What is a Robot?

Lesson Notes

Robot - a machine capable of carrying out a complex series of actions automatically, especially one programmable by a computer 

Comes from "Robota" (Czech/Slavic origin) 

The work a medieval peasant was forced to do for their lord 

Three Laws of Robotics by Isaac Asimov

1. A robot may not injure a human being, or through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm. 

2. A robot must obey orders given it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law. 

3. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law. 

Lesson Activity 

Students in groups of 2-3 will create a "Shark Tank" style sales pitch skit, selling the assigned robot. 

1. Show students the example "Shark Tank" video (Scrub Daddy): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ae5MssJ8en4 

2. Assign groups with one of the following robots: 

   1. Paro

   2. Keep On 

   3. Da Vinci Surgery

   4. Wildcat

   5. Spot

   6. Big Dog

   7. Asimo

   8. Aibo

   9. Pepper

   10. And much more... 

3. Give the groups about 30-45 minutes to come up with a skit selling their robot 

   1. Research who made it 

   2. What does this robot do? 

   3. Why was it made?

   4. How will it help to improve your lifestyle?

Have each group present their skits to the class.