This Issue:

Table of Contents

Cover Story

Grades 2-3

The New Robots

It was an exciting night at the Detroit Symphony. A special guest was joining the orchestra. The conductor lifted both arms. Music began to play. The audience was amazed. Why? The conductor was a robot!

Its name is ASIMO. It is one of many robots being built to do some jobs for humans.

Robot Nation

Japan has more robots than any other country. In one hospital, robots help out in the waiting room. They greet patients and give directions. "Robots won't ever be doctors," says hospital worker Naoya Narita. "But they can be guides."

Working Machines

Since the 1960s, robots have been doing jobs that are too boring or too dangerous for people. They put together cars. They milk cows. Unlike ASIMO, these machines do not look like humans.

Now, many robots are starting to look more like people. Trevor Blackwell built a dish-washing robot called Monty. It is as tall as a person. It has human-like hands.

Will the robots of the future look like machines or people? Either way, Blackwell is happy to let them do the chores. "I'd rather have a robot do dishes," he says. Wouldn't you?

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