Robotics Webquest

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Robotics Webquest

• Mr. Robbins
• Introduction to Autonomous Robotics

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Introduction

• Robotics in the movies and in television are
  quite different than robotics in reality. From
  the helpful, intelligent robots in the Star Wars
  movies to the human hunting character in the
  Terminator movies, robotics technology is not as
  helpful, as intelligent, or as independent as we
  might like it to be.

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Introduction

• Through research and study, engineers and
  programmers are working to make more versatile
  robots for a variety of jobs and applications,
  and to expand the capabilities of current
  technology. The future of robotics is only
  limited by the creativity and the ability of the
  next generation of programmers and builders.

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Introduction

• Your assignment is to find as much information
  as possible about several different aspects of
  robotics technology, research, employment, and
  uses. As a class, this will develop a more
  complete picture of what robotics is and what it
  can become.

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Robotics Webquest

• Each student will work individually to complete a
  Robotics webquest and prepare a short
  presentation using Powerpoint and notes.
• Choose two of the seven topics and find relevant
  information for each topic.
• Try to answer all of the questions for each topic
  and include any other important information that
  is found and provides new insight into the use of
  robotics as an educational tool and as an
  industrial tool.

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Resources

• Each topic will use different resources to
  complete the webquest.
• Begin your search using a search engine such as
  Google or Yahoo.
• Some topics may overlap and use the same sites
  and information.
• The resource list is not complete. Each topic
  should list at least two additional sources of
  information in addition to the sources given.

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Topic 1 Robotics Classroom Building Systems

• What is available for schools to use as robotics
  training systems?
• What is the cost of each system to start?
• Is the system modular (expandable) or self
  contained?
• What curriculum materials are available for each
  system?
• What are some of the benefits of each system?
• What are some of the drawbacks of each system?

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Resources

• http//www.gearseds.com/
• http//www.vexrobotics.com/

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Topic 2 Robotics Classroom Learning Activities

• What are high schools and colleges using as
  training activities for robotics classrooms?
• What are some design challenges used by schools?
• How do the design challenges build skills in
  robotics?
• Are the skills transferable to industrial
  robotics applications?

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Resources

• http//robotics.arc.nasa.gov/edu/lessons/autonomy.
  htm
• http//www.thetech.org/robotics/activities/index.h
  tml

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Topic 3 Robotics Competitions

• What are some of the robotics competitions
  currently being held?
• Are the robotics competitions regional, national
  or local?
• Who sponsors the robotics competitions?
• What are some of the rules, limitations and
  constraints for the competitions?
• What are some of the prizes and rewards for each
  of the competitions?
• How does the competition help students in
  robotics?

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Resources

• http//www.usfirst.org/
• http//robotics.nasa.gov/events/competitions.htm
• http//www.darpa.mil/grandchallenge/index.asp

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Topic 4 Employment in Robotics Technology

• What are some of the jobs available in robotics?
• What level of education is required?
• What are some of the qualifications?
• What are the salaries of the different levels of
  robotics employment?
• Where are the jobs located?

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Resources

• http//www.monster.com
• http//hotjobs.yahoo.com/
• http//www.jobbankusa.com/jobs_search/job_search_e
  ngine.html

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Topic 5 Industrial Robotics

• What types of industries use robotics and how?
• How has robotics changed manufacturing
  technology?
• How has robotics evolved from the introduction of
  industrial robotics to current technology?
• What is the future of robotics?

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Resources

• http//www.learnaboutrobots.com/industrial.htm
• http//www.fanucrobotics.com/

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Topic 6 Military Robotics

• What are some of the tasks robotics perform in
  todays military?
• What are some training opportunities for robotics
  study in the military?
• What kind of goals does the military have for
  robotics in the future?
• What branches of the military have robotics
  programs?

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Resources

• http//www.spawar.navy.mil/robots/
• http//science.howstuffworks.com/military-robot.ht
  m

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Topic 7 Scientific Exploration using Robotics

• Where are robotics used for exploration in the
  scientific community?
• Are the robotics private industry or government
  sponsored?
• What are some future plans for robotics in space,
  on the ground or underwater?
• What training or experience is required to start
  in scientific exploration?

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Resources

• http//robots.open.ac.uk/space/missions.html
• http//news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/07/07
  16_030716_ballard.html

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Evaluation

• The evaluation of each webquest will be based on
  several things
• Presentation- 5-7 minutes, organization of
  information
• Powerpoint visuals and summary of information,
  6-10 slides
• Completeness and accuracy of information
• Resource list links to material for further
  investigation

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Conclusion

• After researching your topics, sharing the
  information with the class, and viewing your
  classmates presentations you should have a
  greater understanding of some aspects of robotics
  and why it is important and relevant in today's
  educational system.