Bots and Bods

February 15, 2021
Grades 4-6 This colorfully illustrated book briefly describes the differences between humans and robots and emphasizes where one is superior to the other. A chapter compares the functions of a human body to those of a robot, highlighting how robots can do jobs that are too routine, dangerous, or intricate for humans to do (e.g., driverless cars and buses and their potential dangers). Additional chapters discuss movement, senses, and emotion in humans and robots. Human superiority over robots is specified, especially in terms of the self-awareness humans have that robots lack. Future uses for robots round out the book, such as in intricate surgeries or building satellites in space. Each chapter has boxed sections that pose interesting critical-thinking questions, trivia with indexed answers, or suggested activities. The book doesn't go into great depth, but the content is fun and engaging and will appeal to young readers interested in science and robotics.

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March 1, 2021

Gr 4-6-This illustrated nonfiction title provides an orderly journey through various systems within humans and robots. The text discusses how the human body works in relation to movement, senses, and intelligence, then explains to what degree robotics can imitate those abilities. Historical tidbits such as the first use of the word robot or the earliest known prosthesis are featured. Text boxes ask interesting questions (answered in the back matter), offer ideas for activities (such as charging a cell phone with bananas), or describe a "Fantastic Fact." Amusing art depicts humans and robots interacting. Diagrams show human brains and computer processors, or how muscles differ from cables and actuators. Whether readers are interested in how robots generally work or how they resemble humans in particular, there are plenty of details to satisfy their curiosity. The table of contents and index allow readers to easily find specific topics, including nanorobotics, biomimetics, and space exploration. Modern innovations such as self-driving cars and deep-sea exploration are covered as well as the future of surgical robots and robotically piloted airplanes. VERDICT A fairly comprehensive introduction to robotics, and a good update to collections.-Suzanne Costner, Fairview Elem. Sch., Maryville, TN

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