How do robots work?

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When people think of a robot, they usually picture a machine that looks like a human, although that’s not always the case! Many types of robots actually don’t look like humans at all; a robot is really any moving machine that can be programmed to perform tasks and gather information from its surroundings. 

Some good examples of machines that qualify as robots include automatic doors, certain mechanical parts of assembly lines in factories, and even remote-controlled toys! A computer or laptop might also seem like it could be a robot, but because it doesn’t have a moving structure, it’s usually classified differently.

When you think about these machines, what stands out as they key components to how robots work? A robot must have a sensor (or several sensors) for gathering information. It also needs to have moving parts so that it can perform tasks, and a place where it can process information and “think,” usually referred to as a “control system,” which often works a lot like a computer and is sort of like the robot’s brain!

The science to build a robot is very complicated and it can involve many different levels of combining these traits with various technologies. – Maybe some day you’ll have a robot who can clean up your toys and help you do your chores. COOL!

Real Robots!

Lots of books, movies, and TV shows have been made about what the world would be like if robots lived commonly among people.

What do you think it would be like to have a human-like robot as part of your family? What might be some of the benefits and some of the challenges, and why?

Using some of your ideas, have a grown-up help you write a story about a robot who lives with a regular family!

Posted by  SLC478  on 2011-02-21 16:41:59  

My sister's kids LOVE robots. Wonder what they'd think if they knew authomatic doors counted as robots. They'd probably be much happeir to go to the grocerystore with her. LOL. Thanks for the cute article!