When Robots When Robots Attack!Attack!

Presented by:Presented by:

N. Eric HeiseltN. Eric Heiselt

Director, K-12 OutreachDirector, K-12 Outreach

Bagley College of EngineeringBagley College of Engineering

Mississippi State UniversityMississippi State University

MAGCMAGC 20122012

What is a Robot?• Dating back to ancient texts, humans have sought a mechanic or non-human

assistant to accomplish tasks that may be difficult, repetitive or unpleasant.• Starting with early Golems and predicted to artificial intelligence, the idea of

a non-living assistant has always been a part of humanities imagination.• The first robot was introduced onstage in 1921 in Prague, Czech Republic,

during a Karl Capek play entitled Rossum's Universal Robots. • Robots in your household:• Robots in industry:• Robots in this room:• Other terminology

– Autonomous– Self-directed

Robots in the classroom?• STEM curriculum

– Math – most advanced robots programming has a basis in mathematical reasoning.

– Science – generally identified within physical science (torque, movement is gears, levers, other simple machines), electricity, and more.

– Technology – the data storage involved in programming– Engineering – the design and problem solving portions

• Social studies– Look at the historical context– Science fiction (futurism)

• Language– Writing about their planning and discover– Creative writing

Applications• Simple reactionary application robots

– Artistic Robots– Dancing Robots– Mechanical Hands

• Programs– LEGO Robotics

• FIRST• FLL• NXT

– VEX Robotics– SeaPerch Robotics– BEST Robotics

LEGO

• MSU & the College of Engineering do NOT host any sort of LEGO programs.

• Please contact Randall Hicks at Stennis for this. He is great.

• LEGO Robots can be used far beyond the competition cycle.

• Teachengineering.org is a great website with multiple applications.

SeaPerch Robotics• Underwater Robots

– Originated at MIT• Currently sponsored by Stennis and MSU

– Elementary Level – Stennis– Secondary Level – MSU

• Content includes:– Buoyancy/Density– Propulsion– Marine exploration

• Teacher training & Student build• Content research• Competition• National level only for grades 7-12• Website: SeaPerch.org

BEST Robotics• BEST (Boosting Engineering, Science and Technology) Robotics

– Middle and High School teams– Design robots from inception to production– STEM research – Corporate design

• Competitions– October 27, Armstrong Middle School, Starkville

Lesson Plans to get you started

• Create-a-Critter• Artistic Robots

Classroom Resources

• The College of Engineering Website - www.bagley.msstate.edu/outreach/• SeaPerch South - http://www.bagley.msstate.edu/outreach/seaperch-

south/• SeaPerch National – www.seaperch.org• MSBEST – www.msbest.msstate.edu• BEST Robotics – www.bestinc.org• Engineering Lesson Plans for all age groups & includes multiple applications

for LEGO mindstorms – far beyond competition – www.teachengineering.org