Swarm Robotics

            The emerging technology I have chosen to research is Swarm Robotics. Swarm Robotics is a new approach to the coordination of multi-robot systems which consist of large numbers of mostly simple and physical robots. So it is pretty much using many small and simple robots to complete a single task, such as construction. This technology is still in the experimental phase, but has a lot of potential.

            With Swarm Robotics could be used to do many things that we can’t do today, or can’t do safely. It could be used for construction in an environment too dangerous for humans. For example, it could be used to build bases and settlements on the moon, so people could begin to colonize it. It could also be used for construction on Earth. For example, if there was a tall building being built, hundreds of lives wouldn’t be at risk while they were building so high in the air.  

            Swarm Robotics has many strengths, as well as many weaknesses. Some strengths that it has is that we could build in unsafe environments such as space, without risking human lives. Some weaknesses it has are that people may not trust robots to build a large structure like a skyscraper, and would prefer it be built by human hands. The new technology would take time for the world to get used to. It would be a very major change to make.

            Swarm Robotics also has many opportunities, as well as threats. Some opportunities it has are to replace humans working in construction all together. Robots could be much more efficient and would not need to be paid. Some threats to this are that people may not want robots taking jobs away from people. This may increase the unemployment rate world-wide slightly. Also, the technology needed to make swarm robotics a reality and a practical thing, just doesn't exist on the scale it would be required for this concept.

            Overall, I like the idea of Swarm Robotics, as it could revolutionize the way we build things around the world, but it could also take jobs away from actual people. The unemployment aspect doesn't mean as much to me because I do not actually have a real “job”. Although the technology is only in the experimental phase, I would love to see it being used in the real world someday. 

Sources:

Wikipedia             Scholarpedia