Robots - Celebrating National Robotics Week, April 7-15, 2018 - Vol.4 #7

Our Posterity = Our Children

Posterity comes from Middle English posterite, from Anglo-French pusterite, from Latin posterus ("coming after")

“The Greatest Sign Of Success For A Teacher Is To Be Able To Say, ‘The Children Are Now Working As If I Did Not Exist.’”

-Maria Montessori

Robotics is the design, construction, operation, and application of robots, as well as programming them. On March 9, 2010, the U.S. House of Representatives passed resolution H.Res.1055, officially designating the second full week in April as National Robotics Week. Universities and industry leaders fought to establish this week to educate the public about robotics and to get our students interested and excited in the field as well as other STEM concepts.

In 2007, there were an estimated 1.5-1.75 million robots in operation. This number is expected to increase to 4-6 million by 2025. Many of these robots will take over jobs that humans currently dominate. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Industries employing many robots include, the automotive industry, electronics industry, meal production industry and the plastic and chemical industry." At the rate robot production is increasing, it is imperative that we prepare our students for the future.

It may seem unrealistic and "Jetson-like" to think of robots doing the majority of our labor jobs, but we are seeing it more everyday. Amazon Go supermarket is a great example of how humans are becoming irrelevant in some businesses . This "new concept" grocery store boasts, "No lines, No checkout!" You simply download the app on your smart phone, scan it as you enter the store, grab what you need and exit the store. You will then receive your receipt, which will be uploaded to the app. They call this "Just Walk Out Technology." This new approach uses computer vision, advanced machine learning, AI and sensor fusion. Some of these same technologies that are being used in driverless cars. As of now, the only location is in Seattle. However, depending on the popularity and success of the store, we may start seeing them in our own cities sooner than later! Visit the Amazon Go website for more information.

There are different types of levels that robots can be classified in. Simple-level robots are those with simple circuits. Mid-level robots, which are programmed when they are being built and can not be reprogrammed. Finally, complex-level robots that include complicated circuits and can be reprogrammed again and again

Here are some different classifications of robots:

Aerobot- is an aerial robot, usually used in the context of an unmanned space probe or unmanned aerial vehicle.

Humanoid- is designed to look and act like a human.

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Vehicular automation-

involves the use of mechatronics, artificial intelligence, and a multi-agent system to assist a vehicle's operator

Industrial robot- a robot system used for manufacturing. They are usually good for building, welding and painting among other tasks.

Medical robot- designed to administer

minimally invasive surgeries by making very small incisions.

Rover (space exploration)-a robot with

wheels designed to walk on other planet's surfaces. Rovers can also be used in military situations to diffuse bomb or other potential threat.

For more information on these robots and more, please visit the Wikipedia website

There are endless benefits to introducing our students to robots and robotics:

* It will provide a good skill set for them in their future careers, not only by getting them ready for the increasing demand for computer scientists and engineers, but also teaching them effective team working skills.

*It can ease students into learning about coding and programming by helping them to realize the limitations of robots and the precision that is needed to program them.

*Robotics is good for students of all ages and ability levels.

*It's fun!!

To find more about National Robotics week and to find out where there are events in your area please visit their website!

Let's Build a Mechanical Assistive Device!

In this activity your students will build and test a mechanical assistive device that operates similar to a human hand! Some materials you will need are rubber bands, drinking straws, cardboard, tape, scissors, nylon cord, centimeter ruler.

(Grades 3-5) Click this link for more in depth instructions.