NCompass Live - September 25, 2019 http://nlc.nebraska.gov/NCompassLive/ New special monthly episodes of NCompass Live! Join the NLC’s Technology Innovation Librarian, Amanda Sweet, as she guides us through the world of library-related Pretty Sweet Tech. Robots have been relatively popular in library makerspaces and after school programs. But do we really know what a robot is and why we need robots in the world? Can librarians tackle robotics? If we’re going to teach robotics, this information can be helpful. This session will cover the following topics: •What is a robot? •How are they being used in the world? •Robots inspired by fiction and other fields •Which coding concepts can be learned from a toy robot? •Good robots to use in your library makerspace •Pros and cons to teaching robotics in the library I’ve been teaching Lego Mindstorms EV3 for a few years now and have learned a great deal during the process. A great deal of this presentation also comes from consulting experts in the field at conferences, reading articles from technology-based organizations like the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), various TED talks, and a variety of other sources. Hopefully this inspires your library to pick up a robot and start playing!

1. Can Librarians Teach Robotics Handout Nebraska Library Commission
Amanda Sweet Technology Innovation Librarian amanda.sweet@nebraska.gov
Who is Learning, any Why?
As you consider adding robotics to your library’s offerings, consider who would be using the kit, and
what they would like to learn and be able to do with the new information. When you know who is
interested in robotics, and why, it’s easier to choose an appropriate learning tool or resource listing.
Robotics can be for kids or adults of all ages. It’s hard to learn something if you don’t know it exists.
Possible Reasons to Learn
 Exposure to engineering and design
 Exposure to “coding” principles
 Address fears and concerns about the future
 Show how technology impacts the world
 Demonstrate people-centered design
 Reskilling workers in changing climate
What is a Robot?
“A robot is an autonomous machine capable of sensing its environment, carrying out computations to
make decisions, and performing actions in the real world” (Institute of Electrical and Electronics
Engineers, https://robots.ieee.org/learn/).
“Well it [a robot] is a system that contains sensors, control systems, manipulators, power
supplies and software all working together to perform a task” (Galileo Educational Network,
https://www.galileo.org/robotics/intro.html).
Essentially, robots have the following characteristics:
 Sense surrounds and environment
 Move within the environment
 Energy source to power the robot
 “Intelligence” to complete programmed tasks
Sensors
Robots can have a variety of different sensors to help it interact with the environment. Many of these
sensors overlap with Internet of Things devices, which can collect data using sensors in various devices,
including robots. Sensors can detect light, sound, temperature, contact, proximity, distance, pressure,
tilt, navigation/position, acceleration, and orientation in space, voltage, gas level, humidity, and more.
Energy Sources
Most robots in the library will be powered by battery. However, start thinking about alternative energy
sources like solar, wind, thermal, nuclear, electric, fuel, and biofuel.
The Renewable Resources Coalition provides a list of 11 Different Sources of Alternative Energy:
https://www.renewableresourcescoalition.org/alternative-energy-sources/.

2. Can Librarians Teach Robotics Handout Nebraska Library Commission
Amanda Sweet Technology Innovation Librarian amanda.sweet@nebraska.gov
What is a Robot Exercise
Watch this video of the iRobot Roomba vacuum robot:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&v=Yf8MuJUGLlI
Ask these questions: How does the robot move? How is the robot powered? How does it navigate and
sense the environment? Look at examples of robots and observe how they work. Look at videos of older
vacuum robots and look at how they changed over time to suit the needs of people.
Robots in the Real World
Robots are found in every industry on the planet. There are robots in space, helping in disasters, used in
education, to help the disabled, military application, industrial, medical, and more.
Find a detailed list with images and examples here: https://robots.ieee.org/learn/types-of-robots/.
Coding/ Design/ Ethics Resources
W3 Schools Python Coding Concepts: https://www.w3schools.com/python/
Raspberry Pi Teaching Physical Computing:
https://www.futurelearn.com/invitations/ncce/physical-computing-raspberry-pi-
python/hbdic3dvw16h4xbj2d6nttg4ktp8vdz
Queensland University of Technology, Intro. to Robotics:
https://www.futurelearn.com/programs/robotics
Galileo, Design Process: https://www.galileo.org/robotics/design.html
Robot Kits for Adults & High School Students
Vex Robotics https://www.vexrobotics.com/vexiq/education/iq-curriculum
Lego Mindstorms EV3 (Python or block coding support): https://education.lego.com/en-
us/support/mindstorms-ev3/python-for-ev3
Cue (JavaScript or block coding support): https://www.makewonder.com/robots/cue/explore/
Raspberry Pi: https://www.raspberrypi.org/
Robot Kits for Kids
Dash by Make Wonder (6+): https://www.makewonder.com/robots/dash/
Ozobot (6+): Pair art with robots. This friendly robot follows a colored line and can turn when it
recognizes different colors. Challenge kids to build and navigate a maze. https://ozobot.com/
Because Learning (K-12): Arduino based projects https://lessons.becauselearning.com/
Lego Boost or EV3 Mindstorms: Boost is for absolute beginners; EV3 is a more expensive, advanced set
for intermediate to advanced. https://education.lego.com/en-us/downloads/mindstorms-
ev3/curriculum