Power Electronics, Elderly Service Robots, And … William Shatner?
By John Oncea, Editor
Service robots assist humans in various tasks, enhancing efficiency and safety across sectors. They use power electronics for energy management, motor control, and battery management.
Back in 2004, William Shatner released his second musical album, Has Been. The album featured, in addition to Shatner, Joe Jackson, Ben Folds, Aimee Mann, Henry Rollins, Adrian Belew, and Brad Paisley, among others.
And … it’s really good? His cover of Pulp’s Common People is fantastic. That’s Me Trying is truly a beautifully haunting song. But it’s You’ll Have Time I want to talk about here.
Pop Rescue writes this song “sounds like you’ve just walked into a late night backstreet bar, with someone quietly playing an organ in the corner. Then, bursting in is William telling you to ‘Live Life!’ sounding like a hybrid of Frank Sinatra singing That’s Life, and the more sermon-like songs of Nick Cave. He’s joined by backing singers that really lifts the song as it progresses. ‘You’re gonna die!’ and ‘We’re all gonna die!’ he sings proudly like a slightly remorseful boozy Sinatra. It works perfectly.”
The song begins with Shatner speaking (he never really sings on this album, leaving that for Mann, Jackson, Paisley, Rollins, and others) the lines:
Live life, live life like you’re gonna die
Because you’re gonna
I hate to be the bearer of bad news
But you’re gonna die
Shatner closes the song by listing several possible ways to go including being hit by a lightning bolt, a spider bite, and a cap in your ass.
Hopefully, your leaving this mortal coil doesn’t happen in any of those ways. Rather, let’s hope it comes after a long, healthy, happy life. Like, after celebrating your 90th birthday with family and friends. And, assuming that’s the case, you might just need to use an elderly service robot.
What Is A Service Robot
Service robots, according to Service Robots, are automated machines designed to assist humans by performing a variety of tasks that are often repetitive, hazardous, or time-consuming. They are distinct from industrial robots, which are primarily used in manufacturing environments. Instead, service robots operate in diverse settings such as homes, hospitals, hotels, and retail spaces, enhancing efficiency and safety while relieving humans of mundane tasks.
Service robots are defined by their ability to perform useful tasks for humans or equipment, excluding industrial automation applications. According to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), they must exhibit some degree of autonomy, meaning they can operate independently or with minimal human intervention. They typically feature:
- Autonomous Navigation: Many service robots can navigate their environment using advanced sensors to avoid obstacles and interact with humans safely, writes Standard Bots.
- User-Friendly Interfaces: According to Qviro, most service robots come equipped with intuitive controls that allow users to easily program and manage their operations.
- Adaptability: Service robots can be customized for various tasks and environments, making them versatile tools in many sectors.
Service robots can be categorized based on their application areas, including domestic robots: These include robotic vacuum cleaners and lawnmowers that assist with household chores. Professional service robots are used in healthcare (e.g., surgical assistants), hospitality (e.g., room service delivery), and security (e.g., patrol robots) to enhance operational efficiency while cleaning robots are designed for cleaning tasks in both commercial and residential settings, these robots can vacuum, mop, and sanitize spaces.
Delivery robots transport goods within facilities or manage last-mile deliveries to customers, and guidance robots are often found in airports or malls, they assist visitors by providing information and directions.
Service robots are increasingly being adopted across various industries due to their ability to improve productivity and reduce operational costs. Some notable applications include assisting surgeons during operations or transporting patients within hospitals, automating room service delivery or providing concierge services, monitoring inventory levels, and assisting with customer service tasks. The integration of service robots into daily operations not only enhances efficiency but also allows human workers to focus on more complex and fulfilling tasks.
With advancements in AI and robotics technology, service robots are expected to become more sophisticated and capable of overseeing a broader range of tasks autonomously. As their functionality improves and costs decrease, their adoption is likely to increase across various sectors, potentially transforming how many industries operate.
Case Study: Elderly Service Robots
Elderly service robots are specialized machines designed to assist and support older adults in various aspects of their daily lives. These robots aim to enhance the independence, safety, and quality of life for seniors while potentially reducing the burden on human caregivers. Some types of elderly service robots are:
- Companionship Robots: These robots, according to Samarth Life Management, provide social interaction and emotional support to combat loneliness and isolation. Examples include ElliQ and BUDDY, which can engage in conversations, play games, and facilitate communication with family members.
- Assistive Robots: These help with physical tasks such as mobility, lifting, and exercise. According to RoboticsBiz, the Care-O-Bot, for instance, can assist with moving around and performing household chores.
- Health Monitoring Robots: Equipped with sensors and AI, these robots can track vital signs, detect falls, and alert caregivers or emergency services when necessary.
- Cognitive Stimulation Robots: Designed to engage seniors in activities that promote mental acuity and potentially slow cognitive decline, according to the National Library of Medicine.
- Personal Care Robots: These assist with tasks like bathing, toileting, and feeding, helping to maintain personal hygiene and independence.
Elderly service robots increase independence, enabling seniors to perform daily tasks with minimal assistance and fostering self-reliance. Safety is enhanced by features like fall detection, and emergency alerts improve the security of elderly individuals. In addition, social robots can help reduce feelings of loneliness and promote mental well-being. Some robots even provide round-the-clock health monitoring, allowing for early detection of potential issues.
While elderly service robots offer numerous benefits, there are challenges to their widespread adoption:
- Cost: The implementation of a robot for elderly care can be expensive, with an average cost of approximately $85,000 per year in the U.S.
- User Acceptance: Some seniors may be hesitant to adopt new technologies, requiring careful introduction and training.
- Ethical Concerns: Issues surrounding privacy, autonomy, and the potential reduction of human interaction need to be addressed.
- Technical Limitations: Current robots may not be able to fully replicate the nuanced care provided by human caregivers, particularly in terms of emotional support.
As technology advances, elderly service robots are expected to become more sophisticated and capable of managing a broader range of tasks autonomously. The integration of AI and machine learning will likely improve their ability to adapt to individual needs and preferences. However, it's important to note that while robots can supplement care, they are not intended to replace human caregivers entirely, but rather to collaborate with them to provide comprehensive support for the aging population.
The Role Of Power Electronics
Service robots rely heavily on power electronics for efficient energy management and control, according to Power Electronic News. Service robots typically use DC/DC converters as a central energy control unit to convert battery voltage to multiple regulated voltage levels required by different components (e.g., motors, sensors, processors). They also provide isolation between power and communication interfaces, regulate current for optimal battery charging, and adapt to variable loads while maintaining stable output voltages.
Flex Power Modules adds many service robots employ an intermediate bus architecture, where the battery voltage is first converted to a regulated 12V or 24V bus, which then supplies lower voltage rails for sensitive components via point-of-load regulators.
Power electronics are also crucial for controlling the electric motors that enable robot movement and actuation. Motor drive circuits using MOSFETs or IGBTs convert DC battery power to the AC or pulsed DC required by brushless DC and stepper motors, and gate drivers provide the voltage levels needed to switch the power transistors in motor drives.
Battery charging and management are also dependent on power electronics. Battery charger circuits regulate voltage and current for safe, efficient charging while battery management systems use power converters and low-voltage MOSFETs to monitor and balance battery cells.
Service robots, especially mobile ones, require highly efficient and compact power electronics to maximize battery life and minimize size/weight:
- High-efficiency DC/DC converters (>95%) help extend battery runtime
- Integrated power modules combine multiple functions to increase power density
Sophisticated power management is needed to optimize energy use:
- Power management ICs control multiple voltage rails and implement power sequencing
- Microcontrollers monitor power consumption and implement power-saving modes
By leveraging advanced power electronics, service robot designers can create more capable, efficient, and compact robotic systems. The trend is toward more integrated power solutions that combine multiple functions to further improve performance and reduce size.