Bots and Bods: How Robots and Humans Work, from the Inside Out

by John Andrews

Overview

What do humans and robots have in common? Find out in this intriguing illustrated nonfiction book that encourages kids to discover their inner robot.

Bots and Bods is an illustrated guide for kids looking to explore anatomy and technology and how they're related. How do we both move or sense the world? How does robot intelligence compare to our own? Middle-grade readers will find these answers and more among the four sections:

• Body structures
• Muscle and movement
• Senses and sensors
• Thinking and feeling

An accessible guide with exciting illustrations, fun facts, and special feature spreads about robots in the real world explains why “bots” can sometimes do a better job than “bods” and vice versa.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781524862756
Publisher:	Andrews McMeel Publishing
Publication date:	03/02/2021
Pages:	96
Product dimensions:	7.50(w) x 9.60(h) x 0.40(d)
Lexile:	1000L (what's this?)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

John Andrews is a bod, not a bot. He has edited and written dozens of adult and children’s books on history, sports, music, science, and a host of other subjects. His recent published work includes Timeline of World History and The Beautiful Game: The Infographic Book of Soccer.

Table of Contents

Introduction 6

Chapter 1 Body Basics

Almost Human 10

Baby Bods 12

Bony Bits 14

Outer Layers 16

Arms and Shoulders 18

Hands and Fingers 20

Robots Making Things 22

Legs and Feet 24

Head and Neck 26

Chest and Back 28

Part Bod, Part Bot 30

Tiny but Mighty 32

Chapter 2 Get Moving

Muscles and Motors 36

Sending Signals 38

Security Bots 40

Power and Energy 42

What a Waste 44

Walking and Running 46

Fastest Bots and Bods 48

Bot Travel 50

Chapter 3 Seeing And Sensing

Fingers and Touch 54

Eyes and Vision 56

Robots in the Home 58

Ears and Hearing 60

Keeping Balanced 62

Voice and Speech 64

Taste and Smell 66

Robots in Space 68

Chapter 4 Thinking And Feeling

Brains of All Kinds 72

How Brains Work 74

Doctor Bot 76

Mind and Memory 78

Getting Emotional 80

Who's the Smartest? 82

Bot Explorers 84

Bodiless Bots 86

Bots and Us-the Future 88

Answers 90

Index 92

Picture Credits 96

Editorial Reviews

03/01/2021

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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