UPSC Mains 2015 GS3 Q12 — Robotics Innovation
What are the areas of prohibitive labour that can be sustainably managed by robots ? Discuss the initiatives that can propel research in premier research institutes for substantive and gainful innovation. (Answer in 200 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- What areDiscuss
- Scope keywords
- prohibitive laboursustainably managed by robotsinitiatives that can propel researchpremier research institutessubstantive and gainful innovation
- Implicit sub-parts
- Definition and categorization of 'prohibitive labour' in the Indian context (Dull, Dirty, Dangerous, Dear).
- Technological feasibility and long-term sustainability (economic and ethical) of robotic replacement.
- Gaps in current academic-industrial collaboration in India.
- Specific policy or institutional mechanisms to transition lab research to market-ready 'gainful' innovation.
- Common pitfalls
- Spending too much time on general robotics or AI instead of specifically 'prohibitive' (harmful/hazardous) labour.
- Failing to mention specific Indian institutes like IITs, IISc, or CSIR labs.
- Neglecting the 'sustainability' aspect, such as the maintenance cost or energy footprint of robots versus human labor.
- Listing generic IT schemes rather than research-specific initiatives for deep-tech innovation.
- Dimensions required
- Occupational Health and SafetySocio-Economic (Labor displacement vs. Hazard mitigation)Technological (R&D and Robotics)Policy/Institutional (Academic-Industry Linkages)
- Marks allocation hint
Devote approximately 80-90 words to identifying areas of prohibitive labour (like manual scavenging, deep-sea mining, or nuclear waste handling). Use the remaining 110-120 words to discuss research initiatives and the role of premier institutes, ensuring a focus on how to make innovation 'gainful' and commercially viable.
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