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Robotics

If you enjoy tinkering with gadgets or working with artificial intelligence and computers, robotics is for you. Robotics can be an enjoyable hobby that can turn into an exciting career.

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Terminator salvation
Victor Kubicek and Derek Anderson present in association with Wonderland Sound and Vision ; produced by Moritz Borman ... [et al.] ; written by John Brancato & Michael Ferris ; directed by McG.
Burbank, CA : Warner Home Video, c2009.
  1. DVD, widescreen.
  2. In English with optional French or Spanish dubbing and optional French or Spanish subtitles or English SDH subtitles.
  3. Cast: Christian Bale, Sam Worthington, Anton Yelchin, Moon Bloodgood, Bryce Dallas Howard, Common, Jane Alexander, Michael Ironside, Helena Bonham Carter.
  4. Videodisc release of the c2009 motion picture.
  5. MPAA rating: PG-13; for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action, and language.
  6. "In the aftermath of Judgment Day and the takeover by machines, John Connor, the destined leader of the human resistance, must counter Skynet's devastating plan to terminate mankind."--Container.
     
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Moral machines : teaching robots right from wrong
Wendell Wallach, Colin Allen.
New York : Oxford University Press, 2009.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 235-262) and index.
     
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Wired for war : the robotics revolution and conflict in the twenty-first century
P.W. Singer.
New York : Penguin Press, 2009.
Includes bibliographical references (p.[439]-482) and index
     
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Robot programmer's bonanza
John Blankenship, Samuel Mishal.
New York : McGraw-Hill, c2008.
"Using the versatile RobotBASIC programming language, you'll discover how to prototype your creative ideas using the integrated mobile robot simulator and then port your finished programs to nearly any hardware/software configuration. You can even use the built-in wireless protocol to directly control real-world robots that can be built from readily available sensors and actuators." "Packed with illustrations and plenty of inspiration, the unique Robot Programmer's Bonanza even helps you "teach" your robot to become intelligent and adapt to its behavior!"--BOOK JACKET.
     

Robotics, the science of the technology associated with the design, creation, and use of robots, is much more than science fiction. Robots are everywhere--from the auto plant, space exploration, police mission, and hospital to cutting-edge entertainment and life-like toys that appear to think and act like humans. The basic robot today can be found as far away as the Canada Arm on the space station and as close as the television show called "Battle Bots".

Karel Capek introduced us to the name "robot" in his classic play, "Rossum's Universal Robots," back in 1921. The word "robot" is derived from the Czech word "robota," which means "forced labor.

In 1942 science fiction author Isaac Asimov used the term 'robotics' in his story "Runaround". He continued with this theme in his book "I, Robot." The Star Trek character Data 'borrowed' from his ideas. Asimov, unlike other authors of this genre, saw robots as a promising technological innovation to be exploited and managed. Indeed, Asimov's three laws of robotics, along with his 'zeroth' law defined his view and were adopted by other authors and those interested in robots. These laws are:

  • Law Zero: A robot must not merely act in the interests of individual humans, but of all humanity.
  • Law One: A robot may not harm a human being, or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
  • Law Two: A robot must obey the orders given to it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
  • Law Three: A robot must protect its own existence, as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.

"To invent you need a good imagination and a pile of junk."

(Thomas Alva Edison)

Interest in robots and robotics grows as technology advances make questions about human and robot behavior more inter-related. Work continues both in the scientists' laboratory and in the homes and workshops of hobby enthusiasts. Clubs and competitions invite new members. Robot building kits can be bought at almost any hobby or electronics store, through catalogs or websites, and at local bookstores.

It is impossible to tell the future for robotics. Perhaps, one day we'll live a life like the Jetson's and let our children manage the robots!  More likely robots will attempt to make our lives easier and safer.

Article by: St. Louis Public Library staff