Robots are made of metal because it is strong, durable, and can withstand wear and tear. Metal can also be shaped and manipulated in various ways, making it ideal for constructing robots.
The design of robots is determined by their intended function. Engineers and roboticists decide what a robot should look like based on the tasks it needs to perform, such as having arms for picking up objects or legs for climbing stairs.
Robots work by receiving commands, often through computer programming. They can be programmed to perform specific tasks, such as picking up items from one location and dropping them off at another, similar to a taxi service.
Robots can be controlled through various methods, including remote controllers, text or email commands, and even autonomous operation where they can navigate and perform tasks on their own based on pre-programmed instructions.
No, robots are not alive. They are machines built and controlled by humans. They do not breathe, eat, reproduce, or have consciousness. However, some robots are designed to mimic life-like behaviors.
Robots move using a power source, such as batteries or engines, and mechanisms like electric motors to convert that power into movement. Some advanced robots can navigate uneven terrain and avoid obstacles without human intervention.
At Global Foundries, robots assist in various tasks, including transporting wafers and boxes, inspecting equipment for temperature issues, and performing repetitive tasks that would be difficult for humans to do consistently.
Robots can seem to have personalities due to anthropomorphism, a human tendency to attribute human-like characteristics to non-human entities. This perception is enhanced by robots' lifelike movements and reactions, even though they are not truly alive.
Remote controls send signals to robots using invisible waves that carry information. The robots receive these signals, interpret them, and execute the commands, such as moving to a specific location or performing a task.
Microchips play a crucial role in controlling robots by processing and transmitting the digital commands that guide their actions. These tiny circuits enable robots to perform complex tasks and respond to various inputs.
Who decides what robots look like? How do robots work and move? How are they controlled? And are robots alive? We tackle all your robot questions in this episode, and we’re taking a field trip to a local factory that uses hundreds of robots to help humans do their jobs. GlobalFoundries, in Essex Junction, Vermont makes microchips that go in all kinds of electronics. In fact, if your adults have a smartphone, more than likely it has a chip made at this very facility. Engineers Adrien Plouffe and Lucy White work with the robots at GlobalFoundries and answer your questions about robots, including: Why are robots made of metal? Why do people like robots? Do robots cry?
Download our learning guides: PDF | Google Slide