Dylan Drewnowski ENGR1202 – Writing Assignment - Final Due 4/12/2018

Page 1 of 4

Robotics

I have always been interested in the development of robotic technology as well as the
potential uses or applications of robots in society. Growing up, I have watched many movies and
TV shows that showcased robots being utilized in future societies to perform tasks that normally
humans would do or which humans couldn’t do. The movies and TV shows intrigued me as to
how one could develop robots to perform these tasks as well as a sense of wonder as to what
other applications robots or robotic technology can be utilized in. My fascination with robots and
robotic technology inspired me to look into a degree that would allow me to work with robots
and other technology associated with robots.

One side of robotic technology that I am interested in is the development of robots, that
would be able to perform some of the annoying day to day tasks that would normally require
humans to do. I think it would be cool and helpful to have robots do tasks that would be
annoying and time consuming. I am also interested in the development of robots and robotic
technology that can be applied utilized in a variety of scientific fields as well as in military
applications. I believe that both scientists as well as the military can benefit greatly from using
robots and other robotic technology. Robots and robotic technology can benefit scientists in tasks
such as performing dangerous experiments as going places where humans can’t. The military
could potentially utilize robots and robotic technology to perform tasks in areas that would be
very dangerous to soldiers as well as perform transporting or reconnaissance tasks.

In the scientific field, Robots are highly utilized to perform precise experiments and
exploration in places or situations that are too dangerous for humans. For example, in space
exploration, robots are highly utilized and preferred to send on expeditions rather than humans.
A huge advantage to robots utilized in space exploration or science is that they can survive in
inhospitable conditions without the need to be sustained by food or water [1]. Robots, if built
tough, are able to withstand more abuse and harsher conditions than humans. Also, many
scientists and people would prefer to lose or destroy a robot in space rather than losing a human
in an event of an accident [1].

In space exploration and research, robots can be commonly seen being utilized in
unmanned spacecraft, rovers, as well as numerous other technological equipment used. The
Majority of the main duties of robots utilized currently in space exploration and research involve
taking measurements, collecting samples, and assembling structures [1]. New advancements and
developments in robotic technology as well as electrical and computer technology are allowing
for new robots that will be utilized in space to be able become even more efficient and valuable.
NASA’s newest model of rover, The Mars 2020 (figure 1), will have advanced and next
generation technology such as ground penetrating radar, color zooming cameras, as well as a
laser that will be able to vaporize rocks and soil and allow the rover to analyze their chemistry
[2].
Dylan Drewnowski ENGR1202 – Writing Assignment - Final Due 4/12/2018
Page 2 of 4

Figure 1: NASA’s Mars 2020 rover [2]

I personally have a huge interest in the military and am actually thinking about joining the
United States Navy as an officer after graduation. Currently, the United States military as well as
other nations militaries are utilizing robots to carry out many tasks. Robots are utilized in the
military to perform a variety of tasks. Unmanned aerial drones (figure 2), for example, are
utilized by the militaries for reconnaissance as well as having the ability to strike targets
precisely. Many people see these robotic drones as being benefitable and important because they
are a less costly option then sending troops, minimize collateral damage when conducting
strikes, as well as they aren’t putting soldiers’ lives at risk [3].

Figure 2: MQ-1 Predator Drone used by the US Military as well as other militaries [6]
Dylan Drewnowski ENGR1202 – Writing Assignment - Final Due 4/12/2018
Page 3 of 4
Military oriented robotic technology is advancing at a rapid pace. Many new military-
oriented robots are being developed. Existing robots are also continuing to be developed. I am
particularly interested in working with Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUV’s) in the Navy.
Currently, the United States Navy is utilizing UUV’s (figure 3) for navigational purposes as well
as sonar mapping and reconnaissance. In early 2017, defense contractor BAE was announced a
contract to design and build an UUV called MOCCA (Mobile Offboard Clandestine
Communications & Approach) for the Navy that would accompany submarines and assist them
in helping them find targets over large distances allowing the submarine to detect targets with
less risk of themselves being detected [4]. I am particularly interested in how the UUV would
operate and what new technology will come out of developing MOCCA and other UUV’s.

Figure 3: US Sailors prepare to lower a UUV to search for mines [5]

Overall, I am very interested in robotic technology and also learning about the
development of robots. I have always found robots interesting and fascinating due to the
many different tasks that they can accomplish and the potential uses and impacts that
robots can have on people’s lives and society. Ultimately, I am interested in robots
involved in both the scientific world as well as those that are found in the military. I am
interested in science and am currently thinking about going into the Navy upon graduating.
I choose to peruse my degree because I would like to work on and develop robots that
could benefit both the scientific community as well as be useful for the military.
Dylan Drewnowski ENGR1202 – Writing Assignment - Final Due 4/12/2018
Page 4 of 4

[1] European Space Agency. "Robots - Our Helpers In Space." ScienceDaily.

www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/11/041130081240.htm (accessed March 14, 2018).

[2] Greicius, Tony. "NASA Builds its Next Mars Rover Mission." NASA. November 27, 2017.
Accessed March 14, 2018. https://www.nasa.gov/feature/jpl/nasa-builds-its-next-mars-rover-
mission.

[3] Opfer, Chris. "Are robots replacing human soldiers?" HowStuffWorks Science. March 08,
2018. Accessed March 15, 2018. https://science.howstuffworks.com/robots-replacing-
soldiers1.htm.

[4] Jr., Sydney J. Freedberg. "Underwater Bloodhounds: DARPA's Robot Subs." Breaking
Defense. Accessed March 14, 2018. https://breakingdefense.com/2017/07/underwater-
bloodhounds-darpas-robot-subs/.

[5] "Navy Racing to Test, Field Unmanned Maritime Vehicles for Future Ships." USNI News.
September 21, 2017. Accessed March 15, 2018. https://news.usni.org/2017/09/21/navy-racing-
test-field-unmanned-maritime-vehicles-future-ships.

[6] "General Atomics MQ-1 Predator." Wikipedia. March 13, 2018. Accessed March 14, 2018.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Atomics_MQ-1_Predator.