ROBOTS ‘R US

 
  1. A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
  2. A robot must obey the orders given it by human beings, except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
  3. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Laws
Isaac Asimov laid out his Three Laws of Robotics more than 70 years ago, when we feared these potentially destructive man-made creatures. Today we are less fearful, though no less sure they mean our ruin. However, Tuesday we saw the other side of the coin as a seemingly simple robot stacked two different types of containers three high. Simple, right? Not a chance.
This robot was the creative endeavor of a group of Science and Math students from Central High School’s FIRST Robotics team – The Raptors 1711. And this non-threatening machine amazed in its manipulation Their robotic creation landed them 8th in the world having competed against 607 teams from 40 counties, and winning their division medal! An incredible accomplishment and honor for each of these students, their teachers, Central High School and Traverse City.
Jayne Mohr introduced John Failor, a Math teacher at Central, who launched the program and Tom McGinty, a software specialist, who coached the team. Then we met the students who made my jaw drop, as they showed there robot in action.
The experience and excitement these young people shared for their achievement, their colleagues and peers and their future said it all on Tuesday afternoon. The three laws held firm, and we expect to see these people leading us into a future full of great promise. Go Raptors 1711.