Entry 5 - Robots

What is a Robot?

Robots in "I, Robot"

A robot is "a machine capable of carrying out a complex series of actions automatically." (Wikipedia) Robots can do many different things depending on what they are programmed for. They can either be remote controlled or be controlled through programming within their systems. Robots can look very different depending on what their function is or what their creator's preference is. They are primarily used factory jobs or jobs that are considered too dangerous for humans. As technology becomes more advanced, the development of robots has increased greatly. In the future robots will continue to became more advanced and will be able to complete even more tasks.

How this relates to Computer Science

Valkyrie - robot built be NASA

The creation of robots requires a mix of mechanical engineering and computer science. Computer science is used to program the robots into completing their tasks. Robots run on electrical circuits that allow them to move. These computer inside of the robot controls these circuits. Computer science is also used to allow robots to react to their environment, as some robots are able to see and hear. Programming is necessary in order for the robots to sense their environment effectively and react appropriately.

References
1. Harris, Tom. "How Robots Work." HowStuffWorks Science. HowStuffWorks, 16 Apr. 2002. Web.
2. "Robot." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web.

Entry 4 - GPS

What is GPS?
Global Positioning System (GPS) is "a space-based navigation system" that "provides geolocation and time information." (Wikipedia). GPS was originally intended for military use but was opened up to the public. GPS is most commonly used to get directions or find a specific location. What is commonly referred to as a GPS is actually a GPS receiver that uses the GPS satellites to determine its location. GPS satellites have atomic clocks that are synchronized to each other as well as to clocks on Earth. These satellites are continuously transmitting the time and their locations. The job of the GPS receiver is to use these satellites to determine its own location.

How this relates to Computer Science
Computer science is extremely important in GPS because it is needed to program the GPS receiver. In order for the GPS receiver to utilize the GPS satellites, an algorithm is needed. The GPS receiver is able to determine its location through the GPS satellites by a process called trilateration/triangulation. In order to find its location, the GPS receiver first finds the locations of at least four GPS satellites. Three of the satellites are used for coordinates while the other is used to check for deviations in the time. The receiver then uses the information from the satellites to run an algorithm that will produce its location.

References
1. Brain, Marshall and Tom Harris. "How GPS Receivers Work." HowStuffWorks. N.p., 25 Sept. 2006. Web.
2. "Global Positioning System." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. n.d. Web.

Entry 3 - Drones

What are Drones?
A drone is an "aircraft without a human pilot aboard" (Wikipedia). Drones can either be remotely controlled by humans or fly a programmed path set up by computers. They are primarily used for combat purposes by the military and are sent to places which are deemed too dangerous for humans. These drones are used for reconnaissance as well as attacking remote areas. Recently, drone usage has expanded and they are now being sold for recreational purposes. People can now buy drones for aerial photography, filming, etc. Companies are starting to invest in drone usage. Amazon has started using drones to deliver packages and plans to expand its drone usage. Domino's delivers pizza through drones, though only in New Zealand. There are currently more drones used by civilians than there are used in the military. Drone usage has expanded rapidly and will continue to expand as technology becomes more advanced.

How this relates to Computer Science
Computer science is used to make the drone function. Drones utilize GPS functions in order to navigate effectively. The GPS is used to send the drone's location to the controller. Computer scientists program the GPS chips used the drones so that it can rely information effectively and allow the drone to work. Computer science is also used to program the controller which directs the drone. The controller has to be able to control the drone remotely and, depending on the drone, may have to transmit information from the drone back to the controller. Computer scientists have to program the controller accurately in order for the drone to function as planned.

References
1. Pullen, John P. "This is How Drones Work." Time. Time, 03 April 2015. Web.
2. "Unmanned Aerial Vehicle." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web.