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 Smithsonian: Destiny in Space
To the Teacher Tasks that are simple for most humans to do, such as opening a book, or replacing a flashlight battery, are quite difficult for most robots because such simple tasks are actually composed of numerous individual steps. For example, when you sign your...
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To the Teacher Tasks that are simple for most humans to do, such as opening a book, or replacing a flashlight battery, are quite difficult for most robots because such simple tasks are actually composed of numerous individual steps. For example, when you sign your name, you pick up a pen, put it on paper, and move it in an intricate series of directions. By sending simple commands to the robot, you become more aware of how complex tasks are made up of many simple steps. Although sophisticated robots can
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http://www.nasm.si.edu/education/pubs/ds_guide.pdf#page=8
www.nasm.si.edu/education/pubs/ds_guide.pdf#page=8
ness of space can be partially <span class="highlight">simulated</span>. They also learn to manipulate tools while wearing bulky suits and gloves. They may even simulate handling the Shuttle’s robotic arm by using <span class="highlight">a</span> device that allows them to see and feel the tool as if they were <span class="highlight">in</span> the Space Shuttle. <span class="highlight">In</span> the future, such training may take place <span class="highlight">in</span> the real environ- ment of space aboard <span class="highlight">a</span> permanently orbiting space station. Some proponents of <span class="highlight">a</span> space station also perceive it as an excellent training platform <span class="highlight">for</span> future trips to Mars. But
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http://www.nasm.si.edu/education/pubs/ds_guide.pdf#page=9
www.nasm.si.edu/education/pubs/ds_guide.pdf#page=9
have been formed by flowing water. Perhaps one day <span class="highlight">a</span> <span class="highlight">robot</span> or <span class="highlight">a</span> paleontologist will uncover fossils <span class="highlight">in</span> those channels. Robots are efficient space explorers because they don’t need to return to Earth, and they don’t require expen- sive life support systems. They do, however, present significant challenges. They must be intricately pro- grammed to perform tasks such as turning or walking, which many of us take <span class="highlight">for</span> granted. (See the activity, “Sending Signals.”) If robots are controlled from <span class="highlight">a</span> remote site
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http://www.nasm.si.edu/education/pubs/ds_guide.pdf#page=44
www.nasm.si.edu/education/pubs/ds_guide.pdf#page=44
To the Teacher Tasks that are simple <span class="highlight">for</span> most humans to do, such as opening <span class="highlight">a</span> book, or replacing <span class="highlight">a</span> flashlight battery, are quite difficult <span class="highlight">for</span> most robots because such simple tasks are actually composed of numerous individual steps. <span class="highlight">For</span> example, when you sign your name, you pick up <span class="highlight">a</span> pen, put it on paper, and move it <span class="highlight">in</span> an intricate series of directions. By sending simple commands to the <span class="highlight">robot</span>, you become more aware of how complex tasks are made up of many simple steps. Although sophisticated robots can
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