Robotics Challenger Learning Center Woodstock, IL

Definition of “Robot” Summary Device that performs tasks humans usually would perform Device capable of performing repetitive and complicated tasks Device capable of operating on its own through a set of preprogrammed commands

Robot Classifications Stationary Robot Performs all its operations in one place Uses arms and extensions to perform tasks Most common in industrial settings Mobile Robot Move around on legs, tracks, or wheels Most commonly used to travel into places that humans cannot (i.e. deep underwater, another planet, a nuclear power plant)

Asimov’s Law of Robotics A robot may not injure a human being, or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm. A robot must obey the orders given it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.

Famous Robots

ROBOTS HELP NASA EXPLORE THE SOLAR SYSTEM AND THE UNIVERSE

Robotic Arms Robotic arms are used to move very large objects in spaceRobotic arms are used to move very large objects in space This type of robot is dependant on human controlsThis type of robot is dependant on human controls Used to release or recover satellitesUsed to release or recover satellites Moves new parts of the ISS in placeMoves new parts of the ISS in place Moves the astronauts around the outside of the ISSMoves the astronauts around the outside of the ISS

Robotic Spacecraft These robots are autonomousThese robots are autonomous Computers and powerful antennas send messages to the spacecraftComputers and powerful antennas send messages to the spacecraft Robots have antennas that receive messages and transfer the commands to their computersRobots have antennas that receive messages and transfer the commands to their computers The robot then carries out the commandsThe robot then carries out the commands

Robotic Spacecraft Rovers and Landers can move along the surface of other planetsRovers and Landers can move along the surface of other planets Robotic spacecraft fly by or orbit other worlds and study them from spaceRobotic spacecraft fly by or orbit other worlds and study them from space

NASA USES ROBOTIC AIRPLANES

UAV UAV: Unmanned Aerial VehicleUAV: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle They do not carry pilotsThey do not carry pilots Some are flown by remote control pilots on the groundSome are flown by remote control pilots on the ground Others can fly themselves with simple directionsOthers can fly themselves with simple directions

Benefits of UAV’S Study dangerous places without risking human lifeStudy dangerous places without risking human life Can be flown for a long time without the need to landCan be flown for a long time without the need to land Smaller or more lightweight then they would with a person aboardSmaller or more lightweight then they would with a person aboard

HOW CAN ROBOTS HELP HUMAN EXPLORERS?

The Future of Robots in Space Robonaut looks like the upper body of a person. It has a chest, head and arms.Robonaut looks like the upper body of a person. It has a chest, head and arms. Robonaut could work outside the space station performing tasks astronauts perform on spacewalksRobonaut could work outside the space station performing tasks astronauts perform on spacewalks Robonaut could work on the moonRobonaut could work on the moon Work alongside the astronautWork alongside the astronaut

Robots in the ISS SPHERES are small robots that look like soccer ballsSPHERES are small robots that look like soccer balls Someday they may fly around inside the ISS helping astronautsSomeday they may fly around inside the ISS helping astronauts