Robotics in the AI era: A vision for a Hellenic Robotics Initiative (Foundations and Trends(r) in Robotics)

This monograph, entitled Robotics in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Era, presents the findings and recommendations of a study conducted by the Hellenic Institute of Advanced Study (HIAS).Robotics in the era of artificial intelligence will transform every aspect of society, security, and economy. Agricultural robots can assist farmers in reducing exposure to dangerous spraying pesticides, while selective harvesting for increasing yield and quality operations. Robots with advanced perception can be used for automatic inventory inspection and management. Underwater vehicles can be used for inspecting ship hulls and pipelines or ports, while aerial robots can ensure the delivery of urgent medical supplies in remote islands in the sea or mountainous rural regions. This is not science fiction, the technological revolution described above is starting to happen around the world.By presenting various applications and possibilities, this monograph should appeal to persons involved specifically with robotics, and technology development in general.