The role of machine learning in robotics

Purpose This paper aims to illustrate the growing role of machine learning techniques in robotics. Design/methodology/approach Following an introduction which includes a brief historical perspective, this paper provides a short introduction to machine learning techniques. It then provides examples of robotic machine learning applications in agriculture, waste management, warehouse automation and exoskeletons. This is followed by a short consideration of applications in future generations of self-driving vehicles. Finally, brief conclusions are drawn. Findings Machine learning is a branch of artificial intelligence and the topic of extensive academic study. Recent years have seen machine learning techniques being applied successfully to a diversity of robotic systems, most of which involve machine vision. They have imparted these with a range of unique or greatly improved operational capabilities, allowing them to satisfy all manner of new applications. Originality/value This provides a detailed insight into how machine learning is being applied to robotics.