Why Can Some Robots Work in Total Darkness?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why can some robots work in total darkness?

The Big Idea

Some robots can work in total darkness because they make their own signals! They send out light, sound, or radio waves, and read the echoes. Touch sensors work in the dark, too.

Lidar

Step one: lidar. Lidar sends out its own tiny pulses of light, and measures how long they take to bounce back. It does not need the room to be bright.

Sound Echoes

Step two: sound. Ultrasonic sensors send out sounds too high for people to hear. The robot measures the echo, like a bat does.

Infrared and Touch

Step three: infrared and touch. Infrared sensors use invisible light, and touch sensors simply feel. Together they let robots work in caves, pipes, mines, and at night.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! Lidar sends light and reads the bounce. Ultrasonic sensors send sound and listen for the echo. Infrared sensors use invisible light and heat. Touch sensors feel things directly. Each one makes its own light or sound, and reads what comes back.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Bats use echoes to find insects in the dark. Dolphins also use sound to see underwater. Many cars use these sensors to park safely. Move slowly in the dark, and keep a grown-up with you.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! In a dim room with a grown-up, find three objects using only touch and sound. List the senses you used. Which robot sensors work in the same way? Never walk in the dark alone.

Outro

Robots make their own light or sound and read the echoes. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!