Robots & The Design Process

Click on the embedded article on the right and read about Spot.

Essential Question:

How can I understand and design tasks for a robot hero?

"So where’s my robot?” you continue to ask.

The answer is that if we want capable, affordable robots to help us in the future, we need more people to develop such robots. That’s right. In the end, it all depends on you. The future of robotics is not going to happen; it’s going to be built. And you can be part of it."

Text by Erico Guizzo from:

https://robots.ieee.org/learn/

Student Design Challenge:

Address a real world problem that a robot can help to solve.
Use the The Design Process to plan a solution that involves a robot.
Create a plan with notes and visual diagrams that explains your ideas (Graphic Organizer or Mind Map)
Share your plan and ideas

Vocabulary Terms for Robot Hero Design Challenge:

Design Process : The design process is a series of steps to follow to help come up with a solution to a problem.

Prototype : A first, model of something, especially a machine.

Sensor : A device which detects or measures a physical property.

Criteria : A standard by which something may be decided.

Engineer : A person who designs, builds, or maintains engines, machines, or public works.

Programming : The action or process of writing computer programs.

Energy source : Electricity used to power a robot can be from a battery, a fuel cell, or renewable energy like solar energy.

Meet 'Spot': The Robot That Could Help Doctors Remotely Treat COVID-19 PatientsDeveloped by Boston Dynamics, the four-legged robot can travel difficult terrain. Brigham and Women's Hospital is testing its value, starting with initial patient interviews, to reduce staff exposure.

ASK

The first step of the Design Process is ASK. We want to ask ourselves, “What is the problem we are trying to solve?” Robots are used today in many ways that help humans solve problems and there are many types of robots. Some robots operate in dangerous or hazardous environments to keep humans safe. Robots can be heroes and assist in solving human problems. ASK, what is a problem that a robot can solve and what would that robot do and look like?

Parents: The explanation of the design process on the home page.

What is a robot and how can I design a robot hero?

What is a robot?
How can a robot be helpful to humans?
What are problems that a robot can help solve?
What are the characteristics of a robot?
- What is a Sensor?
- Does a robot have a body?
- What tools does the robot use?
- How does the robot move?
- Does a robot have a brain?
- What power source does a robot have?
Ask a lot of questions about what a robot can do to be a hero?
Ask more questions....

In your engineering notebook, write down the ASK.

IMAGINE

The next step in the design process is IMAGINE: Brainstorm solutions and research ideas. Identify what others have done with robots to solve problems. Research, research, and research robots to build your ideas and imagination!

Here are a few great place to start looking at the creative ways robots have been used to help solve problems:

Learn about Types of Robots

National Geographic Robot Challenge

Time for Kid Robots in Action

Remember, as you research ways robots have been designed keep your PROBLEM and SOLUTION in mind. Take notes in your Engineering Notebook of solutions you find and robot characteristics that would help with your design challenge.

Student Design Challenge:

Address a real world problem that a robot can help to solve.
Use the The Design Process to plan a solution that involves a robot.

PLAN

The next step in the Design Process in PLAN! Choose a solution to the problem and make a Diagram that illustrates your thinking. Graphic Organizers and Mind Maps are great way to share your ideas and help develop a plan to solve your problem.

Here is details about Mind Maps

Mind mapping helps to think with different perspectives and is a great tool to present and understand information. Mind maps are structured from the center and use lines, shapes, symbols, words, colors, and images to organize ideas.

Mind maps can be hand drawn

Digital Presentation Software can be used to make a Mind Map

Your Mind Map should address the Design Challenge problem and answer questions such as:

What are problems that a robot can help solve?
What are the characteristics of a robot?
- What is a Sensor?
- Does a robot have a body?
- What tools does the robot use?
- How does the robot move?
- Does a robot have a brain?
- What power source does a robot have?

Student Design Challenge:

Create a plan with notes and visual diagrams that explains your ideas (Graphic Organizer or Mind Map)
Share your plan and ideas

CREATE

Now it's time to get creative and messy! Consider the tools and sensors your robot needs to solve the problem and create your first prototype.

Gather the materials you need (can be toys or items found around the house you have permission to use!)
Find a space where you can work.
Build your first robot model.

Prototypes are physical models that help explain your ideas and solutions. Your prototype does not have to be a full functioning robot and can be made from simple materials:

Ideas for DIY at home Robot Prototypes

Ideas for Robots from toys at home

You model is another example that you can use to share your ideas with other, so take care of your prototype so it is in good shape when you share your design challenge solutions.

Improve

Ask your family members in your house or your classmates online about your robot Prototype and make sure to explain the problem and the solutions your robot solves. Do they have any suggestions on how the Robot may be improved? After building the prototype, can you think of a way you can make it better?

Think about the suggestions you were given. Choose one, two, or all of them and improve your Robot.

In your engineering notebook:

Write down the suggestions from friends and family.
What would you do to IMPROVE your robot?
Sketch and label your new and improved robot make sure to include the robot characteristics.

MAKING THINGS WORK & MAKING THINGS WORK BETTER!

The last step of the Design Process is SHARE. If people didn't share their ideas and success with the world, society would be so different than it is today! By sharing your work and your results, you are helping the world.

Engineering the Future would love to see your robot designs. With the help and permission of a parent or legal guardian, you can add pictures or videos of your design and of you testing your design and tag us on Instagram (TM) with the tag @apsetf.

You can also share your work with your family, your friends, or maybe in a virtual classroom!