With the advancement of technology and the emergence of robotics and artificial intelligence, the world as we know it is rapidly changing. The opportunities and challenges ahead are integral to benefit most from digital transformation and prepare the younger generation for the automated future. Therefore, we held a virtual webinar, “Dr. Dennis Hong’s Robotics Story for the Next Generation,” on April 4, 2023.

The webinar’s speaker was Dr. Dennis Hong, a Professor at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He is also the Founding Director of RoMeLa (Robotics & Mechanisms Laboratory) of the Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Department at UCLA. Around 200 students participated from India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Taiwan, Kazakhstan, Turkey, and Sejong, Korea.

The theme of the virtual webinar was to prepare them to meet the challenges and demands of the upcoming robotics and artificial intelligence changes. Here’s what students learned during the webinar:

Understanding Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The webinar started with Dr. Hong explaining both technologies and their differences.

While both technologies are related, they are still completely different. Robotics includes designing robots to complete repetitive, pre-programmed, predictable, and simple tasks without any need for interventions.

On the other hand, AI is the way systems imitate human minds to learn and make decisions. This includes creating computer programs that perform tasks that would require human intelligence.

AI and robotics are used in agriculture, healthcare, aerospace, and manufacturing.

What are Humanoid Robots, and What is Their Role in Society?

This discussion led to humanoid robots and the ways they are and can play a role in education and other aspects of society. Dr. Hong explained what humanoid robots are, an advanced creation of the social robot.

Also referred to as Educational Robots, these robots have human-like details. They not only look similar to humans in physical appearance but are designed to perform human-like interactions and social activities.

Ways Robotics and AI Will Shape the Future

AI and robotics are the most transformative tools in this decade. These technologies are changing the way we work and live, and this is just the start. Dr. Hong further discussed how robotics and AI had impacted our lives and how they will change the future.

While it certainly brings its set of challenges, robotics, and AI is expected to become more common in the future and bring plenty of opportunities and positive impact in our lives.

Robots also fill up labor shortages or perform tasks deemed dangerous for humans. They have become increasingly able to assist in workplaces and homes to free our time for personal and leisure pursuits.

How Students Can Benefit from Robotics

Lastly, there was a discussion on how students can currently benefit from robotics and AI to enhance their learning experience. These technologies enhance active engagement, collaboration, and problem-solving among students by providing active learning tools to the students.