Robots

Robots have moved out of the realm of science fiction. Today, these human-like machines can retrieve books for library patrons, assemble products for manufacturing companies, assess damage in radioactive accidents and investigate the wonders under the sea and in outer space. Explore the world of robots and learn about their history, uses and construction through the direct links on The Times’ Launch Point Web site: https://www.latimes.com/launchpoint.

Level 1

The Robot Zoo: What would it take to create a robotic chameleon, housefly or giraffe? Deepen your appreciation of the special abilities of animals by viewing robotic simulations of common creatures with such uncommon talents as 180-degree vision.

https://www.sgi.com/robotzoo/robots.html

Get a Grip on Robotics: The jointed arms of many robots enable them to perform tasks ranging from factory assembly-line work to scientific research, either underwater or in outer space. Learn about robots of today and of the future, find out what Isaac Asimov’s Laws of Robotics are and access an illustrated glossary.

https://www.thetech.org/exhibits_events/online/robots/overview/

Design Your Own Robot: There are many factors to consider when designing a robot to perform a specific task, such as how it will move, what will provide its power and how it will sense changes in its environment. Explore robot design considerations such as sensing, movement, energy, manipulation, intelligence and looks through this online exercise.

https://www.tcm.org/html/galleries/robots/design/using-des.html

Level 2

RoboMates: The World of Robots: Czech writer Karel Capek first used the word “robot” in a 1920 play describing human-like machines that were “servants of humanity.” Learn about the history of robots and discover how robots have been used not only in such fields as agriculture and health care but also in such jobs as waiter, bartender, librarian and prison guard.

https://library.thinkquest.org/27478/

Bradford Robotic Telescope: Interested in viewing pictures of the northern night sky? Once you register as a user at this site, you can request that this robotic telescope in West Yorkshire, England, take pictures of the planets, stars or galaxies that you specify.

https://www.eia.brad.ac.uk/btl/

Nova Online: Bomb Squad: Robots are used in hazardous situations ranging from defusing bombs to investigating nuclear waste. Get acquainted with three robots, view clips of them in action and try a game in which you match a robot with a specific task to perform.

https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/robots/

Level 3

Tech Wizards: Learn about robots used in space, such as the Mars Sojourner Rover and the Ranger TFX vehicle, which will service space vehicles with its four robotic arms. Take an online robotics course for beginners, read recent stories of robots in the news and meet people who design robots for a living.

https://www.hompro.com/techkids/

LEGO Mind Storms: Read up on the current news in robotic developments, such as personal home robots and robots that help stroke victims in rehabilitation programs. View 3-D models that demonstrate robotic concepts and access a large collection of online resources, including tips for building your own robot.

https://www.legomindstorms.com/home/whats_new.asp

There’s a Robot in Your Future: Imagine robots as talking, walking, interactive sculptures or tiny, solar-powered, creeping creatures. Learn about some of the possibilities of robots from researchers at MIT and Carnegie Mellon, including helicopters that pilot themselves.

https://www.discovery.com/stories/technology/robots/robots.html

EXPLORER’S QUEST

The answer to this Internet quiz can be found in the sites at right.

What five parts does a machine usually need in order to qualify as a robot?

CLUE: See Get a Grip on Robotics

Find What You Need to Know: Have a project on California history? Need help doing a math problem? Launch Point covers more than 100 topics for getting your schoolwork done. Go to https://www.latimes.com/launchpoint for the full list of subjects and direct links to the best Internet sites.

Answer to last week’s Quest: In Sparta both men and women were educated, whereas in Athens only men were educated to become good citizens.

Launch Point is produced by the UC Irvine department of education, which reviews each site for appropriateness and quality. Even so, parents should supervise their children’s use of the Internet. This column was designed by Anna Manring.