In 1961, a bulky machine with a robotic arm suspended from its chassis was rolled out at a trade show in Chicago, Illinois. It instantly became a star among onlookers. The Unimate #001 would go on to revolutionize the manufacturing industry. Suddenly, machines could perform the repetitive, precise and dangerous tasks previously done exclusively by human workers.
Today, robots have become integral in many industries and come in myriad forms, from robot dogs and robotic surgeons to android receptionists. Let’s look at some of the ways robotics assist mechanical engineers and help transition us into a safer, more efficient and sustainable future.
Built to Assist
Mechanical engineers have a significant role in building the robots that assist us on a day-to-day basis, but they also benefit from the assistance of their machines. From assembly lines to healthcare, here’s how robots are assisting and revolutionizing numerous sectors:
- Automation: Robots are designed to perform repetitive tasks with high precision, increasing efficiency and reducing human error.
- Safety: By handling hazardous materials and machinery, robots help minimize occupational risks.
- Inspection: Robots can reach inaccessible areas, detect faults early and pinpoint issues that the human eye can’t see.
- Sustainability: Robots save energy by reducing waste and the need for manpower.
- Data Analysis and Optimization: Machines generate large and overwhelming amounts of data. Robots and AI can quickly gather and analyze this data, optimizing production.
- Maintenance: Robotic systems equipped with sensors and cameras can inspect equipment in real-time, detecting potential issues before they escalate into outages or failures.
- Efficiency: Robots lower overall energy consumption. They also prevent downtime, which maximizes energy output.
How Robots Impact Mechanical Engineering Across Different Industries
Let’s look at how robotics impact mechanical engineering across multiple sectors.
Manufacturing
Mechanical engineers are responsible for the design and operation of machinery and production lines. Robots have become particularly useful in automation: from automating assembly lines to outsourcing the handling of heavy machinery. This results in enhanced efficiency and precision, while reducing human error and the risk of injuries. Worker drones and collaborative robots (cobots) are part of the generational shift into Industry 4.0: the digitalization of factories.
Energy Sector
Mechanical engineers are vital to the energy sector. They design, develop and maintain the machinery for power generation, like wind turbines and generators. Robots like autonomous drones provide eyes and hands in places that are hard to see or reach. They can optimize energy systems for efficiency, such as inspecting wind turbines for wear, cleaning solar panels and monitoring power lines for potential outages.
Automotive
Robots don’t just help engineers assemble our cars. They’re also integrated into the vehicles themselves, in features like advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), which use robotics for features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance and collision avoidance. Features like these then help mechanical engineers perform maintenance, inspections and study accident reports.
Tesla, for example, has automated much of its car-manufacturing processes with humanoid Optimus robots, while also being a leader in the development and manufacturing of self-driving cars.
Aerospace
There’d be no aircraft without mechanical engineers! Not only do they design the structure of the aircrafts, they also build propulsion systems and make sure their designs conform to the rules of aerodynamics. Robotics aid mechanical engineers in ensuring optimal aircraft safety and performance by automating manufacturing processes, assembling aircraft components and even assisting in maintenance tasks.
And these processes aren’t limited to Earth: Mechanical engineers are responsible for many of the structures we build in space. At the International Space Station (ISS), this includes tasks like engineering the right filtration systems and waste management systems. Robots play a big role in assisting them here, too. The ISS uses a robotic arm that performs intricate tasks in zero-gravity environments, reducing possible human injury, and astrobees help astronauts perform their daily chores.
Military
Mechanical engineers are pivotal to the design of weapons systems, ensuring that military equipment meets rigorous standards for maximum durability and efficiency. Robots are currently integrated into unmanned vehicles, bomb disposal and surveillance. This helps reduce human injury in dangerous situations. As robotic innovation continues, automated machines will continue to take on more tasks, such as self-assembling systems.
Healthcare
Ever heard of DaVinci robotic-assisted surgery? Robotics may be the tool of the future for minimally invasive surgery, but their potential healthcare applications don’t stop there. Robotic exoskeletons are being used by patients unable to walk on their own, and autonomous robots also deliver medication and assist in patient care. These technologies are revolutionizing healthcare by merging mechanical engineering with medical advancements.
Engineer the Future With a Degree in Mechanical Engineering
If you’re a fan of robotics and are interested in a career in mechanical engineering, consider the online master’s degree in mechanical engineering from The University of Texas at Austin. With a reputation for engineering excellence and a rigorous curriculum that includes coursework in mechatronics and control systems, students can delve into the principles and applications of robotic technologies—or any field of engineering they want to pursue.
If you’re ready to join the ranks of forward-thinking, innovative engineers transforming our future, apply today!
