10 dangerous jobs that robots are doing safely

July 9, 2024
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Let's take a look at some of the most fascinating ways robots are doing dangerous jobs:

Bomb disposal

Disarming explosives is no joke — it's a high-stakes job that requires nerves of steel. 

Thankfully, robots are lending a helping hand (or claw):

  • They can handle what we can't: Robots have specialized tools that can safely manipulate and neutralize explosives from a safe distance.
  • Eyes on the target: Equipped with cameras and sensors, robots give bomb disposal experts a close-up view of the situation without putting themselves in harm's way.
  • Keeping people safe: By taking on the riskiest parts of the job, robots protect the lives of bomb disposal technicians and allow them to focus on strategic decision-making.

Mining operations

Mining can be tough on humans, with risks like cave-ins, toxic fumes, and heavy machinery. 

Thankfully, robots can massively help out here: 

  • Going deep: Robots can go deep underground, exploring and mapping out areas that would be dangerous for humans.
  • Mining precious resources: With drills and other tools, robots can mine valuable materials like coal and minerals without putting human miners at risk.
  • Keeping the air clean: Robots can also monitor air quality and detect noxious gases, helping to keep miners safe from unseen threats.

Deep-sea exploration

The ocean's depths are as mysterious as they’re dangerous, with crushing pressure, extreme temperatures, and limited visibility. 

Here’s how specialized robots are diving in: 

  • Grace under pressure: Robots can withstand the immense pressure of the deep sea, venturing to depths where humans would be crushed.
  • Uncovering hidden wonders: Equipped with high-definition cameras and sonar, robots can capture stunning images and data from the ocean floor, revealing new species and geological formations.
  • Maintaining critical infrastructure: Robots are used to inspect and repair underwater pipelines, cables, and other infrastructure, keeping vital systems running smoothly.

Nuclear plant maintenance

Nuclear power plants are essential for energy production, but they also come with serious risks due to radiation exposure. 

Here’s how robots can help in high-radiation environments:

  • Keeping humans from glowing green: Robots can do maintenance and inspections in high-radiation areas, protecting human workers. Of course, humans are still necessary.
  • Safely handling radioactive stuff: With special grippers and tools, robots can safely move radioactive materials like fuel rods and waste. This cuts down the risk of contamination.
  • Preventing accidents: Robots can keep an eye on equipment and spot potential problems before they get out of hand.

Construction site operations

Construction sites can be pretty dangerous, with all the heavy machinery and activity going on. Robots are starting to take on some of the riskiest jobs.

Here’s how robots help:

  • Demolition (robo) men: Robots with powerful tools can safely take down buildings, reducing the risk of workers getting hurt by falling debris.
  • Heavy lifters: Robots can easily lift and move heavy construction materials, saving workers from strain and potential accidents.
  • Building with precision: Robots with accurate sensors and tools can do jobs like bricklaying and welding with super-high precision, which leads to higher-quality construction results.
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Chemical handling

Chemicals are common in many industries, but they can be really dangerous if not handled carefully. 

Here’s how robots prevent accidents by handling these chemicals:

  • Robo-mixologists: Robots can accurately measure and mix chemicals, eliminating human error and exposure to dangerous substances.
  • All-around safe transport and storage: Robots can move and store chemicals in controlled environments, reducing the chance of spills or leaks.
  • Good in a bind: If there's a chemical spill or leak, robots can be sent in to contain the hazard and clean up the mess, protecting human responders.

Helping out with firefighting

Firefighters are real-life movie heroes, but battling blazes is incredibly risky.

 Robots are joining the front lines to lend a helping hand:

  • They're heat resistant: Robots can venture into scorching infernos that would be impossible for humans, locating trapped individuals and suppressing flames.
  • 360-degree view: Equipped with thermal imaging cameras and sensors, robots can quickly assess the situation and give firefighters valuable information to make strategic decisions.
  • They're carrying the load: Robots can haul heavy hoses, equipment, and even injured people, allowing firefighters to focus on their core mission of saving lives.

High-altitude inspections

Inspecting towering structures like wind turbines and bridges can be a dizzying task for humans. 

Here’s how robots help with the tall order of working at height: 

  • Reliable performance at all heights: Robots can easily climb and navigate tall structures, inspecting them for damage or wear and tear without putting human inspectors at risk.
  • Getting up close and personal: With high-resolution cameras and sensors, robots can capture detailed images and data, providing valuable insights into the condition of the structure.
  • Time and money savers: Robotic inspections are often faster and more efficient than traditional methods, saving companies both time and money.

Easy waste management

Dealing with hazardous waste is a dirty job, but someone's gotta do it. 

Here’s how robots are fast becoming that trusted worker: 

  • Protecting employees: Robots can handle and sort toxic waste without putting human workers at risk of exposure to harmful substances.
  • Cleaning up our mess: Robots are used to clean up contaminated sites, removing hazardous materials and restoring the environment.
  • Easier recycling: Robots can sort recyclable materials more efficiently than humans, helping us reduce waste and conserve resources.

Space exploration

Ah, space, the final frontier — but it's also a harsh and unforgiving environment. 

Here’s how robots are helping us venture into the cosmos:

  • “Where no one has gone before”: Robots can travel to distant planets and moons, gathering data and samples that would be impossible for humans to collect.
  • Building a home away from home: Robots are being used to construct and maintain habitats on other planets, paving the way for future human exploration.
  • Searching for signs of life: Robots equipped with sophisticated instruments are searching for evidence of life on other planets, helping us answer the age-old question: Are we alone?

Summing up the benefits of robots doing dangerous jobs

As technology advances, the role of robots doing dangerous jobs is only set to grow.

From deep below our own planet to the unseen reaches of space, these machines are proving their worth as invaluable partners in keeping us safe and pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

And this means opening up new avenues of exploration, becoming more productive, and helping us scale new heights of success! 

Next steps 

Looking for a top-notch robot arm that won't break the bank? Look no further than RO1 by Standard Bots, the versatile six-axis arm designed for businesses of all sizes.

  • Easy on the wallet: Get cutting-edge robotics technology for half the price of comparable models, making automation a reality for your budget.
  • Gets the job done faster: With a hefty 18 kg payload and impressive accuracy, RO1 works quickly and precisely, boosting your productivity and output.
  • Brains and brawn: RO1 isn't your average robot. It's equipped with advanced AI, similar to GPT-4, so it learns and improves on the job, tailored to your specific tasks. Plus, its codeless interface makes it a breeze to use.
  • Safety is a priority: RO1 is built to work side-by-side with your team, using smart sensors and cameras to make sure everyone stays safe.

We're happy to schedule a no-risk, 30-day demo so you can experience RO1 firsthand and discover how it can transform your business.

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