Data science is a domain that deals with vast volumes of data using modern tools and techniques to find unseen patterns, derive meaningful information, and make business decisions. It uses complex machine learning algorithms to build predictive models and requires a deep understanding of the functioning of databases, as well as of programming languages like Python.

While a common misconception is that you need a science or math Ph.D to become a data scientist, that’s not entirely true. There are plenty of multidisciplinary data scientists out there who are able to combine a strong foundation in statistics, programming, and business, along with advanced skills in data visualization, machine learning, and other specialized disciplines.

The first step in data science is to gather structured and unstructured data from multiple disparate sources—enterprise systems, public domain data, and more. It’s important to recognize that raw data can be messy and chaotic, with mismatched or missing records, inconsistent formats, and more. This process is known as “data munging,” and it requires a good pattern-recognition sense and clever hacking skills to transform masses of database-level information into a form that’s ready for analysis.

From here, data scientists use a variety of methods to find new insights and opportunities in the data. Predictive analytics forecasts what will happen based on existing patterns in the data, while descriptive analytics examines the underlying factors that influence those outcomes. Advanced methodologies include ML algorithms, recommendation engines, neural networks, and simulation.

Lastly, data scientists often need to communicate their findings to non-technical audiences. This includes creating narratives about the problem and its solution, supporting them with data insights. The Oakland Athletics’ general manager in the movie Moneyball, for example, used data on player performance that other teams overlooked to assemble a successful team despite a limited budget.

Data science is a rapidly growing field that has applications in nearly every industry. Companies from Amazon to Google use it to predict customer behavior and identify new products or services they could offer. It’s also been used to improve customer service by identifying patterns in customer complaints and satisfaction surveys.

If you’re interested in becoming a data scientist, a comprehensive program like Great Learning’s Postgraduate Diploma in Data Science can give you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed. The program is developed in partnership with top-ranked universities, including MIT and Northwestern University. It teaches you the latest tools and techniques for working with big data, helping you build real-world applications through hands-on projects and case studies. Learn more about the program today.

Robotics is the science of designing, manufacturing and using robots. It is used in many industries, including medical, military and manufacturing. In manufacturing, robotics allows factories to increase production while reducing costs and improving quality. Some robots are completely autonomous and others require a human to give continuous commands. Some of the latest robots can perform tasks that were once thought impossible, such as welding metal and painting cars. Robotics is a broad field, and research is ongoing in many areas, including new types of robots, alternative ways to design and build them, and the use of artificial intelligence in them.

Industrial robots are most well-known for their ability to streamline production and increase the speed at which products can be manufactured. They can also help a company maintain a higher level of product consistency, which leads to greater customer satisfaction and a more steady flow of revenue.

In addition to their heightened efficiency, robotics can provide safety benefits in the workplace. Heavy machinery, high-temperature workspaces and sharp objects can easily injure a human, but robots are able to handle these hazards without fear of harming anyone. This can prevent expensive workers’ compensation claims and reduce the number of staff members needed in certain dangerous environments.

Some of the most interesting uses of robotics are found in the healthcare industry, with robots being used to perform surgery and aid in physical therapy. Some are even able to detect cancerous cells in patients’ bodies. Robotics has also been used in disaster relief efforts to rescue survivors of natural catastrophes and assist in military operations by detecting landmines in war zones.

A robot has two important components: hardware and software. The hardware includes the mechanical construction of the robot and the electrical components, while the software is what tells the robot when to perform a task. For example, a robot with the correct mechanical construction and a powered battery would be useless without the right program to make it move. This programming code is usually stored on a computer or mobile device, and is what controls the robot’s movements.

Another key component of a robot is its sensors, which are used to measure various aspects of the environment or internal components of the machine. Robots with these sensors can then monitor performance and notify staff if maintenance is needed before more serious problems occur (also known as predictive maintenance). This can improve the overall effectiveness of robotics in a production environment.

Despite the fears of some, robotics does not replace humans in the workplace. Instead, it helps companies create new roles that were previously unobtainable, such as ensuring the automation is up to date and running smoothly. Paradigm Electronics in Canada, for example, increased productivity by 50 percent with the assistance of cobots, and not a single employee was laid off. The extra work created by these machines includes the need for engineers, software developers and other specialists who can manage the robots and carry out quality control at the end of an automated production process.