Week+1

=What is a robot?= toc

Goal
Discover what a robot is and what function it performs.

Definition
- Oxford Dictionary
 * "A machine capable of carrying out a complex series of actions automatically, especially one programmable by a computer."**

**Robots:**

 * are artificial - robots are manufactured and do not occur naturally
 * are controlled by a computer - this may be a full sized personal computer or a small embedded micro-computer
 * can sense the surrounding environment using sensors
 * can perform actions and movement
 * Robots sense, plan and act on their environment

Components of a Robot

 * Sensors - "feels" the surrounding environment. Sensors are called **inputs** because they take information and input it in the robot's brain.
 * Computation - the onboard computer that the robot uses to process information
 * Actuator - these are the parts of the robot that moves, like the motors and wheels. Actuators are outputs.



==

Examples of Real World Robots
[|Videos] of some real world robots - this link only works at home :(


 * [|ASIMO], [|ASIMO, QRIO, AIBO], Roomba
 * Spirit / Opportunity
 * Pathfinder Sojourner
 * PUMA arm, SCARA arm

Use[| KidRex]to search for information on the robot your team's chosen robot

= = =DomaBot= You are required to design and construct a robot that is capable of following a set of commands to explore the planet's surface. Before the robot is deployed, it must be extensively tested to ensure it will perform as expected. You can't fly a technician to NXTopia to reboot the robot!
 * Overview:** Build a robot that is capable of driving around an obstacle course.
 * Project:** NASA is in the market for a new planetary rover to explore the recently discovered planet NXTopia.

[|Build a DomaBot Base] Introduction to Programming

Activity:
Complete Student Worksheet 3 - DomaBot Basics