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Page 7 de Silva. Intell Robot 2021;1(1):3-17 https://dx.doi.org/10.20517/ir.2021.01

Figure 3. A smart prosthetic limb.

to the object and subsequently the fingers are closed around the object. Instead, in the case of a human, they
observe the object to be grasped and simultaneously move the hand and the body in coordination until the
object is reached and the grasping is completed. Also, a human can easily sense possible slipping of the
object before it occurs), possible safety problems for humans (due to the shortcomings of the current
robotic mechanical components and control), sensory limitations (particularly related to smell and taste, or
chemical and biological sensing; transparency in teleoperation), limited mechanical capability (in dexterity,
flexibility, adaptability, etc., unlike humans), and limited robotic intelligence. Concerning the safety in
human-robot interaction, robot-inflicted injuries include accidents involving: sharp objects and tools, large
forces, fast motions and quick changes of magnitude and direction, and malfunctions in the robotic
equipment.

The autonomous operation (i.e., operating on its own, without outside help) of robots is essential in
Intelligent Robotics. Some needs for this autonomy are greater robotic intelligence (better learning;
operating in dynamic, partially structured, and partially known environments; the capability of enhanced
characteristics of intelligence); greater accuracy, speed, dexterity, etc.; increased safety (better object
handling, accident/obstacle avoidance, etc.); more human-friendly and human-like communication and
operation; and the redesigning of household appliances for easy operation by robots (and humans).

Consider the required basic caregiver tasks (of humans), for example, verbal and visual communication;
assistance for movement/mobility; identifying, grasping, and handling of needed objects properly and
safely; safe and quick assistance in the mobility of the care-receiver, in the presence of obstacles (both static
and dynamic such as furniture, appliances, other humans and pets); monitoring of objects and the
environment for carrying out the caregiver tasks (under normal and emergencies); operating household
appliances; and the provision of assistive devices. Similar operational requirements from a robotic caregiver
include faster yet safe operation; human-friendly and human-like interaction and communication;
autonomous assistance for 24 h, routine and basic care (mobility, bathing, dressing, toileting, meal
preparation, providing medicine, etc.); effective monitoring and detection of emergencies; and adequate