Specifications

Although most of these cases still rely on human instruction, usually from remote

control, they are all still based on a similar content to the technical side of this

dissertation.

Future development of this idea of autonomous mobile navigation may result in any

number of new designs. Some of these may be:

• Concept cars able to drive without human instruction. May be used for

taxi services or courier and mail delivery.

• A similar service to ‘Guide dogs for the blind’, helping blind members of

the community to be self sufficient.

• Automatic cleaning of bathrooms, kitchens and offices. Reducing the

need for maids and cleaners.

Some of these future developments pose some ethical questions however. Is it right to

make a machine that will put people out of work? What if the automated robot causes

damage to humans or property and is not able to be controlled? What if an automated

car crashes, killing a family with young children? Who takes the blame for any of these

circumstances? It is a very controversial subject with many sides to each argument.

Many movies have been created which discuss the possibility of robotics in the future.

Humans create machine with such intelligence that they become uncontrollable. ‘The

Matrix, 1999’; ‘I Robot, 2004’ and ‘Stealth, 2005’ all discuss the implications of errors

in machines that have turned into drastic situations. Although these are most likely far

fetched extremes, the concept is a possibility. Electronic components, such as solenoids

and sensors, can easily fail which might make a car miss a turn or fail to brake. It once

again poses questions if it is right to put a human’s life in the hands of a machine.