Lesson 2.1 What Is Automation and Robotics?

Understandings 1. Automation is the use of technology to ease human labor or to extend the mental or physical capabilities of humans. 2. Robotics is the specialized field of engineering and computer science that deals with the design, construction, and application of robots. 3. The use of automation and robotics affects humans in various ways, both positively and negatively, including their safety, comfort, choices, and attitudes about a technology’s development and use. 4. Automation and robotics have had an influence on society in the past and present and will influence society in the future. 5. Engineers, designers, and engineering technologists are in high demand for the development of future technology to meet societal needs and wants.

Knowledge and Skills It is expected that students will: • Describe the purpose of automation and robotics and its effect on society. • Summarize ways that robots are used in today’s world and the impact of their use on society. • Describe positive and negative effects of automation and robotics on humans in terms of safety and economics. • Provide examples of STEM careers and the need for these professionals in our society.

Essential Questions 1. What limitations do you think should be placed on the use of robots? 2. What type of robot do you think makes the most significant contribution to our lives today and why? 3. What is the greatest concern that should be considered before converting a factory from human workforce to robotic workforce? 4. What impact do you think robots will have on your life in 10 years and in 50 years?

Term Definition

A step-by-step procedure for solving a problem, Algorithm especially by a computer.

The use of technology to ease human labor or to Automation extend the mental or physical capabilities of humans.

In robotics, a tiny computer that acts as the robot’s Controller brain and contains the computer program.

In robotics, a set of coded instructions the robot must Computer Program follow.

The process of detecting and eliminating a device’s Debug malfunctions.

A social science that deals with production, distribution, Economics and consumption of goods and services.

Containing, producing, arising from, or actuated by Electric electricity.

The component of a robot that comes into contact with End Effector the work piece and does the actual work on it. Also known as the hand.

Conforming to an established set of principles or Ethical accepted professional standards of conduct.

A building or set of buildings with facilities for Factory manufacturing or producing goods.

Hydraulic Operated by the action of water or other fluids.

The effect or influence of one thing on another. Some Impact impacts are anticipated, and others are unanticipated.

Some factor that restricts the scope of activity or Limitation accomplishment.

The upkeep of industrial facilities and equipment and/or Maintenance software.

© 2011 Project Lead The Way, Inc. PLTW Gateway – Automation and Robotics VEX Lesson 2.1 What Is Automation and Robotics? – Page 2 An arm-like mechanism on a robotic system which Manipulators grabs and moves objects with a number of degrees of freedom under automatic control.

In robotics, provides power to the robot; may supply Power Supply electricity, hydraulic power, or pneumatic power.

Pneumatic Pertaining to or operated by air or other gas.

Programmer A person who writes and tests computer programs.

The rewriting or revising of a sequence of instructions, Reprogram especially a computer program.

A robot is a machine that performs complicated tasks Robot and is guided by automatic controls.

Technology dealing with the design, construction, and Robotics operation of robots in automation.

A community, nation, or broad grouping of people Society having common traditions, institutions, and collective activities and interests.

A balancing of factors, all of which are not attainable at Trade-off the same time; giving up of one thing in return for another.

The process of locating trouble and making repairs in Troubleshoot machinery and technical equipment.

The people available for work in a particular area, firm, Workforce or industry.

Work Envelope The space within which a robotic arm can move.

Presentations Automation and Robotics Word Documents Activity 2.1.1.a Ham and Cheese Algorithm Activity 2.1.1.b VEX Build Activity 2.1.2 What do we use robots for? Activity 2.1.2.a Understanding Robots Answer Keys and Rubrics Rubric 2.1.2 What do we use robots for?

Reference Sources

Ask Oxford. (2008). AskOxford.com. Retrieved November 18, 2008, from http://www.askoxford.com Harms, H. & Swernofsky, N. (2007). Technology interactions. New York, NY: Glencoe/McGraw Hill. International Technology Education Association (ITEA). (2000). Standards for technological literacy. Reston, VA: ITEA. McGraw-Hill dictionary of engineering. (2nd ed.). (2003). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. Merriam Webster (2008). In Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. Retrieved June 29, 2008, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) and International Reading Association (IRA). (1996). Standards for the English language arts. Newark, DE: IRA; Urbana, IL: NCTE. National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). (2000). Principles and standards for school mathematics. Reston, VA: NCTM. National Research Council (NRC). (1996). National science education standards. Washington, D. C.: National Academy Press. Your Dictionary. (2008). YourDictionary.com. Retrieved November 18, 2008, from http://wwwyourdictionary.com