Robotics

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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

What you need to know


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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