What is Internet of Robotic Things (IoRT)?

The world has already witnessed the capabilities of the Internet of Things in the last couple of years. The Internet of Things or IoT, being the network of physical objects such as devices, that are embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies to connect and exchange data with other devices and systems over the internet. Now tech purists have discovered a new concept to establish effective communication between automated devices and convey data over the existing internet. This is called the Internet of Robotic Things (IoRT). I have heard this term being thrown around several times, but what is it really? Well, before we delve deep into understanding IoRT, let us first understand what IoT is.

What is IoT?

IoT is influencing a lot of aspects of our lives. From the way we think, to our overall lifestyles. From air-conditioners that you can control with your smartphone, to smart cars providing the shortest route to your destination. It is a giant network with connected devices that gather and share data about how they are used and the environment in which they are operated. These are all done using sensors.

These sensors are embedded in every physical device, such as your mobile device, electrical appliances in your home, traffic lights on the road and everything that you come across in your day-to-day life. These sensors continuously emit data about the working state of these devices. But you may be wondering, "How do they share this huge amount of data, and does it benefit us?".

Briefly, IoT provides a common platform for all these devices such as your air-conditioning, mobile device, and Wi-Fi, to store their data. It also provides a common language for all the devices to communicate with one another. Data are emitted from various sensors and sent to the IoT security platform. IoRT, which is the Internet of Robotics Things, is the convergence of the internet of things (IoT) and robotics.

What is IoRT?

Internet of Robotic Things is where intelligent devices can monitor events, fuse sensor data from a variety of sources, use local and distributed intelligence to determine the best course of action, and then act to control or manipulate objects in the physical world. It is an emerging concept where autonomous machines communicate with each other by emitting data from multiple sensors to perform complex tasks. With IoRT, we have an infinite number of sensors, smart devices and things that can take in input.

Those inputs are gathered and turned into usable data with the assistance of robotics, for the system to be more feature-rich as a return-on-investment for the users. Robots can be integrated entirely with the Internet of Things using drive communication protocol. The IoRT architecture is divided into the following four layers:

- Hardware layer ("Robotic things" layer): Includes processors, memory, sensor, robot, arm controller, etc.

- Internet connectivity: Refers to the way people are connected to the internet and includes dial up telephone lines.

- Big data services: Allow for a faster and more efficient storage and processing data.

- Application layer: Provides the necessary services that support the application.

All these functionalities are identical to those provided by IoT, except for robots. However, the inclusion of robots begs the question: What unique attributes do these robots possess that justify their essentiality? Before delving into the essential characteristics of a robot, let us first discuss the several types of robots employed on the Internet of Robotic Things.

Types of robots employed in IoRT

- Industrial robots are used for manufacturing. Industrial robots are automated, programmable, and capable of movement on three or more axes. Typical applications of robots include welding, painting, assembly, disassembly, etc.

- Service robots assist human beings, typically by performing a job that is dirty, dull, distant, dangerous, or repetitive. They typically are autonomous and/or operated by a built-in control system, with manual override options.

- Medical robots have the potential to augment human capabilities in unprecedented ways. Surgical procedures like cardiac surgery and laparoscopic surgery can benefit from the aid of medical robots.

- Agricultural robots are utilized in agricultural settings to automate farming tasks. They can perform activities like planting, harvesting, monitoring crop health, and managing livestock.

- Autonomous vehicle can drive themselves without human interference.

- Educational and Research Robots are used in educational and research settings play a vital role in studying and advancing robotics. They provide a hands-on learning experience and support research in areas like human-robot interaction and artificial intelligence.

- While the examples provide a glimpse into the diverse range of robots employed in different sectors, it is crucial to acknowledge that these are merely a fraction of the numerous robots utilized across various industries. Many robots can perform multiple tasks or belong to multiple categories. The IoRT is a rapidly evolving field, and new types of robots are continuously being developed and integrated into these industries. Now, let us dive into the intricate details and explore the fundamental characteristics that define a robot.

Essential characteristics of a robot

- Sensor- A robot could sense its surroundings. Giving a robot sensor such as light, eye, touch and pressure sensors ensures more reliability than just an ordinary device.

- Movement- A robot can be able to move around its environment, whether rolling in wheels or walking by legs.

- Energy- A robot can power itself using solar power or electrical power.

- Intelligence- A robot is typically smart; this is where programming enters the picture. The programmer is the person who gives the robot its intelligence for the robot to know what to do, and when to do it.

It is crucial to acknowledge that the composition and functionalities of these layers might differ based on the implementation and utilization of the IoRT system. However, the layers provide a consistent underlying framework. The integration of robotics and Internet of Things (IoT) has opened new possibilities for automation, data exchange, and intelligent decision-making. You might be curious about the present applications of the Internet of Robotic Things. These autonomous machines, which interact by transmitting data from numerous sensors to execute intricate tasks, can be found in various industrial sectors, serving a multitude of purposes.

What are real-world applications of IoRT?

- Warehouses robots can navigate around warehouses by following a series of computerized barcode stickers on the floor.

- Smart home the IoRT can produce visual cleaning maps of the home and communicating with smart home devices.

- E-commerce there is a variety of ways that IoRT has enhanced customer experience.

- Construction robots can automate labour-intensive and life-threatening activities.

- The IoRT continues to evolve rapidly, with advancements in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and sensor technologies. It offers immense potential for further innovation and disruption across industries, bringing us closer to a future where robots effortlessly integrate into our lives.

To sum up, IoRT systems have revolutionized multiple industries by seamlessly integrating robotics and IoT technologies. By merging the strengths of robots, connectivity, sensor integration, and data analytics, these systems offer a multitude of opportunities to enhance automation, improve efficiency, and foster collaboration. They present a vast array of opportunities to augment automation, streamline operations, and foster collaboration across diverse industries, spanning from manufacturing and coordination to healthcare, agriculture, and beyond. The Fourth Industrial Revolution has brought about a transformative constructive collaboration between the Internet of Things (IoT) and robotic systems, leading to the emergence of innovative products and shift in their interconnectedness.