🤖 Inside the World of Robotics: From Surgery Rooms to Smart Factories
In the fast-evolving world of technology, robotics has emerged as a game-changing field that’s revolutionizing industries—from healthcare to home appliances, and even car manufacturing. Whether it's performing life-saving surgeries or automating complex factory operations, robots are doing more than we ever imagined possible.
So, what does a day in one of these cutting-edge robotics roles actually look like?
🔬 Robotic Precision in Surgery: Meet the da Vinci System
At Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Dr. Chong Yew Lam, a seasoned urologist, is redefining surgery using a robotic assistant called the da Vinci system. With over 16 years of experience, he now performs minimally invasive surgeries with the help of robotic arms that mimic the movements of human hands—but with even greater dexterity, stability, and precision.
“It’s like flying a plane,” Dr. Lam says as he controls the console—equipped with pedals and controllers that let him maneuver surgical tools with unmatched accuracy.
One standout procedure he performs is a robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, where the robot helps make small incisions, remove the prostate, and reconnect vital organs with minimal trauma to the patient.
Robotic surgery has grown significantly—from just 1.8% in 2012 to 15.1% in 2018, according to studies. But despite this growth, Dr. Lam reminds us that it’s not a “one-size-fits-all” solution. The key is in choosing the right tools for the right patients.
🏭 Smart Manufacturing: Hyundai’s Robot-Powered Factory
From the operating room to the production floor, robotics engineers like Kelvin Ching at Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center Singapore are pushing the limits of what robots can do.
In this smart EV factory, traditional conveyor systems are out. Instead, Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) pick up and move car parts through cell-based assembly lines. Large robotic arms handle bulky parts like car bodies and wheels, while smaller robots secure them in place.
“People think we just code all day,” Kelvin shares. “But it’s also about mechanical, electrical, and system knowledge. It’s a jack-of-all-trades kind of job.”
The entire production line is flexible, efficient, and smarter than ever before—thanks to robotics engineers working behind the scenes.
🏠 Smarter Homes: Dyson’s Vision for Domestic Robots
Robotics isn’t just for hospitals and factories. Dyson—yes, the vacuum cleaner company—is on a mission to bring intelligent robots into your home.
At Dyson’s robotics lab, engineers like Sean Sabastian and Sumit, a robot learning specialist, are developing arms that can perform household chores—like opening drawers or tidying toys—using AI and computer vision.
“It’s like teaching a baby,” Sean explains. Robots are shown actions first and later respond to text prompts to complete tasks on their own.
Using advanced sensors and generative AI, these robots are learning to function in unstructured environments—just like your kitchen or living room.
🧠 Behind the Scenes: What It’s Like to Be a Robotics Engineer
One thing all these experts agree on: Robotics is an interdisciplinary field. Success depends on a deep understanding of software, hardware, mechanics, and electronics.
“Robotics demos may look perfect, but they fail many times before they work,” says one Dyson engineer. “We don’t fear failure; we embrace it.”
Whether designing surgical robots, factory arms, or household helpers, robotics engineers constantly innovate, test, and iterate.
🚀 Robots Aren’t Replacing Humans—They’re Empowering Them
The fear that robots will take over jobs is common. But the truth is, robots are augmenting human work, not replacing it.
“Robots handle the repetitive tasks,” Kelvin says, “while humans focus on innovation and research.”
Even in the operating room, nurses and surgeons collaborate closely with robots, troubleshooting and operating them with high-level skills—skills being passed down to a new generation of doctors and engineers.
🌟 Final Thoughts: Robotics Is Here to Stay
Robotics is no longer science fiction. It's a real, thriving field that touches nearly every aspect of our lives—from health and safety to comfort and convenience.
If you’re curious, adaptable, and excited about the future, a career in robotics might just be the most wanted job of the future.
As Dr. Lam puts it: “The tool doesn’t define you. The surgeon defines how the tool is used.”
Interested in learning robotics?
Explore interdisciplinary learning in mechanics, electronics, AI, and coding. Your future as a robotics engineer could start today.
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