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What is a Robot? February 25, 2008

Posted by tomshepp in robotics.
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2 comments

When I begin teaching the robotics unit in my grade 8 technology course, I like to start with an introduction to the concept of robots. I get students to investigate the question: What is a Robot? I have them read the article How Robots Work on the HowStuffWorks web site. They then answer the following questions:

  1. What is the definition of a robot?
  2. List all the parts that you think should go on a robot?
  3. What are 3 examples of robots used in the world today?
  4. What makes a robot different then any other machine (eg. dishwasher, calculator, or microwave)?

I finish with having the students control a ROV online and draw their own idea of a robot. I have the whole lesson posted online: Robotics Assignment.

Strange NXT Robots February 18, 2008

Posted by tomshepp in NXT robots.
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1 comment so far

Some people will build a NXT robot for any purpose. Here is a couple for the bathroom:

Don’t forget the toilet paper dispenser: