Greetings to all inquisitive minds, and thank you for taking the time to explore this blog on the rapidly evolving field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics.

In this blog, we will highlight the current trends and expectations of humans from this relatively new technology that has now become a part of our daily lives. We will also share some insights into how the future applications of AI and robotics should be shaped for meaningful impact.

The terms AI and robotics have been in use and have been topics of discussion for decades, and now we are witnessing them as part of our lives—be it a floor-cleaning robot, a self-driving car, an automated home deodoriser, or even a four-legged robot performing tricks like a pet dog. It is quite evident on social media, where people are using AI to make vlogs, participate in trends like creating Ghibli-style images, and so on.

While observing these current scenarios of the amalgamation of the general public with AI and robotics, a big question arises: is this what AI and robotics were meant for from the beginning, or are we losing the correct direction that leads to more appropriate applications of these technologies?

On one hand, we have successfully sent Perseverance and Opportunity to Mars for planetary exploration, and on the other hand, we are (on a very large scale) using AI and robotics for our amusement and to fulfil our social media itch. This seems to downsize the whole idea of these terms—AI and robotics—that we have been using and anticipating for such a long time.

There needs to be a realisation that AI and robotics can perform to the best of their abilities only when they are combined. In simple terms, AI works by collecting and organising data, while a robot can do any physical work that we programme it for. If we provide robots with AI data, we can develop useful applications that should have always been our priority from the start—such as rescue operations, deep-sea explorations, medical aid, sewage cleaning, construction work, skyscraper cleaning, rust coating of bridges, etc.

Rather than using this great technology for arms and ammunition, writing our blogs or completing office documents, watering plants, or cleaning our houses, we should put our efforts into creating AI-powered robots for situations where a human risks his or her life for a job that pays just a few bucks an hour.

A human body should always stay active to be able to carry out its own physical day-to-day work. If we let AI and robots handle normal household chores, drive our cars, do office work, and so on, we are bound to become lazy, eventually inviting diseases and seeing an entire population that is incompetent in carrying out even the smallest of physical tasks.

This is of great concern because, although research organisations and intellectuals are putting in efforts to apply AI and robotics to more significant tasks, a large part of the population has already started using this technology merely for comfort. Another pressing issue is the use of AI to spread misinformation or conduct online scams. Hence, the need of the hour is to spread awareness about the ethical uses of AI and robotics, because these technologies were always meant to help humans—not to make us incompetent or harm each other through malicious use.

So, should we restrict the use of AI and robotics? Should we make it expensive so that most of the general public cannot access it? It is unclear what exactly should be done to help people understand the correct uses of this emerging trend of automation and AI. However, one thing is certain—we must widen our awareness and understanding of the how, what, why, and where of AI and robotics as responsible citizens of society.

Some say that we are already living in the future, but let’s remember that Andreas Flocken built the first electric car in 1888, and it took us over a century to reach today’s EVs. Thus, it is safe to acknowledge that we are still in the process of creating the future of AI and robotics.

At The NorthCap University, a top private university in Haryana, we provide a deeper understanding of the useful applications of AI, robotics, machine learning, and automation. Along with creating fluency in current technological trends, we equip our students with the right knowledge to merge the fields of electronics with computer science and AI.

We ensure that our students are aware of the ethics of data usage when working with AI and also understand the more meaningful applications of robotics. Instead of simply putting a semiconductor chip on four wheels, we not only mentor our students to invent something new but also guide them to define the latest breakthroughs and become entrepreneurs in the field of AI and robotics.

The collaboration of multidisciplinary faculty members, along with a supportive and ethical work environment, makes The NorthCap University the best choice for anyone with the drive to learn, work, create, and innovate in this fascinating field of AI and robotics.

Let us create a future together where we are not dependent on AI and robots, but evolve as better humans while designing and applying future AI and robotics in truly worthy ways.

Dr. Anu Tonk
Assistant Professor-Sel. Grade
Dept. of Multidisciplinary Engineering
The NorthCap University