Humans Are Like Robots

Four lessons related to robots and people present students with life sciences concepts related to the human body (including brain, nervous systems and muscles), introduced through engineering devices and subjects (including computers, actuators, electricity and sensors), via hands-on LEGO® robot activities. Students learn what a robot is and how it works, and then the similarities and differences between humans and robots.

A major aspect of biological engineering and neuroscience is the ability to see the human body as a functioning, controlled system, similar to a robot. More and more findings show that mathematical principles similar to those used in robotics are extremely useful or even necessary for a complete understanding of the human body. In the fields of biological engineering and systems neurobiology, engineers are becoming more involved in human body research and efforts to replicate the functioning of many of its systems. Electrical circuits, motors, gears and controls are all taught in the electrical, mechanical, instrumentation and control, and biomedical engineering disciplines.