Artificial Intelligence is not Robotics

source:GEVME
Which is it, robotics a subset of AI or super set of AI? Many even use the former when referring to later. Is there even a difference? Well, they differ, very much. Wikipedia has this to say about robotics;

Robotics deals with the design, construction, operation, and use of robots, as well as computer systems for their control, sensory feedback, and information processing. This field overlaps with electronics, computer science, artificial intelligence, mechatronics, nanotechnology and bioengineering.

Clearly the quotation above shows that there is usually an agreement between the two subject matter but not synonymous. Wikipedia also has this to say about artificial intelligence;

Artificial intelligence (AI) is intelligence displayed by machines, in contrast with the natural intelligence (NI) displayed by humans and other animals. The term "artificial intelligence" is applied when a machine mimics "cognitive" functions that humans associate with other human minds, such as "learning" and "problem solving"

We have products of artificial intelligence around us. In fact we interact with it daily! Yet its obvious they are not robots. I will point out those products around us that are products of AI but first i need to show us that these two are not close to being same. A Venn diagram will help us here a bit.

Source:robotiq
Many robots are autonomous but some are not. Example of robots that are not autonomous include telerobot which are actually controlled by humans. Another example of non autonomous robots are the collaborative robots usually called cobots, which are usually programmed to perform specific task like picking up something. It keeps doing the same thing as in program loops until something stops it from doing that. Now this is a good time to explain what artificially intelligent robots are. Artificially intelligent robots are robots controlled by artificial intelligent programs. Programs that takes decisions on its own.

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PRODUCTS OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE WE USE EVERYDAY

Ask many if they've come in contact with AI, most will say nope! Especially Nigerians. Some scientists here don't even want to hear about it cause they view it as a difficult subject matter hence reserved for the west to develop. Well, here are the lists of AI most of us use everyday without even knowing it.

SIRI

source:Sick Chirpse
Siri is an intelligent personal assistant developed by Apple inc and is part and parcel of their phones, pads and wearable. If have used iPhone or apple products, the truth is, you have used Siri and Siri is a byproduct of AI. Apple has this to say about Siri:

Talking to Siri is an easier, faster way to get things done. It’s always with you — on your iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and HomePod — ready to help throughout your day.

Siri can help you carry out most tasks on you apple operating system. From retrieving web search results to adding events to your calendar, even sending text messages without handling your phone. It is so intelligent that it can learn and adjust to serve just you better! Most robots can't do this.

CORTANA

source:Engadget
If you have upgraded to Microsoft's latest version of windows, then you must've used cortana. Microsoft calls cortana a virtual assistant. And can perform many tasks including set reminders, recognize natural voice without the requirement for keyboard input, and answer questions using information from the Bing search engine. Cortana is also quite intelligent. Have you used it before? If yes, then AI have made an impact in your life.

AMAZON ALEXA

Source:FrontBytes
Alexa is an intelligent personal assistant from Amazon found in Echo Dot devices which is also from Amazon. It is capable of voice interaction, music playback, making to-do lists, setting alarms, streaming podcasts, playing audiobooks, and providing weather, traffic, and other real-time information, such as news. One thing that makes Alexa outstanding is that it can control other smart devices by using itself as a home automation system. Sounds more than what a robot can do, right?

The list could go on and on, but I've made my point. The field of artificial intelligence needs our contribution, especially the programmers. It is not an alien technology neither is robotics.