Prerequisites:

1. Safety. Do each of the following:

(a) Explain to your counselor the most likely hazards you may encounter while working with robots and what you should do to anticipate, mitigate and prevent, and respond to these hazards. Describe the appropriate safety gear and clothing that should be used when working with robotics.

(b) Discuss first aid and prevention for the types of injuries that could occur while participating in robotics activities and competitions, including cuts, eye injuries, and burns (chemical or heat).

2. Robotics Industry. Discuss the following with your counselor:

(a) The kinds of things robots can do and how robots are best used today.

(b) The similarities and differences between remote-control vehicles, telerobots, and autonomous robots.

(c) Three different methods robots can use to move themselves other than wheels or tracks. Describe when it would be appropriate to use each method.

3. General Knowledge. Discuss with your counselor three of the five major fields of robotics (human-robot interface, mobility, manipulation, programming, sensors) and their importance to robotics development. Discuss either the three fields as they relate to a single robot system OR talk about each field in general. Find pictures or at least one video to aid your discussion.

6. Competitions. Do ONE of the following.

(a) Attend a robotics competition and report to your counselor what you saw and learned about the competition and how teams are organized and managed.

(b) Learn about three youth robotics competitions. Tell your counselor about these, including the type of competition, time commitment, age of the participants, and how many teams are involved.

7. Careers. Name three career opportunities in robotics. Pick one and find out the education, training, and experience required for this profession. Discuss this with your counselor, and explain why this profession might interest you.

Note: It would be helpful if each scout uses the robotics merit badge workbook to document their research before coming to class.