Robotics

=2.4.1 Robotics=

Introduction
View I-Robot Look Inside as an introduction to this topic.

Use [|www.howstuffworks.com] and [|www.techtv.com] in this project http://www.robotics-technology.com/robots/ will cover robots in industry Read Computer Confluence, chp 13

**Know key terminology** – use research to provide definitions of the following:
Robot, Android, cyborg and sensors, different input/output peripherals used, e.g. arms, fingers, wheels (look at sensors in CC and Howstuffworks print out) Add this information to the robotics terminology page.

**Where are robots used?**
Brainstorm areas where it is more suitable to use a robot more than humans.
 * Industrys which can be dangerous, e.g. paint spraying with poisonous fumes
 * Industrys which require a high degree of precision – e.g. manufacturing of components, accurate surgery
 * Collecting data from dangerous situations for research e.g. inside a volcano, space

What advantages are there for using robots, use real life examples to support your statement?


 * Good in dangerous situations
 * Good when accuracy is needed
 * Can work 24-7
 * Pay less wages

**What are the main limitations of robots (vision, touch, sound and movement)?**

 * Only as good as they are programmed
 * What if there is a malfunction
 * Can be costly to buy and maintain
 * May replace workers, but still need supervising
 * May have physical limitations

Social and Ethical Issues
Discuss and write about the following:
 * The impact robots are having with employment levels.
 * What risks are there involved with regard to human safety and who is responsible? Is it ethical to put our lives in the hands of robots.
 * What is the social impact of robots used as pets and for the elderly. E.g. cyberpets in Japan, robots used for the elderly to do jobs for them
 * What impact are robotics having on medicine – e.g. robotic surgery and computer controlled prosthesis.

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