The idea of human-like robots-humanoids- was first conceived by Leonardo da Vinci, who devised an intricate mechanism of gears and levers to run a mechanized body armour.
After him, the most serious effort was made by the 20th century science-fiction writer Isaac Asimov. In fact, it was he rather than da Vinci who defined the future course of development of humanoids.
Asimov's contribution to humanoid development was his three laws governing robotics (introduced in the 1942 short story "Runaround")-
1. A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
2. A robot must obey orders given to it by human beings, except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
3. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.
Since then, human-like robots have captured the fantasy of robotic engineers as well as the general public. Humanoids have become the theme of many blockbuster Hollywood movies (Bladerunner, AI, I Robot, Terminator series and, very recently, Ironman). These movies have tried out numerous spin-offs of Asimov's three laws. However, the real world of robotics is yet to see a fully functional humanoid.
The closest that human beings have come to replicating their intelligence in an artificial, metallic, human like frame is Honda Corp.'s ASIMO (Advanced Step in Innovative MObility). Standing at 130 centimeters (4 feet 3 inches) and weighing 54 kilograms (119 pounds), it looks like an astronaut in a spacesuit. However, it is an amazing machine which has enthralled the rest of the world.
ASIMO is human-like in a number of ways. It can walk, climb steps and can even run. It has been programmed in a manner that allows it to realign itself vertically with earth's gravity. It has human like hands with which it can grasp things comfortably. It can recognize faces, moving objects, its environment, postures and gestures, facial recognition and distinguish between different sounds. It is the best amalgamation of programming and technology that the world has seen so far.
Despite its amazing achievement, ASIMO is yet to achieve human like capabilities. Its processors are not yet able to speedily process terabytes of information that its various complex miniaturized sensors provide it. Its battery life is also very not too much. In its current configuration, it can only function as a slow-moving servant.
The future of ASIMO and similar projects in different research laboratories of the world is something which is yet undefined. There are a few major hurdles that need to be eliminated before robots can be made human-like. One of these challenges is a more advanced and seamless integration of cutting edge technology inside a tough metal frame which is perfectly mobile. Engineering will have to transcend at least a few levels before humanoids could become a reality.
|
