Anatomy of a Rover

In this interactive activity from NOVA, learn about the sophisticated scientific instruments on two identical robotic rovers that have explored Mars — Spirit and Opportunity.

Eduardo Torres-Jara

In this video from Science City, meet Eduardo Torres-Jara, a postdoctoral associate in electrical engineering and computer science at the MIT Artificial Intelligence Lab. He describes his work on innovative robots that use tactile feedback to locate and grasp objects.

Accessibility features: Caption

Engineering for the Red Planet

In this video segment from NASA, robotics researcher Ayanna Howard uses engineering to improve the intelligence of robots in space exploration.

Accessibility features: Caption

Kismet

In this video segment adapted from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, researchers in the Artificial Intelligence Laboratory working to engineer smarter robots are now building a machine that interacts socially with people.

Accessibility features: Caption

Magnetic Microbots

This video excerpt from NOVA’s "Making Stuff: Smaller" and accompanying activity for grades K–8 teach students how materials scientists are building extremely small robots that may be able to travel inside the human body.

Accessibility features: Caption, Transcript

Mars Dead or Alive: A Hostile Environment

This NOVA video segment describes the challenges presented by the frozen desert environment of Mars to NASA engineers designing two robots that will journey millions of miles to the red planet.

Accessibility features: Caption

Meet ATHLETE, a Moon Rover

Learn about ATHLETE, an all-terrain rover designed to transport astronauts and equipment on the Moon, in this video segment from NASA.

Accessibility features: Caption

Meet Curiosity, a Mars Rover

Learn about the sophisticated scientific instruments on Curiosity, the latest Mars rover, in this interactive activity adapted from NASA.

Remotely Operated Vehicles

In this video adapted from the Marine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) Center, learn how some students are putting to work both technical skills as well as "soft" skills, such as teamwork and problem solving, in creating underwater remotely operated vehicles.

Accessibility features: Caption

Robofly

Featuring slow-motion footage of insects in flight, this video adapted from NOVA explores the engineering challenge of designing a robotic aerial vehicle that flies like a bug.

Accessibility features: Caption

RoboSnail

In this video segment adapted from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a team from the Mechanical Engineering Department studies snail movement for inspiration that may lead to new forms of robotic locomotion.

Accessibility features: Caption

Robot Race

In this video segment adapted from NOVA, cars drive themselves. Teams of designers using different technologies compete for a two-million-dollar prize to see which unmanned vehicle will make it to the finish line first.

Accessibility features: Caption

Segway Technology: What's Newton Got to Do with It?

What do the laws of physics have to do with engineering? Find out in this video segment featuring inventor Dean Kamen and his inventions, the IBOT and the Segway.

Accessibility features: Caption