By Siddhant Vora
Remember the times when a pin workshop was a big thing? Since then, we have foreseen no limit to scientific advancement and in scientific truth, there is nothing dead. The opposite of a great truth has been a greater truth to reckon development with. As it has been said, it is nothing less than magic, in spite of us knowing how it works. But one thing we have probably kept in oblivion is that the sole reason of development should be to affirm the faith in the security of the human race. Just like we neglected what Marx had rightfully once stated, the production of too many useful things results in too many useless people.
This article is to shed light upon the rather subsidized disclosures about the predicted robotic revolution the world should expect to strike soon. Over the recent years, Google has been absorbed by automation and robots leading them to buy their 8th robotic company, Boston Dynamics, which will bring you close to the most fathomable mechanical mule to tread. This makes one realize how important it is to understand that the possibilities of all future interactive development lie in mankinds lap. One may excitedly be reminded of The Jetsons, the futuristic cartoon most of us have grown up pondering over. But it requires more thinking on our part over the justified use of automated technology bringing us to the important discussion of whether robotic development is beneficial entirely or like everything else, are there certain clouding aspects to consider? Does technology ruin job opportunities in an exponentially rising population? The parking lot for example has come under the control of simulation parking, automated receipt machines and lifters, et al. For a country like India, this is putting the already unemployed man in further jeopardy. But this does not mean that robotics and automation are a disastrous development. The solution to propelling development is the right use of this technology. Instead of applauding the fact that Nike has come out with 3d printed NFL shoes, the more pragmatic thing is to secure 3d printing purposes in the human organ replication industry.
When technology has gifted us with such a boon, it should be exhausted wisely towards a greater good and not towards banal luxuries which will eventually disrupt the economy. The vast area of robotic usage worthy of recognition is the defense sector. Google has not denied its attempts of creating an army of servant bots to help the soldiers when in a state of hostility. India has recently bought 15 more Unmanned Armed Vehicles, sharing lights on the importance of artificial intelligence. The Pentagon has come up with a commendable concept of a humanoid robot named Atlas to save people from man-made and natural disasters, hence putting robots to just use. On the other hand, commercial companies like U*tique are releasing automated hotel vending machines, which inculcate robots to not only prepare the delicacy, but also dress and serve it rightfully. The extent of unnecessary development has been so far that babysitting bots have been developed which trespass the job of a helper, the job which is assured by almost every household. One may argue that such inventions subsequently lead to the establishment of factories hence proving employment. Albeit, it only assures job to the skilled labor and a large amount of the population still suffers simply, widening the gap between the crème de la crème and the hoi polloi.
It has been interestingly considered that eventually, there will be the development of a razor that, thanks to such advancements, can actually travel in time and shave beard hairs that dont even exist.
There was a reason behind the Luddites.
The author is an engineering student at MIT,Manipal pursuing the diverse field of Mechatronics. Being passionate about writing, seeking awareness and debates, it seems absurd to see the reluctance of few towards policy, law, economics and politics only because it does not concern their education domain. You may not be concerned, but these shall always concern you.