Lesson: History of Robots

Here’s a script starting from the Preliminary Activities:

A. Preliminary Activities
Teacher:
"Good morning, class! I hope everyone is doing well today. Let’s start our day with a
prayer. Please stand and bow your heads."
(Pause for prayer)
"Thank you. Please take your seats."
Teacher (checking attendance):
"Now, let me check the attendance. When I call your name, kindly raise your hand."
(Call names)
"Thank you. Everyone is present. Now, let’s get started with today’s lesson!"

B. Review

"Last time, we discussed what robots are and their basic functions. Can anyone remind me
what a robot is?"
(Pause for answers)
"Great answers! Yes, robots are machines designed to perform tasks, sometimes replacing
human effort."

"Today, we’re going to learn more about the history of robots and how they changed over time.
By the end of the lesson, you’ll be able to tell the difference between robot generations and see
how each one became better."

C. Motivation

Teacher:
"Close your eyes for a moment and imagine having your own robot. What would it do for you?
Clean your room? Help with homework? Cook your meals? Amazing, right?"
(Pause for responses.)

"Robots today are so advanced, but they didn’t start that way. Let’s explore how they evolved
and became the intelligent machines we know!"

Teacher:
"Has anyone seen robots in movies? Like Wall-E, Baymax, or Transformers? Awesome!"
(Show pictures of robots)
"Which robot do you think is the most famous? Why?"
"Now, let me ask you this: What do you think 'robot generations' mean?"
(Pause for responses)
"Great answers! Let’s learn more about this."

D. Lesson Proper

Teacher:
"Today, we’re going to talk about the history of robots, how they started, and how they evolved
over time. By the end of the lesson, you will be able to classify robots based on their
generations and understand how each generation became more advanced."

Teacher:
"Robots have evolved through four main generations. Let’s watch a short video that explains
these generations. As you watch, think about the key features of each generation."
(Play video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4DkfKALnag)

"Now, let’s discuss what you learned from the video."

"First Generation robots were simple mechanical arms. They were like tools that could move
but needed human control—like a basic robotic assistant." (Show visual of 1st Gen robot)
"Second Generation robots got smarter—they had sensors! This meant they could sense their
environment and act accordingly."
(Show visual of 2nd Gen robot)

"Third Generation robots became common in industries. They could assemble, paint, and move
things efficiently."
(Show visual of 3rd Gen robot)

"Finally, Fourth Generation robots are the most advanced. They use AI to think and learn,
adapting to new situations."
(Show visual of 4th Gen robot)

Teacher:
"Alright, class! Today, we’re going to play an exciting flashcard activity to test your knowledge
about robot generations! First, I’ll divide you into three groups. (Divide the class into three
groups.)

Each group will take turns matching robot features—like sensors or mechanical arms—to the
correct generation of robots. I’ll show you a flashcard, and your group needs to give the answer
as quickly as possible!

Here’s how the scoring works:

 The first group to answer correctly gets 15 points.

 The second group gets 10 points.
 The third group gets 5 points.

E. Deepen

Teacher:
"Now, let's move on to classifying robots by generation. We’ve learned that robots evolved over
time, and each generation has its own unique features and abilities. The key to classifying
robots is understanding these differences and how they progressed from simple machines to
the advanced, intelligent robots we see today."

Discussion:

 First-Generation Robots:
"These robots were the simplest and were mostly used for repetitive tasks. They were
usually controlled by humans and didn't have any advanced features. They were just
mechanical arms, like those used in car manufacturing."
 Second-Generation Robots:
"The next generation of robots introduced sensors, which allowed robots to detect and
respond to their environment. These robots could do more complex tasks, like exploring new
areas or picking up objects without human control."
 Fourth-Generation Robots:
"Fourth-generation robots are the most advanced. These robots use artificial intelligence
(AI), which allows them to think, learn, and adapt. They can make decisions on their own
and perform tasks that require problem-solving."

Activity:

Teacher:
"Let’s apply what we’ve learned by completing this activity. In a moment, I will show you some
descriptions of robots, and your job is to match them with the correct generation. I’ll give you
10 minutes to complete this, so read carefully."

(Provide the table on the board or as handouts for the students)

 Activity 1: Match the following robots to their generation:

Description Generation
Industrial arm used for welding First Generation
Robot with advanced AI for decision- Fourth
making Generation
Second
Sensor-based robot for exploration
Generation
Basic manipulator arm for assembly First Generation

Teacher:
"Take your time to think about each description. Once you’re done, we’ll go over the answers
together."

Closing:
"Once everyone is finished, we’ll review your answers and discuss why each robot fits into the
generation you chose.

E. Activity

Teacher:
"Let’s test your understanding. I’ll read a description, and you’ll tell me which robot generation
it belongs to."

(Read descriptions, students respond with 1st Gen, 2nd Gen, etc.)

"Great! Let’s move to the next activity. Form groups and match the robot pictures to their
correct generation. The fastest group wins!"

F. Generalization

Teacher:
"Robots have come a long way, from simple manipulators to intelligent machines. Each
generation brought innovations that changed industries and our daily lives."

"Why do you think it’s important to understand the evolution of robots?"

(Pause for responses)

"Exactly! Understanding history helps us appreciate how technology improves and impacts our
lives."

G. Closing and Assignment

Teacher:
"Good job, everyone! For your assignment, research a robot from any generation, draw it, and
label its features. Be ready to share next time."

"That’s it for today. See you in the next class!"

Would you like adjustments to the script?

Transfer….
Teacher: "Now that we’ve learned all about the different generations of robots, let’s think about how
robots are used in our daily lives or in different industries. Can anyone share an example of a robot they
know, like one that helps clean the house or works in a factory?"
(Pause for responses)
"Great! Now, I’d like you to think about one robot and how it helps make life easier or work more efficient. It
could be a robot you’ve seen at home, in a movie, or in a place like a hospital or factory. Take a few minutes
to write a short paragraph about it."
(Pause as students write)
"Once you’ve finished writing, we’ll have some volunteers share their ideas with the class."

Firm Up: Discussion Questions

After the flashcard activity, you can engage the students in a discussion to deepen their understanding.
Here’s a breakdown of how to approach the discussion:

1. What distinguishes first-generation robots from later ones?

 Expected Answer: First-generation robots, often referred to as "The First Manipulators," were
primarily mechanical arms designed for specific tasks like assembly and basic manipulation. They
were relatively simple in function and could perform precise motions, but they lacked the ability to
adapt or make decisions on their own. In contrast, later generations, particularly the second and
third, incorporated more advanced features like sensors and AI, enabling robots to work more
autonomously and intelligently.

2. How do intelligent robots (4th Gen) differ from sensorized robots (2nd Gen)?
 Expected Answer: Second-generation robots were primarily distinguished by the integration of
sensors, allowing them to interact with their environment more effectively. They could operate
autonomously, synchronizing with other robots and adapting to certain conditions. However, they
were still limited by the sensors’ capabilities. In contrast, fourth-generation robots (Intelligent
Robots) incorporate advanced AI systems that allow them to learn from experiences and make
decisions based on reasoning. They also feature more sophisticated sensors and can perform more
complex tasks in dynamic environments.

Visual Summary of Each Generation

To help solidify the concepts, you can summarize the characteristics of each robot generation using visuals
(either on the board, using slides, or printed handouts). Below is an example of what this might look like:

1st Generation (The First Manipulators):

 Visual: An image of a basic mechanical arm.
 Characteristics:
o Simple, mechanical movements.

o Remote control and pre-programmed tasks.

o Used for repetitive tasks in controlled environments.

2nd Generation (The Sensorized Robots):

 Visual: A robot equipped with sensors.
 Characteristics:
o Sensors for interaction with the environment.

o Limited autonomy, can adapt to certain stimuli.

o Used in industries for automation, with some level of coordination.

3rd Generation (The Industrial Robots):
 Visual: An industrial robot performing tasks like painting or assembly.
 Characteristics:
o Specialized for industrial tasks such as assembly, welding, or painting.

o High precision and speed.

o Can operate continuously in industrial settings.

4th Generation (The Intelligent Robots):

 Visual: A robot with AI capabilities (such as a humanoid or autonomous vehicle).
 Characteristics:
o Advanced AI for learning, decision-making, and reasoning.

o Highly adaptable, capable of learning from experiences.

o Used in dynamic environments like healthcare, research, and service industries.

By using these visuals and questions, students can better grasp the progression of robot technology across
generations.

Here’s a detailed breakdown and examples for each generation of robots, as well as how you can use
visuals to explain them:

First Generation Robots:

Explanation:
"First Generation robots were simple mechanical arms. They were like... well, tools that could move but
needed human control."
These robots were essentially automated tools that could perform specific, repetitive tasks such as picking
up objects or placing them in specific locations. However, they didn’t "think" on their own—they only
followed commands that humans provided.
Example:
A real-world example is the first industrial robot, Unimate. This robot was created in the 1960s and was
used in the General Motors factory for tasks like moving heavy parts. Unimate could pick up car parts and
place them in the assembly line but required a human operator to control its movements.
Visual:
Show an image of an industrial robotic arm like Unimate—a simple, rigid arm with limited motion and no
interaction with the environment.

Second Generation Robots:

Explanation:
"Second Generation robots got smarter—they had sensors! This meant they could sense their environment
and act accordingly."
These robots could now "sense" things around them—like distance, temperature, or pressure. The sensors
allowed them to detect changes in their environment and make decisions based on that information. While
they still required programming, they were far more versatile than first-generation robots.
Example:
An example would be robots used in automated warehouses or agriculture, where robots can sense
obstacles or detect the ripeness of fruit. One such robot is the KUKA industrial robot that integrates
sensors to adjust its actions in real time, such as handling delicate objects.
Visual:
Show an image of a modern robotic arm with sensors, perhaps used in manufacturing or agriculture, which
can sense objects and adapt its movement based on its surroundings.

Third Generation Robots:

Explanation:
"Third Generation robots became common in industries. They could assemble, paint, and move things
efficiently."
By this generation, robots became more autonomous. They weren’t just tools operated by humans—they
were integrated into complex systems in factories and industries, handling tasks like painting cars or
assembling electronic devices. Third-generation robots were capable of repeating tasks quickly and
accurately, often in large numbers.
Example:
One example is the robotic arms in automotive assembly lines. These robots are used in the
production of vehicles, handling tasks like welding, assembling parts, and painting. They are extremely fast
and precise, ensuring that every car produced is the same.
Visual:
Show an image of a robotic arm working on an automotive production line, performing tasks like welding or
assembly, highlighting its efficiency and speed.

Fourth Generation Robots:

Explanation:
"Finally, Fourth Generation robots are the most advanced. They use AI to think and learn, adapting to new
situations."
The most advanced robots use artificial intelligence (AI) to learn from their environment and make
decisions independently. These robots can handle complex tasks that require problem-solving and
adaptability, such as navigating a room or identifying objects. They can learn from experiences, which
makes them highly flexible in dynamic environments.
Example:
A good example of this is the Boston Dynamics robot, Spot, which is a four-legged robot equipped with
AI. Spot can autonomously navigate different terrains, detect obstacles, and even perform tasks like
opening doors or picking up objects. This level of autonomy allows Spot to be used in various applications,
from industrial inspections to search-and-rescue operations.
Visual:
Show an image of a robot like Boston Dynamics' Spot, which moves autonomously, detects its
environment, and makes decisions based on its surroundings. This visual highlights its advanced AI
capabilities.

Summary:
 First Generation: Basic, mechanical robots that follow commands (like tools). Example: Unimate,
an industrial robot.
 Second Generation: Robots with sensors that can sense their environment and adapt their actions.
Example: KUKA robots with sensors for assembly lines.
 Third Generation: Robots used in industries, capable of handling tasks like painting and assembly.
Example: Robots on automotive production lines.
 Fourth Generation: Advanced robots with AI, capable of learning, reasoning, and adapting.
Example: Boston Dynamics' Spot robot.
By using these explanations and visuals, students will better understand how robot technology has evolved
over time, from simple mechanical devices to advanced AI-powered machines capable of independent
decision-making.