A robot is a machine that may gather information about its environment and use that information and any pre­programmed instructions to complete tasks. Robots are controlled using coding (computer programming) to outline specific instructions and ranges of actions. These tasks could be a very specific set of movements, like cutting a piece of wood to a certain length, or extremely complex instructions that allow the robot to actually learn how to respond in new situations.

           Robots are an integral part of students’ everyday lives and most of them don’t even know it! From making breakfast, doing chores, and playing games, to buying a snack, robots are everywhere around them.

            Modern toys have some of the most obvious forms of robotics at use. Remote­control cars, planes, and drones allow you to control the robot’s movement in real­time. Sometimes robotics is used in a less obvious way. Vending machines use robotics to decide which snack to dispense based on what buttons you press, and automatic doors open when they sense someone in front of them.

            Even some regular household items use robotics. Toasters use robotics to decide how long to toast the bread, programmable thermostats use robotics to decide when to turn on the furnace, washing machines use robotics to decide when to start the spin cycle, and so on.

            Modern cars use robotics for rear­proximity alerts, to sense a crash and deploy airbags, for anti­lock braking, and much more.

         In manufacturing, robots repeat a task to build a piece of a product, or fill a container with food or drink. Robotics help businesses create their products faster and cheaper!