Grade 4-8-From insect-sized mechanisms to those that explore outer space, this book looks at the latest trends in robotics. Each chapter discusses a different type of device designed for a unique purpose. Sonenklar does an excellent job of explaining the various approaches in the field and how they have produced a wide range of mechanical beings. There are robots that find and detonate bombs, those that are being taught to think for themselves, and even tiny robodoctors that perform surgery and a robopike that mimics the behavior of a real fish. Sufficiently well organized for reports, this book is also interesting enough for general browsing. It is liberally sprinkled with black-and-white computer-generated illustrations and includes a list of Web sites for information on building your own robot. A fine update to any collection.
Yapha Nussbaum Mason, Brentwood Lower School, Los Angeles
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Using simple, direct text, Sonenklar surveys the current state of robotics for middle-grade readers. After defining robots as machines with computers inside them, she describes several types in production today, including devices used to collect data at dangerous or remote sites; gadgets shaped like insects, fish, or bats; miniaturized ones that assist in medical procedures; and humanoid automatons that aspire to artificial intelligence. A final chapter discusses robot competitions. Short chapters, large print, and frequent black-and-white illustrations make the format appealing, and the lively text will attract browsers as well as young researchers. A good introduction to a continually changing part of science. Web sites, a glossary, and a bibliography are appended. Kay Weisman
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