Wonder of the Day #629
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Have You Ever Wondered...
- Do robots wonder?
- What is a robot?
- What is artificial intelligence?
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Today’s Wonder of the Day was inspired by Nikalus. Nikalus Wonders, “Do robots wonder?” Thanks for WONDERing with us, Nikalus!
Do you interact with any robots on a daily basis? Really think about it. In today’s world, robots are becoming more and more common in homes and schools. Maybe you’ve seen robots that vacuum the floor for you. Or perhaps you’ve played with a toy robot before. If so, you may have noticed that this type of technology is becoming more advanced all the time.
Have you ever WONDERed whether robots think for themselves? Or can they only do what we humans program them to do? Can robots WONDER about things? Or do they simply wait for the next command to be sent to their computer brains?
What exactly is a robot, anyway? Most people define it as a machine that is controlled by electronic programming, usually in the form of a computer. Many can be controlled remotely. Robots can be programmed to do many different types of tasks. Some can be done automatically, while others may be done with guidance from a human controller.
For much of history, humans have looked for ways to make tasks easier. Often, this has been achieved with the invention of machines. True robots, however, are a much more recent invention. The first electronic robots were built by William Grey Walter in England in 1948. American George Devol, Jr. invented the first digital and programmable robot a few years later in 1954.
Today, robots are used for many different jobs. Some robots mow lawns or clean swimming pools. Others help build cars in large factories. Robots are also used in modern warfare.
Robots also can do tasks that are too dangerous for humans. For example, robots can be sent into outer space. They can visit the depths of the sea. Robots have been able to explore areas that humans can’t yet reach on their own.
Many kids across the United States are learning to build and program robots. Schools can now participate in LEGO® Robotics competitions. These teach young children how to build and program basic robots to perform a number of simple tasks.
But can today’s robots actually think for themselves? You may have heard the term “artificial intelligence” at some point. Does this mean that scientists have created robots that can think just like humans?
The term “artificial intelligence” refers to sophisticated robots. They can perform complex tasks that require decision making. These robots may seem to think like humans, but they are still robots. They just have advanced programming that allows them to mimic human thought and behavior.
Robots still cannot think on their own like humans. However, many scientists believe such breakthroughs may be possible in the next 20-30 years. What do you think? Do you want robots to be able to think just like humans? Why or why not? The future could hold incredible things in the world of robots!
Standards: NGSS.ETS1.A, CCRA.L.3, CCRA.L.6, CCRA.R.1, CCRA.R.2, CCRA.R.4, CCRA.R.10, CCRA.SL.1
Wonder What's Next?
Tomorrow’s Wonder of the Day is really for the dogs!
Try It Out
Can you find a few friends or family members to help you extend your learning about robots by checking out one or more of the following activities?
- What would you do if you could have your own robot? Would you have it make your breakfast? Do your laundry? Finish your homework? Or would you have it do something special and unique? Daydream a bit about what life might be like with a robot. What tasks would you want it toperform? Draw a picture of your robot. On the back of your picture, write a short description of what your robot can do. Be creative! Share your thoughts with your friends and family members. What ideas do they have?
- Up for a challenge? With the help of an adult, why not try to make your own real robot? If you have a remote-controlled car and some walkie-talkies, you can make your own version of a homemade robot right at home. Check out the instructions for how to make your own Homemade Robot Remote Science Project. Have fun!
- Learn more about artificial intelligence. What do you think? How can you imagine AI being used in the future? Do people have anything to fear from AI technology? Discuss your thoughts with a friend or family member.
Wonder Sources
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robot (accessed 11 Dec. 2020)
- https://www.britannica.com/technology/robot-technology (accessed 11 Dec. 2020)
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Wonder Contributors
We’d like to thank:
Maribel and Dhruvanagasai
for contributing questions about today’s Wonder topic!
Keep WONDERing with us!
Wonder Words
- program
- command
- electronic
- remotely
- guidance
- controller
- sophisticated
- complex
- tasks
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