Zoobots: Wild Robots Inspired by Real Animals

Becker, Helaine

ISBN 10: 1554539714 / ISBN 13: 9781554539710

Published by Kids Can Press, 2014

This book is in excellent condition. There may be minimal writing on the inside cover or cover page. Cover image on the book may vary from photo. Ships out quickly in a secure plastic mailer. Seller Inventory # RDV.1554539714.VG

Synopsis:

Innovations in the world of robotics are multiplying, with many cutting-edge breakthroughs, and this exciting and timely new book for young readers explores one particularly intriguing area: the world of robo-animals, or zoobots. In an attempt to design robots that can solve problems or perform tasks that humans can't, or just can't do easily, roboticists have been looking at the unique skills some animals have. Using something called mechatronics --- mechanical and electrical engineering combined with computer science --- they are finding ways to closely mirror those skills in robot form. Some fascinating examples from the book of what zoobots can do include: finding survivors of a fire using sensitive, computerized "whiskers"; scaling skyscraper walls using super stickiness; or delivering drugs deep within the human body using microscopic whiptails for locomotion. Twelve zoobots are described, each on its own two-page spread.Award-winning children's author Helaine Becker's text is comprehensive, yet clear and lively, and is made more manageable by being broken up into shorter segments. The futuristic design of the book includes vivid, detailed color illustrations by Alex Ries, of both the zoobot prototypes as well as the animals from which their skills were derived. This imaginative and interesting nonfiction book will definitely capture the imaginations of technology buffs. It also has enormous potential for classroom use in exploring everything from basic technology and robots, to engineering concepts, to inventions. A glossary and an index make it work well as a wonderful reference tool.

About the Author: Helaine Becker is an award-winning children's author. She has written over seventy books, including the #1 Canadian National Bestseller, A Porcupine in a Pine Tree. She lives in Toronto, Ontario.

Bibliographic Details

Title: Zoobots: Wild Robots Inspired by Real Animals
Publisher: Kids Can Press
Publication Date: 2014
Binding: Hardcover
Illustrator: Ries, Alex
Condition: very_good