & joy stick. But those are expensive and not that useful.

A good example of useful robotics is the DARPA challenge that had off-road vehicles drive through the desert to Las Vegas; without an operator. Each of the top three winners had many computers onboard and at least $50K of sensors.