Robots: From Everyday to Out of This World

by YES Mag

The word 'robot' may remind us of science fiction, but robots today are a science fact. Their role in our lives is growing all the time. The authors of the acclaimed and bestselling Fantastic Feats and Failures and Science Detectives present a detailed look at robots yesterday, today and in the future. See robots at work (and play) in homes, factories, wrestling rings, sewers, hospitals, oceans and outer space. Learn about their many different shapes, sizes and uses and meet robots who do dangerous and dirty jobs, help perform surgery, look like us, show emotion like us and much more. Did you know? In the 1700s, a Swiss craftsman and his son built a mechanical boy who could write short messages. Robo soccer is the most popular robotic sport. Robopets can purr, sleep, play games and even tell jokes. The Amphibot can swim by snaking its body back and forth, then hit the shore and start walking. The humanlike robot ASIMO can balance on one foot while kicking a soccer ball.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science

Library Binding

First published September 1, 2008

Reviews

[Canadian Children's Book Centre]

Robots: From Everyday to Out of this World, presents an in-depth look at robots from the past, present and future. Emphasis is placed upon the evolution of robots from characters of science fiction to labour saving devices. A comprehensive timeline humorously titled “From Wooden Cogs to Working Robots” outlines the various historical figures who attempted to create robots themselves. Readers learn about the various sizes, shapes and uses of robots and are shown examples of robots being used in homes, factories, sewers, oceans and outer space. They are also introduced to robots that perform dangerous and dirty jobs such as disarming explosives, conducting research and performing surgery. This informative book contains interesting content, stunning photos and amusing artwork. It not only educates readers, but entertains them as well. Readers learn a great deal of information about robots and androids while being presented with familiar fictional characters such as R2-D2 from Star Wars and Sonny from the movie I, Robot. Overall, this exciting non-fiction resource will grab the attention of both boys and girls alike.

Reviewed by Trevor Froates in Canadian Children's Book News
Fall 2008 VOL.31 NO.4

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

MSBA Nominee 2009-2010

I'm now afraid I will not be able to tell the difference between humans and robots.

[Abraham Ray · Rating 3 out of 5]

good book for those that like robots.

[Tristan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really cool and just right for my reading level.

[to'c · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes the best way to catch up with a subject is to read a kid's book about it. And so I did. Would have helped too, if the book wasn't 9 years old! But, still, it was enjoyable and I picked up a thing or two. A reader in its intended age group would pick up even more and perhaps even enough of an interest to play in the field!