Lesson 1
Let's begin our journey by discussing what a robot is. Take a moment and try to define it yourself before reading on below. Make sure to write down your definition.
Done writing? Good. A robot is defined as a mechanical device capable of carrying out tasks by following the input, processing, and output method. The input, processing, output method means that it takes in something (input), considers it and figures out what to do because of it (processing), and reacts to the situation (output).
But how can a computer do these three things to become a robot? Well a computer can take input from its surroundings using sensors. Sensors, like our senses, pick up on different things like touch or light. Robots today have many sophisticated sensors which mimic the human senses. Processing is something a computer already does. It uses programs which humans write to help it determine what to do in different situations. This can work just like our minds do. When we see a ball coming towards our heads, our brain's first thought is "MOVE!" which is processing. Finally, output can be done using actuators/motors. These allow the robot to move around its environment.
Now that we understand how a computer becomes a robot lets think of ways to use it. Robots have many uses to them. Take a moment to think of ways you would use a robot. Write this down as well.
There is no right or wrong answers here. There are many uses. My idea would be a guard robot for my room. This would be a good use of a robot because it could actively sense an intruder and where they are, process the information to determine how to get to them, and then move there and catch the intruder. This uses the input, processing, output method we talked about for robots.
Now that we have learned about robots, let's learn about the NXT robot and its electronic components:
Done writing? Good. A robot is defined as a mechanical device capable of carrying out tasks by following the input, processing, and output method. The input, processing, output method means that it takes in something (input), considers it and figures out what to do because of it (processing), and reacts to the situation (output).
But how can a computer do these three things to become a robot? Well a computer can take input from its surroundings using sensors. Sensors, like our senses, pick up on different things like touch or light. Robots today have many sophisticated sensors which mimic the human senses. Processing is something a computer already does. It uses programs which humans write to help it determine what to do in different situations. This can work just like our minds do. When we see a ball coming towards our heads, our brain's first thought is "MOVE!" which is processing. Finally, output can be done using actuators/motors. These allow the robot to move around its environment.
Now that we understand how a computer becomes a robot lets think of ways to use it. Robots have many uses to them. Take a moment to think of ways you would use a robot. Write this down as well.
There is no right or wrong answers here. There are many uses. My idea would be a guard robot for my room. This would be a good use of a robot because it could actively sense an intruder and where they are, process the information to determine how to get to them, and then move there and catch the intruder. This uses the input, processing, output method we talked about for robots.
Now that we have learned about robots, let's learn about the NXT robot and its electronic components:
Now that you understand the NXT we can move on to the next lesson: