Unit 2 - Mindstorm Lego

This term we are going to look at robotics, and how robotics have changed the way we live. Our lives are surrounded by robotics, whether directly or indirectly, and they influence how we live today. The advances in robot technology in recent years have been incredible. Breakthroughs in nanotechnology, advances with computing power and clever engineering have given us many robotic inventions that were once only possible in Science Fiction. Many people are wary, even frightened, of what the future may hold. Will robots take over the world?

You will:

Design and make working robots to meet a series of challenges in order to demonstrate your understanding of robotics. You will exhibit the best of these robots to the school community in order to excite and engage people with the possibilities of this technology. You need to be able to explain how your robot(s) works in detail and be prepared to answer questions.

Criteria A - Inquiry and Analysis

Task 1

Examine the impact of robotics on society today and in the future. Look at how robotics are being used right now in 2 or 3 of the following areas;

• Industry, (automotive, computing)

• Entertainment, (toys,etc)

• Military,

• In the home,

• Science,

• Medicine.

How do they affect peoples lives today? How have they changed over time? How to people feel about robots? Why? Then make predictions about one of the above topics to explore further.

This is a significant piece of written work!

Task 2

Now you must look at Lego Mindstorm, and how it works.

• What is Lego Mindstorm?

• How long has it been around?

• How has it changed over time?

• What can you do with it?

• Images