Celebrating National Robotics Week
Photo Credit National Robotics Week
Happy National Robotics Week (April 1-April 8)! STEM enthusiasts are celebrating the advancements in Robotics from April 1 - April 8. Find RoboWeek events across the country.
Join in the fun by learning about the history of Robotics, its current role in society, and some activities to try!
National Robotics Week
Photo source: Getty Images/Salon
National Robotics Week (or RoboWeek), dedicated to Isaac Asimov – an American author and Biochemist – in recognition of his accomplishments. He coined the word “Robotics” and wrote a novel entitled I, Robot (1950), the first to list all Three Laws of Robotics.
Issac was a prolific writer. He influenced how people perceive the advancement of artificial intelligence and the field of Robotics. His work inspired several movies, including Bicentennial Man.
In 2010, the United States House of Representatives passed legislation to support the designation of National Robotics Week in April. RoboWeek aims to inspire audiences of all ages about Robotics and STEM-related fields.
Robotics Today
HealthCare
Robotics has significantly helped to advance the Healthcare sector. Technology is widely used in every aspect of healthcare – from robot-assisted surgery to robots that help humans recover from injury. Robots became essential workers during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Robots help monitor patients, sanitize hospitals, and assist in the day-to-day responsibilities of frontline workers.
Home
Robots are helping with everyday household chores. They are programmed to do anything, including mowing your lawn and functioning as your assistant. To date, one of the most well-loved at-home aides is the autonomous vacuum cleaner.
Logistics
Retailers and logistics companies benefit tremendously from the use of robots for shipping, handling, and quality control. They are also used to organize and carry products in warehouse facilities, helping to reduce manual labor.
Manufacturing
Robots are utilized in the manufacturing sector, where they have a long history. They efficiently test and assemble goods, such as automobiles and industrial machinery. Robots also collaborate with human workers (co-bots) to help workers avoid injury or error during dangerous and voluminous tasks.
Travel
“Self-driving or autonomous vehicles (AV) are the future,” says Bill Gates. These cars are no longer a futuristic idea. With the combination of Data Science and Robotics, self-driving vehicles allow users to sit back and relax while on the road. Additionally, online bookings and hotel navigation are made easier with chatbots.
Robotics Activities For Kids
1. Build A DraWbot
Build a DrawBot that doodles fun designs with its colorful marker legs. With a little bit of engineering and creativity, students can create their very own robot in less than an hour.
Introduce students to basic circuitry by turning a toothbrush into a bug-looking robot. BristleBots help students understand the concepts related to circuits, energy, and Newton’s Law in a fun and interactive way.
3. Beetlebots
Engage kids with a little robot that can avoid any obstacles on the floor without using silicon chips. This BeetleBot uses two switches, two motors, and one battery holder, which costs less than $10.
Similar to a BristleBot, this mini-bug Robot also uses a vibrating motor to move. Include six legs and a pair of LED lights to serve as an eye. Make an army of these bugs with the kids to make it more fun!
Have kids explore and analyze how circuits and force work with this DIY project. Gather a few craft materials combined with a knowledge of simple circuits, and transform everyday items into robots.