Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 2
Robots & Society
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Robots & Society
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Ghana app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Subject: Robotics
Class: SHS 2
Term: 1st Term
Week: 6
Grade code: 2.1.1.LI.2
Strand code: 1
Sub-strand code: 1
Content standard code: 2.1.1.CS.1
Indicator code: 2.1.1.LI.2
Theme: Principles of Robotic Systems
Subtheme: Robots & Society
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As Ghana continues to develop, we are seeing more automation and robotics in our industries, from agriculture to healthcare. We see drones delivering medical supplies in rural areas and automated systems in our factories. This means that in your lifetime, you will work and live alongside robots. This lesson explores the critical question of *how* we can do this safely and ethically. We will move beyond seeing robots as just machines and start thinking about them as partners in our society, considering the rules and responsibilities that come with this new reality. Understanding this topic is essential for becoming responsible innovators and citizens in the 21st century.
This section breaks down the essential ideas you need to understand robot-human coexistence. Part A: The Need for Robot-Human Coexistence
"Coexistence" simply means living or existing together at the same time and in the same place. Robot-human coexistence is the idea that humans and robots will increasingly share workspaces, public spaces, and even homes. But why is this necessary? Augmenting Human Capabilities: Robots can do things humans can't, or they can help humans do their jobs better. Example: A surgeon in Korle Bu Teaching Hospital can use a robotic arm to perform very precise surgery with tiny incisions. The robot isn't replacing the surgeon; it's making the surgeon even better and improving patient recovery time. Performing the "3D" Tasks: Dirty, Dull, and Dangerous: Certain jobs are not ideal for humans. Robots can take over these tasks, leading to better human health and safety. Dirty: Robots cleaning industrial tanks or handling hazardous waste. Dull: A robot on an assembly line at a factory in Tema that tightens the same bolt 10,000 times a day without getting tired or bored. Dangerous: A robot sent into a collapsed galamsey pit to search for survivors, or a drone used to inspect high-voltage power lines for the ECG. Boosting Productivity and Economic Growth: Automation can help Ghanaian businesses compete on a global scale. Example: A fruit juice factory in the Eastern Region uses robotic arms to pack cartons of juice. They can work 24/7 without breaks, increasing the factory's output and allowing the company to export more products, bringing in foreign exchange. Part B: Safety Considerations in Coexistence
When humans and powerful machines share a space, safety is the number one priority. We can think of safety in three categories: Physical Safety: This is about preventing injury. Concept: Robots, especially industrial ones, are strong and fast. A human getting hit by a robotic arm can be fatal. Solutions: Physical Barriers: Cages or fences around large robots. Sensors: Using cameras, LiDAR, or proximity sensors so a robot automatically slows down or stops when a human gets too close. These are called "cobots" (collaborative robots). Emergency Stops: Big, red "E-stop" buttons that anyone can press to immediately cut power to the robot in an emergency. Cybersecurity: This is about protecting robots from being hacked. Concept: A robot is a computer. If a hacker can gain control of a robot, they can cause serious damage. Example: Imagine if a criminal hacked into the Zipline drone network and redirected life-saving blood supplies to the wrong location, or used them for illegal activities. Solutions: Strong passwords, encrypted communication channels, and secure software updates. Psychological Safety: This is about the human emotional and mental response to working with robots. Concept: Workers may feel anxious, stressed, or devalued if they think a robot is going to take their job. They might also feel unsafe even if all physical measures are in place. Solutions: Proper training for employees, clear communication from management about the role of the robots (e.g., "This robot is here to help you lift heavy items, not to replace you"), and involving workers in the process of integrating new technology. Part C: Introduction to Roboethics
Roboethics is the field of ethics that deals with the moral behaviour of humans in how they design, build, use, and treat robots, as well as the moral behaviour of the robots themselves. It asks the question: "What is the *right* thing for a robot to do?"