Robotics reading_R2

        One of the papers I read, “Chapter 1. Challenges and Solutions in Robotics,” discussed some of the major challenges with software development in robotics. One of the complications the authors pointed out was the difficulty with synchronizing tasks and coordinating multiple tasks (Kang et al, 4-5). I do not think that the Access Science assigned reading addresses this challenge outright. However, there is a chart under the “Multisensor systems” section of the Access Science reading that indicates the processes involved and the cyclical time intervals at which each process works. Still I think this is an ongoing problem in which the robots have difficulties simultaneously sensing and reacting to a constantly changing environment. Another challenge mentioned was in unifying the software platforms, and I think that that is a major concern particularly for intelligent building design and construction in the long run (Kang et al, 5). However, the authors were writing about robotics in a general sense, so for small mechanical designs I do not see as a significant problem. For large construction projects, where millions if not billions of dollars are involved and collaboration between clients and corporations and engineering firms is involved than I can see a potentially large problem.
        The other article, “Construction Robots and Constructing a Robotics Community,” discussed construction robotics and ideas that are on the table as well as ideas that are being practiced. One example given was a dual six-axis directional robot which is used for arc welding structural steel with a precision of around 0.16 mm (Brumson). A Forum held by the Robotic Industries Association was also discussed with the goal of establishing a more connected robotics community. I thought that this article could have gone into more detail with some of the ideas about the future in construction robotics however.