Robots: Not the Typical Toys: Green Robotics Articles: Eco20/20

Robots: Not the Typical Toys

Robots have always been related to the children's toys. Many toys that fill the aisles in stores today have some robotic elements to them. Video games, educational toys, and remote and radio controlled cars are a few examples of such innovations. However robotic toys are just for the young, but the young at heart as well. College students across the country build and test robotic models every year and compete with them as well. A bot war is an event that draws more attention every year. Adults build and fight robots in a ring for prizes.

The evolution of toys

Toys have evolved from the wooden pull toys of the 1920's. Now children who normally could not have a pet due to allergies can have a robotic dog or cat all thanks to the robotic pets widely available today. Video games have evolved since the ancient arcade adventures of old; today you can control the movements on the game by actually moving. Of course all video games, ancient and new, are possible because of some robotic technology.

Many toy manufacturers also have developed some sort of robotic educational toy to market fun and learning together. Computer games that focus on teaching reading and math skills use robots. Even the remote/radio controlled cars have evolved. Some can even climb walls. What will come next?

The young innovators

College students pursuing engineering or technology degrees can compete in annual competitions to showcase their talents and win scholarships to improve their ideas. Many innovations have come from those brilliant minds. An example of such radical thinking is the electric car. Not too long ago people thought that such a vehicle was not possible; however car manufacturers are now building these cars. The ideas from these students are also helping to improve the military as well as the environment by reducing waste. Lithium batteries, which are now widely used, are examples of how robotics is reducing waste. Another robotic invention helping the eco friendly movement is solar panels.

Adults are even getting into the popularity of playing with robots. Many people join teams and build robots that then fight for a prize. A few years ago many would think it was absurd, but bot wars are gaining popularity nationally. There are many robotics organizations in communities all over the country. It is not just a man's sport; ladies like it as well. Anyone with a love of technology and competition can compete. Many women even use robots in light housekeeping. Roomba is an example.

Everyone likes robots

Robots are not a new concept. They have been around for years and will continue to so. These are not the typical toys of the past. However, often new and innovative concepts lead to something that becomes a standard later on if popularity grows a demand for such innovations. A few decades ago no one would imagine that robots would be used to entertain and educate. The history of robots has definitively taken a change. A variety of people, from the very young to middle aged men who are still young at heart, enjoy robots. There is no telling what robotic toys will be developed next.

Robotic Toys