---
title: "Real-World Robots"
description: "Real robots use computers to control moving parts for physical jobs. Examples include robot vacuums, factory arms and doctor-controlled surgery arms. Robots use software and are not living things."
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/computing/real-world-robots-mt_jvJ35MmCvK
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/computing/real-world-robots-mt_jvJ35MmCvK.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# Real-World Robots

Real robots use computers to control moving parts for physical jobs. Examples include robot vacuums, factory arms and doctor-controlled surgery arms. Robots use software and are not living things.

Subject: Computing · Area: Artificial Intelligence · Ages 5 to 7
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/computing/real-world-robots-mt_jvJ35MmCvK

## Ready when they can

- Describe a robot as a machine whose computer controls moving parts to do a physical job
- Name at least three real robots and describe their jobs
- Explain that robots are not living things with human feelings, even when software selects an action

## Lesson: What Is a Robot?

You have learned that computers follow instructions. A robot is a machine whose computer controls moving parts to do a physical job. People write its software, the instructions its computer uses. Some robots use sensors to detect things around them.

*(drawing: This vacuum's instructions say to turn away when it detects a chair. Another vacuum may follow different instructions.)*

**Example.** A robot vacuum moves across a floor and collects dust. A factory robot arm can join metal car parts by welding. A surgery robot arm helps a doctor move tools with care. In this example, the doctor guides the arm with controls.

Robots are not alive and do not have human feelings. Software can use sensor information to select an action. Some robots also follow a person's controls. Selecting an action does not make a robot a person.

**Recap.** A robot's computer controls moving parts for a job. It uses software and may follow a person's controls. Robots are not alive.

## Practice

8 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [Step-by-Step Instructions](https://lightmysky.com/learn/computing/step-by-step-instructions-mt__p5n8z5soJ)
- [Computers in Everyday Life](https://lightmysky.com/learn/computing/computers-in-everyday-life-mt_XbGfVhfiUz)

## Opens up

- [Humans Versus Machines](https://lightmysky.com/learn/computing/humans-versus-machines-mt_oajUvqAiBJ)