What is networked robotics?

McKee, G. (2006) What is networked robotics? In: ICINCO 2006: Proceedings of the Third International Conference on Informatics in Control, Automation and Robotics - ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATION. Insticc-Inst Syst Technologies Information Control & Communication, Setubal, IS33-IS40. ISBN 9728865600

Abstract/Summary

Networked Robotics is an area that straddles robotics and network technology. A robot system controlled via the WWW exploits the Internet network and hence is one realisation of networked robotics. A set of field robots that exploit wireless networks to share and distribute tasks might also be considered an exemplar of networked robotics. But isn't this just an exemplar of distributed robotics? And if so, what does networked robotics bring to the 'robotics' table? These are questions and issues addressed in this paper. The paper will propose that networks are at once both enabling and constraining to robotics. They enlarge the scope of the robotics discipline yet introduce challenges that must be overcome if that potential is to be fully realized. In short, when the network becomes a design issue - normally when performance of the system is at a premium - networked robotics is at play.