Kids, Would You Want This Robot to Take Your Notes for You?

"NAO Robot Has Learned To Write

Maybe you’ve dreamt of being that man or woman who is so important as to compose speeches and letters simply by barking out declamations whilst an attentive assistant jots down your brilliant every word. Robot developer Franck Calzada has brought us one step closer. He’s created an assistant scribe for the common man in his new program in which a NAO robot can write any word.

At the moment, however, you’re going to need a lot of time – and patience – if you enlist NAO’s services. To say it’s deliberate in its writing is quite the understatement.

Calzada has himself spent a lot of time with NAO, teaching it to play games like catch, Hangman and the Statue Game. Now, with his ability to write any word it hears, NAO can actually get some work done. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen Nao write. And while it will definitely be some time before it begins replacing office workers, its penmanship has certainly improved..."


Read the full story at its source: http://singularityhub.com/2013/05/10/nao-robot-has-learned-to-write/
BTW... What's a NAO Robot? http://www.robotshop.com/aldebaran-robotics-nao-h25-humanoid-robot-academic-6.html

Student Focus Question(s): Why is this story newsworthy? What do you feel needs to be improved about this robot? Why? If the programers and engineers were able to make the improvements that you'd like to see in this robot, would you use it as a personal secretary? Do you think that some day there will be good robot writing secretaries? Do you think teachers will let students use these robots to take their notes?

After thinking about this, you can enter your response using the "Comments" function, below (to the left of the envelope icon). Feel free to identify your school and/or class....

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Click on book cover for information on Getting Started with LEGO Robotics.

Anyone who works with kids can do LEGO Robotics, a rich and highly motivating platform for important STEM Learning! (surprisingly affordable, too) This books explains it all!

Check out ROBOTICS for TEACHERS Podcast
www.roboticsforteachers.com

Robot Boats Make Amazing Voyage Across the Ocean!

"Robot Boats Survive Epic Voyage Across the Pacific — So Far...





...HAWAII — Twenty-two feet below the surface, the robot glider towed me slowly through clear Hawaiian seas. The day before, a similar glider named Benjamin had arrived in these same waters. Benjamin and three companion gliders had traveled all the way from San Francisco — more than 3,000 miles — powered by only the motion of ocean waves.

Before they left California, Liquid Robotics VP of Operations Graham Hine blessed the gliders by smashing a bottle of champagne on one of their frames, asking nature for assistance: “Neptune, god of the seas, and Aeolus, god of the winds, we ask for your blessings upon these vessels that are going to transit from here to parts formerly unexplored by this kind of robot.”

The gliders had endured an epic journey from California to Hawaii, but they were on a mere layover — they’re in the middle of an attempt to cross the entire Pacific. There’s a world record for “greatest distance by an autonomous wave-powered vehicle” at stake, and on Monday four of the gliders left Hawaii to resume their quest to cross the world’s largest body of water on mostly wave power. The next leg of their trip will take them some 5,000 more nautical miles to the coasts of Australia and Japan.

The Wave Gliders’ journey is more than just a title grab for a machine that was first created as a modest tool to track whale songs. And the journey is more than just an endurance test for the machines, which are capable swimmers...."

Read the full article at its source: http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2012/05/wave-glider-crosses-pacific/

Student Focus Question(s): Do you think there may be any limits to the power source these robots use? Are there things that might stop these robots from completing their journey's? If so, what might you design to prevent those things from happening? What most impresses you about this robotics project?

After thinking about this, you can enter your response using the "Commnets" function, below (to the left of the envelope icon). Feel free to identify your school and/or class....
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Click on book cover for information on Getting Started with LEGO Robotics.

Anyone who works with kids can do LEGO Robotics, a rich and highly motivating platform for important STEM Learning! (surprisingly affordable, too) This books explains it all!

Check out ROBOTICS for TEACHERS Podcast
www.roboticsforteachers.com

Build Robots to Fight Monsters? Is it Science Fiction or Science Fact?

"Battle Bots Fight Kaiju in Epic First Trailer for Pacific Rim



After a long wait, fans (at least those not lucky enough to catch the sneak peaks offered at San Diego Comic-Con International or New York Comic Con) are finally getting their first look at footage from director Guillermo del Toro’s upcoming flick Pacific Rim. And it was worth the wait — monsters-versus-robots battles at sea, large swaths of city-wide destruction, inspirational speeches from star Charlie Hunnam. It’s all here...

“We always thought alien life would come from the stars, but it came from deep beneath the sea — a portal between dimensions in the Pacific Ocean,” Hunnam says, setting up the trailer. “Something out there had discovered us, but it counted the humans to hide, to give up, to fail. They never considered our ability to stand, to endure; that we would rise to the challenge.”

The general gist of Pacific Rim is that giant creatures have come up out of the sea and threatened to destroy all of humanity. To fight them off the human race has built two-piloted robots known as Jaegers – essentially the F-14s of monster warfare, complete with Top Gun pilots. But as the war between the two sides wages on for years even the massive ‘bots are proving no match for the kaiju onslaught. Close to defeat, a former pilot played by Sons of Anarchy‘s Hunnam and a newbie trainee (Rinko Kikuchi) team up to fight off the apocalypse. Or “canceling the apocalypse” in the words of Idris Elba‘s Stacker Pentecost..."

Read the full article at its source: http://www.wired.com/underwire/2012/12/pacific-rim-first-trailer/

Here's the real thing (below)



Student Focus Question(s): Do you think building fighting robots would really be a good way to deal with the problem of Kaiju? Why or Why not? What other ways might humans battle these giant monsters? What other sorts of "monsters" have people created robots to fight?

After thinking about this, you can enter your response using the "Comments" function, below (to the left of the envelope icon). Feel free to identify your school and/or class
.....................................................................................................
Click on book cover for information on Getting Started with LEGO Robotics.

Anyone who works with kids can do LEGO Robotics, a rich and highly motivating platform for important STEM Learning! (surprisingly affordable, too) This books explains it all!

Check out ROBOTICS for TEACHERS Podcast
www.roboticsforteachers

Robotics Students Build a Robot Locker for Special Needs Peer

"A student with muscular dystrophy could not open his own school locker, so two robotics students stepped up to build an automated opener to give him a hand.


Pinckney Community High School in Pinckney, Mich., is the site of a robotics experiment gone very, very right. Junior Nick Torrance has muscular dystrophy. He uses a wheelchair to get around, but the muscle disease makes it difficult to handle simple activities, like opening up his locker.

The robotics project has taken the better part of the school year to design, build, test, and refine.


The initial use of a key fob proved to be too difficult to activate, so now the automated locker door opener is triggered by a wave of Torrance's hand over a sensor. Another wave closes the door.


Torrance has a student who helps him carry his books and supplies, but the locker door is now a task he can accomplish on his own.

The door opener may soon be available to other special-needs students. Stuhldreher and Smrcka won a $1,500 grant from the Society of American Military Engineers to create more of the devices.


The high school already has a top-notch robotics class. Seniors Micah Stuhldreher and Wyatt Smrcka won the 2012 SkillsUSA national robotics competition, so they were a natural choice to tackle the locker door problem with a robotics solution.


Read the full article at its source: http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-57583025-1/robotics-students-build-automated-locker-for-special-needs-peer/

Student Focus Question(s): Who do you feel got the most benefit from this project, Nick - the physically challenged student or his classmates who designed and built the robot locker? Why? What other things do you think students might design to help their classmates in situations like this?

After thinking about this, you can enter your response using the "Comments" function, below (to the left of the envelope icon). Feel free to identify your school and/or class....

.....................................................................................................
Click on book cover for information on Getting Started with LEGO Robotics.

Anyone who works with kids can do LEGO Robotics, a rich and highly motivating platform for important STEM Learning! (surprisingly affordable, too) This books explains it all!

Check out ROBOTICS for TEACHERS Podcast
www.roboticsforteachers.com

Robots Make Common Core Informational Research Come Alive: One Robot News Story at a Time

6th Grade Informational Literacy Class Reviews, Reflects, and Responds to News Stories at Classroom Robotics Blog

As part of their informational research and review writing for the Common Core ELA reading, writing, and speaking/listening literacy strands, the student journalists of Mr. Grzelecki’s 660 Writing class reviewed and reflected on 3 videos featured in Classroom Robotics blog. With the support of Dr. Reissman, the Director of the school’s Writing Institute, they first analyzed the prompts supplied for each video before viewing it. They discussed the pros and cons of each very real and engaging issue presented. These involve authentic robotics products, advertisements, and applications in Space Research. Dr. Reissman pointed out to them, as well, that in the related genre of Science Fiction writer’s often include descriptions of technology items (inventions and products) which, while they may be very expensive at the time of the writing, will become affordably within comfortable reach of the general public in a future perhaps that may be only ten to thirty years of the story’s publication. Mr. Grzelecki reminded the students to take notes during the viewing of the videos. After each short video, Dr. Reissman and Mr. Grzelecki had the students revisit in discussion their initial takes on the issues. Finally the student news journalists offered their reactions in writing.

These students participated as members of a community of learners focused on the blog’s contents, viewing electronic and visual text and commenting as real world citizens on ethical, economic, and lifesaving issues raised by robotics technology. That’s kick starting genuine Common Core skills that count in our real challenging world. Below, is a selection of their commentary.

• On whether commercially available killer robots were a good or bad idea (http://classroomrobotics.blogspot.com/2013/04/kuratas-one-bad-s-robot-or-grown-up.html):

Abdullah H ----

“The killer robot could be exceedingly destructive. It is very cool looking. Still using it could be very bad for our country.”

Bisma N----

“I am not in favor of the killer robot. The robot could kill anyone it is programmed to kill. In addition, the robot could turn against all humankind and kill humans.”

Kamela L----

“I am in favor of robots going to war. It will save many lives. This will allow our population to grow.”

Sherry ----

“My reaction to this product is interesting. This product is better than people for combating war. In a war, you could send a robot, instead of a person. A person can get injured and pass a way. But if a robot is disabled, so what? I think this is a good product.”

• On whether current use of robots in space instead of humans is a viable and desirable choice (http://classroomrobotics.blogspot.com/2013/04/robonaut-2-robot-astronaut.html) :

Cristofer H----

“Robot Astronauts are a great idea. Robots can reach planets, humans can’t reach such as Mars. If something goes wrong, there is no loss of human life.”

Svetlana G----

“I am in favor of replacing humans with robots for space exploration. Robots can explore space faster. They can do a better job than humans. It could be dangerous for humans to go into space, but for the robots the dangers do not matter. I personally don’t think it is amazing when humans travel into space, but when robots do it is cool.”

Shamar K----

“I think that the idea of robots going into space is awesome. The use of robots to explore space could help us find out about distant worlds. It costs less money to send robots into space. Using robots can prevent human astronauts from getting hurt or killed. Traveling to space is a dangerous job, let the robots do it.”

Geraldo S----

“My reaction to having robots do the difficult task of space exploration is a positive one. I am impressed and glad about this idea because it will make things easier. For a human creating cars for space is a difficult. The cars a human creates might not be efficient. But for a robot, making these cars might be easier and more efficient. This potential use of robots does not only apply to their crafting a car, but can apply to other manufacturing tasks as well. For robots, jobs like fighting wars and making weapons or even behavior correction are appropriate work.”

Shajid M----

“Yes, I think that robots should manage the difficult tasks that humans can’t do properly. Robots can absolutely replace astronauts, teachers and factory workers. In using them salaries and benefits are saved.”

Dyamond B----

“I think it is a good idea for robots to replace humans in outer space. It’s cheaper because you don’t have to train them as astronauts.”

• On evaluating the kicking female Hot- Bot robot in the Super bowl 2013 commercial and its message of “Respect the Tech” (http://classroomrobotics.blogspot.com/2013/04/student-focus-questions-what-does-this.html):

Zuha A----

“I think that the message of respecting the uses and powers of technology was shown in that commercial. But in the real world, I am not in favor of such robots. They might do something crazy.”

Jasmine E----

“I think that minus the female kicking robot, the commercial would be much less effective. Using the female super robot makes men feel inferior, like the man in the commercial.”

Susan G----

“If robots were to take over jobs people do, such as car building and car sales, it would be dangerous. If robots get too violent as the female does in this commercial, how can a human stop them? If like in this commercial, they become very humanoid, they might begin to pretend and feel that they were actually humans.”

Ahmed R----

“A robot like this should not be available for purchase because it could really hurt people. It is too violent."

Shajid M----

“This Kia ad does indeed teach its audience to respect the powers of the Hot Bot robot. Once the man kicks the car as he looks it over, she kicks him into the wall. Got to “respect the tech.”

Materials forwarded  by Dr. Rose Reissman

Remote Controlled Robot the Size of a Fly

(video begins after advertisement)

"Remote-Controlled Robot the Size of a Fly

Researchers have developed a remote-controlled robot about the size of a fat housefly that mimics a fly’s aerial prowess.

.A developer of the robot, Robert J. Wood, an electrical engineer at Harvard, said it “reproduces some of the key aspects of being able to control flight, stably hover and maneuver.”

The wafer-thin wings of a fly flap 120 times a second. Developing a robot to do the same took more than a decade and a variety of technologies, according to Dr. Wood and his colleagues, who describe it in the current issue of the journal Science.

It weighs just 80 milligrams and is controlled remotely. Each wing can be controlled independently.

To make the muscles, the researchers used piezoelectric actuators — strips of ceramic that expand and contract when an electric field is applied. The frame is made of carbon fiber embedded with plastic hinges as joints. The researchers also layered and sandwiched sheets of laser-cut materials.

“It takes inspiration from children’s pop-up books,” Dr. Wood said. “You can take the composite and fold it into whatever structure you want.” ..."

Read the full article at its source: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/07/science/a-remote-controlled-robot-the-size-of-a-fly.html?src=recg

Student Focus Question(s): Is the point of the project described in the article simply to create a tiny, flying robot; or are the designers trying to learn something important, too? If so, what are they trying to discover? Do you think there might be a practical use for this robot? What would that be? With the success of this project, what would you recommend they work on next?

After thinking about this, you can enter your response using the "Comments" function, below (to the left of the envelope icon). Feel free to identify your school and/or class....

.....................................................................................................
Click on book cover for information on Getting Started with LEGO Robotics.

Anyone who works with kids can do LEGO Robotics, a rich and highly motivating platform for important STEM Learning! (surprisingly affordable, too) This books explains it all!

Check out ROBOTICS for TEACHERS Podcast
www.roboticsforteachers.com

Inventor Matt Denton shows off his robotic spider creation

Inventor Matt Denton shows off his robotic spider creatio
A giant-mantis robot with hydraulic legs has been unveiled by a designer who spent four years creating it.
Matt Denton, from Hampshire, estimates his "very expensive toy" has cost him hundreds of thousands of pounds.
He says a mining company and a marine research organisation are now interested in his design and he hopes it might be used at science fairs.
During its development the machine had one outing, at a music festival, where Mr Denton says it was well received.
"It's an entertainment vehicle," he said. "But I hope it will inspire people."

The project was only initially intended to take 12 months, Mr Denton, who usually specialises in small-scale animatronics for the film industry, said.
"After 18 months we tried the model out. We had to completely strip out and rebuild the legs. They were too heavy and complicated.
Animatronics expert Matt Denton says his machine's legs are inefficient "I'm a software and electronics engineer so this was out of my area - I had to learn fast."
Read the full article at its source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-22231365
Student Focus Question(s): What do you think is the real reason that Matt created this machine? Who do you think might be interested in purchasing a machine like this? Why? If you had one, what sorts of improvements on it would you want to add?

After thinking about this, you can enter your response using the "Comments" function, below (to the left of the envelope icon). Feel free to identify your school and/or class....
.....................................................................................................
Click on book cover for information on Getting Started with LEGO Robotics.

Anyone who works with kids can do LEGO Robotics, a rich and highly motivating platform for important STEM Learning! (surprisingly affordable, too) This books explains it all!

Check out ROBOTICS for TEACHERS Podcast
www.roboticsforteachers.com

Flipperbot: The Sea Turtle Robot!

"New Robot Crawls Like a Sea Turtle

Researchers have designed a robot that crawls like a sea turtle which could help inspire future multi-terrain robots that would also be able to swim and walk.


The new robot, dubbed “Flipperbot,” was designed to allow scientists to learn more about the locomotion of animals such as seals, sea turtles and mudskippers.

Its creators, from the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) and Northwestern University, wanted a better understanding of how these animals use their flippers and fins to move on surfaces like sand.

Flipperbot, which is 19 centimeters long and weighs 790 grams, crawls by using two flipper-like front limbs that span about 40 centimeters. To power the turtle-like robot, each of its limbs is equipped with small servo motors with thin, lightweight flippers attached to the end.

Flipperbot could also help scientists gain a better understanding of how structures like fins and flippers evolved when fish-like animals moved from the water onto land several hundred million years ago.

Flipperbot makes its way through sand. (Nicole Mazouchova)

To better understand the mechanics of flipper-based movement on land Daniel Goldman from the Georgia Tech team said that his group, before designing Flipperbot, to better understand the mechanics of flipper-based movement on land, researchers studied how hatchling sea turtles propelled themselves from their nests on sandy beaches into the sea.

'Flipperbot allowed us to explore aspects of the sea turtle’s gait and structure that were challenging, if not impossible, to investigate in field experiments using actual animals,'  said Goldman..."

Read the full article at its source: http://blogs.voanews.com/science-world/2013/04/23/new-robot-crawls-like-a-sea-turtle/


Student Focus Question(s): 1) Is the purpose of the Flipperbot project to create a robot sea turtle? - To learn something important that might be used in ways that have nothing to do with sea turtles? - Other? 2) If you could design a robot that moves like a specific animal, which one would  you model it on? 3) Try some online research and find out if anyone has ever worked on designing such a robot already... what did you find?

After thinking about this, you can enter your response using the "Commnets" function, below (to the left of the envelope icon). Feel free to identify your school and/or class....
.....................................................................................................
Click on book cover for information on Getting Started with LEGO Robotics.

Anyone who works with kids can do LEGO Robotics, a rich and highly motivating platform for important STEM Learning! (surprisingly affordable, too) This books explains it all!

Check out ROBOTICS for TEACHERS Podcast
www.roboticsforteachers.com