Robotic+Creatures

=This lesson from the robotics unit is still under development.=

= = media type="custom" key="9986179" This robotic fish has been designed to put in the ocean to detect pollution such as leaks from ships or underwater pipelines. It is autonomous meaning that it works on its own and does not need a remote control. Another group of scientists is developed a 'leader fish' which is designed to lead a school of fish away from danger such as pollution to safer water. What do you think about these robots and the reason they have been deigned? Can you think of other ways to help keep wildlife safe from human pollution?

Why should we learn about robotic creatures?
 * robotic creatures can be created to learn more about how animals move and behave through mimicking or copying
 * we can use robots to discover things underwater that we otherwise might not find out about
 * humans can use robots such as these to control other creatures - this might be good or bad
 * features of creatures can be used to improve robots to be more useful, such as the design of search and rescue robots - this is called biomimicry.
 * robotic creatures can be fun to play with and fun to make!

* = =
 * What is a robotic creature?

= = Walking with Dinosaurs Performance media type="custom" key="9986185" 1. Robotic creatures are sometimes used in stage performances or as props for movies. Recently 'Walking with Dinosaurs' was performed in New Zealand, using large scale dinosaurs that were controlled by three remote controls each. Create a cartoon strip with a robotic creature as the main character.

media type="custom" key="9986167" 2. Reseachers are using biomimicry to design a robot that can delve down into mudslides and other areas that might otherwise be difficult to access to rescue people or animals trapped. Design your and carry out your own experiment to see which angle head you think would be best.

media type="custom" key="9986175" 3. Design your own Hex Bug. Make a poster to advertise it. What does it look like? What sort of sensors does it have? Has it got any other special features?

media type="custom" key="9986183"

4. Why do people have dogs? How many different can dogs help people? Make a mind-map showing all the different ways you can think a robot dog might be used.

media type="custom" key="9986189" 5. Make a Vibro-robot or a non-soldering version vibrobot (safer for younger kids).

= =
 * What sort of situations do you think robots should be used in?