What is Robotics?
Let's revisit a few definitions and pictures from the earlier lecture on "What is Artificial Intelligence?"
ROBOTICS is a branch of engineering that involves the conception, design, manufacture, and operation of robots
A ROBOT is a machine that does work by itself following rules programmed by a computer, it may or may not be an AI!
Introducing students to Robotics is a perfect blend of all STEM subjects as the field of Robotics lies at the the intersection of science, technology, engineering and math!
Like Roz in the "Wild Robot" let's meet the most advanced real-world Robot today, Sophia, who was "born" (activated) in 2016 and developed by Hanson Robotics. "She" is an example of an Artificially Intelligent Robot and while she may have received her initial algorithms and programming from Humans, she is now learning on her own! Watch the video below. *You may stop the video at approx. 3 minutes 30 seconds.
Robotics is a constantly evolving and expanding field but can typically broken down into 3 areas of understanding to build a Robot:
Mechanical components
Electrical components
Programming / Coding
We will explore these 3 areas in the next few sections! Feel free browse this section and choose activities that interest you!
Check out the resources below for more introductory content on Robotics.