Once regarded with suspicion, robotic-assisted surgery is considered a highly precise advancement in medicine. The machines flexible wristed movements allow for a level of angulation and precision we cannot normally achieve.

A nurse sets up an robotic-assisted device for surgery, which a surgeon will operate from afar using a 3D console a few metres away.

A surgeon guides a robotic arm from afar using a live 3D view to operate remote-controlled instruments. 

Robotic-assisted surgery is similar to keyhole surgery: both insert surgical instruments and operate through small holes in the abdomen. Here, a twin-lens telescope is also inserted to give the surgeon an unparalleled 3D view.

Robotic-assisted surgery allows for more precise movements and helps to reduce blood loss.

The two stations (behind) allow for trainees to oversee a surgery without accidentally interfering.

At the University of Sydney’s Future Dairy, cows are milked by robotic machines. Able to operate 24 hours a day, the machines gives cows an autonomy over when they are milked, as a food reward at the end ensures they come whenever they please.

The machines wash then air dry the cows’ teats before attaching suction cups. The circuit takes about 20 minutes, meaning the machines can reach upwards of 1200 milkings a day. On non-automated farms, a farmer might spend 6-8 hours a day milking. 

Some cows prefer to visit the machines late at night, away from curious and prodding University students.

Current robotics research focuses on the biggest dilema of artifical intelligence: designing a robot that can understand and react to the irrationalities of humans.

At the University of Sydney, Professor Stefan Williams (centre right) oversees student-assisted tests with Baxter, the university’s programmable, humanoid robot.

The University of Sydney’s Machatronic Kirby Lab is aiming to create fluid and ‘natural’ movements between humans and robots.

At Patrick’s Port Brisbane container terminal, AutoStrads are operated entirely by computer as they move and identify containers with little need for human interference.

The AutoStrads use radar points rather then GPS for movement, meaning they are unphased by weather or even solar storms.

The AutoStrads work long into the night.

Tower assistant clerk Brandon O’Donnell oversees the AutoStrads. He does not control them but is there for potential maintenance or unexpected issues, like fallen containers.