Robots
More than half a century ago, science fiction writer Isaac Asimov wrote the first of a series of books about robots. Early post-World War Two was a time we now associate with incredible leaps in science - development of early computers, jets travelling beyond the speed of sound and the start of the roll-out of TV sets into homes. On the down side there were the Cold War fears of the development of a nuclear bomb capable of wiping out the human race. What might have been considered pure fiction a decade earlier was, by the late 1940s, becoming reality. But even by those standards, Asimov's crystal ball view of a future world of robots must have been seen by many as pure fiction. Today, much of what he foresaw has eventuated. Some leading scientists today are even taking seriously some of the warnings posed by Asimov.
A prolific author he acknowledged before his death that he would be remembered for his Three Laws of Robotics. The laws stipulate that a robot must not harm a human being or let one come to harm; that it must obey the orders given to it by humans; and that it must protect its own existence. The Asimov "robot laws" are a given in the realms of science fiction and underpin a new mega-movie I, Robot, which has just opened in Australia and features Will Smith and Bridget Moynahan. The movie was directed by Australian director, Alex Proyas. When the filmmaker was growing up in Sydney, he lived and breathed science fiction books and comics, apparently laying in bed looking up at the stars and dreaming of futuristic worlds. "I loved the medium and I always imagined I'd one day, hopefully, make science fiction movies and fantasy movies,'' he said in Sydney at the Australian launch of I, Robot.
Director Alex Provas
This movie is influenced by the ideas of Asimov, the first writer to seriously explore the science of robotics. I, Robot is set in Chicago in 2035, where robots are commonplace and trusted because they are programmed according to the Three Laws. The plot revolves around Sonny, a highly evolved robot that thinks, feels and dreams - and that may have murdered its owner. Is Sonny human or a killer machine?
We often think of robots as something from our future but we have been surrounded by robots for centuries. Perhaps it all depends on your definition but robots have been used to do menial work for us and amuse us throughout the ages and will no doubt continue to do so. While we have not yet created the robots with artificial intelligence envisaged by scientists and science fiction writers like Isaac Asimov, we are creating more complex devices every year.
Activities:
- English- Conduct a survey of a newsagency’s shelves to discover the number and type of magazines associated with robots. Identify the selling techniques used by these magazines to increase sales. Develop an example robot magazine complete with advertising.
- English- List all the famous robots you can think of that have appeared on TV or in the cinema, e.g. K9, Tiny, Bicentennial Man and Terminator. Why do you think they hold a fascination for us? Develop a new robot character for a TV situation comedy. Describe its abilities and limitations, personal characteristics and audience appeal. Provide an example plot for the first episode.
- English- Write a series of short instructions to program a museum security robot. The security robot has light sensors, a motion detector and temperature sensor.
- Technology- A robot has the ability to act and react on its own without human intervention. Identify an area of your life where you could use a little robotic help. Design your own purpose built robot with this ability, e.g. music page turner, homework prompter, etc.
- Technology- List the types of sensors employed by robots, e.g. light sensors, touch sensors, temperature sensors, etc. Draw an annotated diagram to explain how one of these work.
- Science- Many kids dream of having a robot to help them or keep them company. Discuss if this is a dream or a realistic expectation. What components would you need to create the simplest robot? How would it respond? Make a 2d plan or 3d model.
- HSIE-List the environments where robots can work and the jobs they can do. For example space – Pathfinder exploring Mars.
- PD/H/PE- List the technological toys you play with at home, e.g. computer chess game, Tamagotchi, Furby, Cybot, etc. Indicate those that have robotic components or artificial intelligence. Draw a conclusion as to the influence of robots in your leisure. What is the opinion of your parents on how you spend your leisure?
- PD/H/PE- There are a variety of battling robots you can build, watch or see on TV. Write the rules for a robot battle. Form a team and decide on the type of robot you would use and its weapon and defence for example slash and run away.
- Maths-The space within which a robot arm works is called its working envelope. Draw and label the working envelopes of several types of robot arms, e.g. jointed-arm robot, polar (spherical) robot, XYZ robot, cylindrical robot, Spine robot. How can knowledge of the working envelope help designers and human co-workers?
- Maths- How many ways does the human arm work? Design your own robot arm based on arm and wrist movement. Include the dimensions and describe its working envelope.
- Art- Draw and write a comic strip featuring a robot. This could be a drama or a comedy.
- Art- Work in small groups to create a 3d model of a junkyard robot using recycled materials.
Websites
Robots Home Page
http://www.channel4.com/science/microsites/R/robots/
Learn about Robots
http://www.learnaboutrobots.com/
History of Robots in the 19th Century
http://www.bigredhair.com/robots/
History of Robots
http://prime.jsc.nasa.gov/ROV/history.html
Robots in the movies
http://www.uc3m.es/uc3m/dpto/IN/dpin04/ROBMOVIES.html
Robotics Fundamentals