IHM robotics lab will be a comprehensive research and development area devoted to stand alone machines with either limited functions or with A.I. module to expand its scope of operation. Robotics could mean ‘pre-programmed robots’, ‘humanoid robots’, ‘autonomous robots’, ‘tele-operated robots’ and ‘augmenting robots’.

‘Pre-programmed’ robots operate in a controlled environment where they do simple, monotonous tasks. An example of a pre-programmed robot would be a mechanical arm on an automotive assembly line. The arm serves one function — to weld a door on, to insert a certain part into the engine, etc. — and its job is to perform that task longer, faster and more efficiently than a human.

‘Humanoid robots’ are robots that look like and/or mimic human behavior. These robots usually perform human-like activities (like running, jumping and carrying objects), and are sometimes designed to look like us, even having human faces and expressions. Two of the most prominent examples of humanoid robots are Hanson Robotics’ Sophia and Boston Dynamics’ Atlas.

‘Autonomous robots’ operate independently of human operators. These robots are usually designed to carry out tasks in open environments that do not require human supervision. An example of an autonomous robot would be the Roomba vacuum cleaner, which uses sensors to roam throughout a home freely.

‘Tele-operated robots’ are mechanical bots controlled by humans. These robots usually work in extreme geographical conditions, weather, circumstances, etc. Examples of tele-operated robots are the human-controlled submarines used to fix underwater pipe leaks during the BP oil spill or drones used to detect landmines on a battlefield.

‘Augmenting robots’ either enhance current human capabilities or replace the capabilities a human may have lost. Some examples of augmenting robots are robotic prosthetic limbs or exoskeletons used to lift hefty weights.

The manufacturing industry is probably the oldest and the most well-known user of robots. However, use of robotics has expanded its domain to other sphere of human essentials such as, monitoring and controlling forest fires, in assembly lines at manufacturing plants, as surgical assistants in operation room, as last mile package and food order delivery, as autonomous household robots that carry out tasks like vacuuming and mowing the grass, as assistance in searching items and carrying them throughout warehouses, in search and rescue missions in natural or man-made disaster and as bomb detectors in high security area and public places among various other applications.