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.
Photo Credit: Nick Cubbin
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.
Photo Credit: Nick Cubbin
A surgeon guides a robotic arm from afar using a live 3D view to operate remote-controlled instruments.
Photo Credit: Nick Cubbin
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.
Photo Credit: Nick Cubbin
Robotic-assisted surgery allows for more precise movements and helps to reduce blood loss.
Photo Credit: Nick Cubbin
The two stations (behind) allow for trainees to oversee a surgery without accidentally interfering.
Photo Credit: Nick Cubbin
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.
Photo Credit: Nick Cubbin
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.
Photo Credit: Nick Cubbin
Current robotics research focuses on the biggest dilema of artifical intelligence: designing a robot that can understand and react to the irrationalities of humans.
Photo Credit: Nick Cubbin
At the University of Sydney, Professor Stefan Williams (centre right) oversees student-assisted tests with Baxter, the university’s programmable, humanoid robot.
Photo Credit: Nick Cubbin
The University of Sydney’s Machatronic Kirby Lab is aiming to create fluid and ‘natural’ movements between humans and robots.
Photo Credit: Nick Cubbin
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.
Photo Credit: Nick Cubbin
The AutoStrads use radar points rather then GPS for movement, meaning they are unphased by weather or even solar storms.
Photo Credit: Nick Cubbin
The AutoStrads work long into the night.
Photo Credit: Nick Cubbin
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.
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.
Fear leads the public conversation on robots in the workforce, as people grow anxious about their jobs being lost to machines that can operate with super-human levels of efficiency. Yet, in the farming, medical, automotive and freighting industries, robots are already invaluable workers.
Read more about how robots are aiding Australia’s workplaces and what it means for Australia’s future in AG#134, out now.