Skip to main content

Make robots smarter - Ayanna Howard

65,451 Views

12,879 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

There are three major rules that we want our robots to follow: do not harm a human, obey us, and protect us. The prerequisite for these rules? We need to make robots smarter. Ayanna Howard explains how robots can become smarter (hint: it is related to how smart we humans are).

Additional Resources for you to Explore

A robot is a mechanical or virtual artificial agent, usually an electro-mechanical machine that is guided by a computer program or electronic circuitry. Robots can be autonomous, semi-autonomous, or remotely controlled and range from humanoids, such as ASIMO and TOPIO, to Nano robots, 'swarm' robots, and industrial robots.Mars rover is an automated motor vehicle which propels itself across the surface of the planet Mars after landing.This is a clip from How Do They Do It documenting assembly line robot arms.Robots are used in many important health endeavors too. Surgical robotics is the application of advanced technology to minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and open surgery training and procedures. The research is focused on following trusts: surgical robots, teleoperation, objective assessment of surgical performance, simulation, and the biomechanics of soft tissue that are related MIS and open procedures. Some organizations exist for the betterment and protection of robots. The goal of IFRR is to promote the development of robotics as a scientific field establishing the theoretical foundations and technology basis for its ever-expanding applications, with emphasis on its potential role to benefit humans. The Foundation was formally established in 1986 following the success of a series of pioneering symposia that were conceived to provide the emerging community with a forum entirely devoted to all areas of robotics research.Robots are found in popular culture. Here are two movies that include robots as a central character:I, Robot: In 2035, anthropomorphic robots enjoy widespread use as servants for various public services. They are programmed with the Three Laws of Robotics directives.Flubber: Weebo is a floating robot in yellow, black and gray, serving as Brainard's assistant. She has eyes that have a different shape and possesses light. When she expresses, she shows segments of many actions and feelings from her LCD screen when it opens.

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Speaker Ayanna Howard

More from How Things Work