Cybernetics is a large field of study with the goal of defining and creating processes and goals for systems. The study of cybernetics started in the late 19th century and grew in popularity durning the technology boom of the late 20th century. Most fields of cybernetics examine the idea of taking one form of something and apply what is learned to make the design and function of another system. Cybernetics in general is so broad that almost every advance in technology and manufacturing is covered in the field of cybernetics somehow. However, most of us understand the most popular application of cybernetics which is the application of human ideas and actions to artificial intelligence and artificial devices.
Robotics is one of the branches of cybernetics. This year doctors are seeing robotic surgery changing the medical field drastically. Many hospitals have plans to install million dollar robotic surgery systems. During a robotic surgery, the surgeon controls a robot from behind a console that provides a magnified, three-dimensional view of the patient and the area being operated on. The robot is programmed with the principles of anatomy and is able to carry out the commands of the surgeon but with much finer movements then a human is able to reproduce. By allowing the robot to carry out the surgery, the patient is subjected to less cutting. By performing precise surgery, robots are able to help reduce the risk of complications from surgery giving the patient a shorter recovery time.
Robots are also entering the work force and replacing humans on assembly lines. In Japan alone, it is believed that there are over a million robot factory workers. These robots workers complete tedious and repetitive tasks allowing human workers to focus on more productive actions. Robots are able to work in highly dangerous locations that humans could not be subjected to as well. Advances in the robotic field have caused the cost for a robot worker to become more cost effective for factories and manufacturers and in areas of the world where the population is aging or there is a lack of unskilled labor, robots are the answer when looking for new employees. Robots are becoming more human in their movements and appearance but still have the ability to complete tasks with more precise skill and less error.
Bionics is another area in the cybernetics field that most people have probably heard about in the past. Bionics focuses on taking items from human biology and applying technology to them. One of the greatest advancements in cybernetics is the creation of a controllable artificial bionic body part. We are seeing artificial bionic arms starting to become reality thanks to bionics. There are already 200 people in the world who have a bionic arm and more people are receiving artificial arms each year. The artificial i-LIMB hand contains micro-motors in each finger that is controlled by electrical impulses from our muscles in a manner similar to how our actual fingers are controlled by our muscles. It does take some training in order to use the i-LIMB bionic arm but through practice people it becomes nearly impossible to distinguish the artificial limb from a natural limb.
If you use an internet search engine you may soon find your search results enhanced by artificial intelligence. Next generation search engines may provide you results not only for what you specifically typed as your search query but extrapolate what you really are looking for based upon past experience. The application of intelligence and logic is another branch of cybernetics. Researchers are currently working on an intelligent computer interfaces that will be able to understand our sentences and clarify words and saying that could have a double meaning. No longer will we need to use archaic programing terms to narrow down our search query because the artificial intelligence will be able to understand natural language clearly thanks to the science of cybernetics.
Advancements in the field of cybernetics are being reported by researchers every month. The ideas of being able to create artificial body parts, improve computer technologies, and build more human-like robots are compelling to researchers and universities around the world however these are not the only fields of study under the umbrella of cybernetics. Mathematics, psychology, organizational management, and even ergonomics are considered subfield of cybernetics and sometimes the advances in cybernetics are so specialized that you may not even be aware that the cybernetics is involved. How has cybernetics affected your life? You probably have not been operated on by a robot or replaced your arm with an i_LIMB but look around your home and think about your work processes. You will be surprised when you start to pay attention because you will discover that most of the new products and new work processes you come into contact with are thanks to cybernetics.
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