Design a Robot Dog

Scientists believe that wolves were domesticated more than 10,000 years ago. This brings new meaning to the term man's best friend as they are indeed our oldest companions. To some they are more than just a loyal and loving pet. They also serve as guide dogs to the blind and disabled, working dogs for the army and police and also help out in farms herding sheep and cattle.

Engineers today are trying to make some pretty significant (technological) upgrades to our furry pals. The age of the robotic dog is upon us and companies like Sony and Boston Dynamics have created their own versions of the robotic pet dog and service dog.

This creative printable worksheet activity encourages your child to explore how we can further improve the design of man's best friend... the Robo-Pooch!

Printable & Activity Objectives

In this activity, your child will learn about our age old relationship with dogs and how scientists today try to recreate man's best friend through technology. Your child will design their own version of the robo-dog.

It will help your child or student:

• Gain a greater understanding of the domestication of the grey wolf and the relationship between man and dog over the ages.
• Think more critically and creatively about the role of technology and automation in improving aspects of our lives, in this case, through the "re-invention" of the role of the dog through technology.

Who let the dogs out!

Classroom Resources

Simple steps to start:

• Research and find out more the history of the domestication of the wolf and our relationship with dogs across the ages. Here's a fun animated brief history of dogs:

Here's a good video showcasing the different roles that dogs play in helping humans in their daily lives:

• Research on where scientists are today with robot dog technology. Here's a video about Sony's famous domestic robot dog called Aibo:

Here's a video of how the Singapore government has deployed Boston Dynamic's robotic dog called "Spot" to patrol the public parks:

• Get started with the printable worksheets.

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What's in the Printable Worksheet Pack

This creative printable design challenge pack consists of 2 printable worksheets for your child to design their robotic dog called "Robo-Pooch". There is a design worksheet for your child to illustrate their robot dog and another worksheet to write down information about their design i.e. name and custom tasks.

Click on the download link below to get started. Please note that this printable pack is only for subscribers and paid members.