Book 15, Question 3
Why Is a Toaster Not a Robot but a Robot Vacuum Is?
A toaster does the same thing no matter what, but a robot vacuum looks around and chooses! A toaster follows a timer or a heat setting. A vacuum senses and decides, and that is what makes it a robot.
More fun facts
- A robot is a machine that can do a task automatically using a built-in computer and a program.
- Robots sense things about what is around them.
- Robots also interact with the things around them.
- A robot vacuum cleaner can clean your floors automatically.
- Simple robot technology is found in toys, vacuum cleaners, lawn mowers, alarm clocks and smart security cameras.
- The word robot can mean different kinds of machines to different people and industries.
Sources: Science News Explores, U.S. Department of Energy, BBC
Questions kids ask
What makes a machine a robot?
A robot does a task automatically using a built-in computer and a program. It senses what is around it and interacts with those things.