Logo of CSIRO Investigate and Innovate with CSIRO Robot Responders CSIRO National Science Experiment Community guide Three smiling children wearing bright yellow safety vests and blue shirts crouch in a grassy, sunny field next to a tracked robotic rover. The rover has "CSIRO" printed on its side and is equipped with sensors and a protective roll cage. In the background, a rolling green hill meets a line of trees under a partly cloudy blue sky. Before You Begin To help the activity run smoothly, consider the following: Time required: • Flexible delivery options are provided. Activities can be completed as a single session or spread across multiple sessions depending on available time. • Allow additional time if participants will be building physical robot prototypes. Materials: • Optional: PowerPoint presentation • Optional: internet-enabled devices for the Robot Responders HTML game • Optional: Robot Responders mission cards – 2 missions Note: Adult to decide whether both missions are explored in each environment. • Optional: Robot Responders card game • Optional: craft and construction materials for physical robot prototypes (e.g. cardboard, recycled materials, tape, scissors, markers) Note: the craft and construction materials resources will need to be sourced prior to conducting the activity. Prior knowledge and skills • No prior robotics experience is required. • Participants will benefit from basic problem-solving, teamwork and communication skills. • The PowerPoint presentation is available as an optional resource to support the introduction of key robotics concepts and background knowledge. The PowerPoint presentation is available as an optional resource to support the introduction of key robotics concepts and background knowledge. Learning environment • A classroom, library, community space or workshop setting is suitable. • If building physical prototypes, ensure participants have adequate workspace and access to materials. Small groups of 2–4 participants are recommended to encourage collaboration and discussion. Flexible Delivery The plugged and unplugged resources can be used independently or combined to create a blended learning experience. Facilitators are encouraged to select the pathway that best suits their participants, available technology and learning environment. How to use this resource Recommended exploration of resources: Plugged (Internet access) PowerPoint presentation, activity workbook Robot Responders HTML game Participants will explore robotics concepts through a combination of real-world examples (PowerPoint), workbook activities and an interactive digital game. The HTML game allows participants to design and customise robots, test solutions and apply problem-solving skills in realistic cave and lava tube, marine and space exploration scenarios. Unplugged (No internet required) PowerPoint presentation, activity workbook and Robot Responders mission cards (2 missions per environment), building physical prototype OR Robot Responders card game. Participants will investigate robotics concepts through adult-guided activities, design challenges and scenario-based problem solving. Using the mission cards, participants will design and communicate solutions before creating a physical robot prototype using available classroom materials. In addition to the mission cards and robot prototyping, participants can also test their design skills with the Robot Responders card game to strategically collect and combine robot components while overcoming challenges to design a robot that successfully completes a mission. Community resources: A flowchart detailing the structure of a "Community guide workbook." From the top box labeled "Community guide workbook," a vertical line labeled "Choose option" splits into two main paths: "Plugged" (shaded light blue) and "Unplugged" (shaded light purple). The Plugged path leads to "Robot Responders HTML game," which then leads to "Design and test robots in digital missions." The Unplugged path splits into two options: "Robot Responders mission cards," which leads to "Design robot solutions for real-world scenarios." "Robot Responders card game." All three end-points ("Design and test robots in digital missions," "Design robot solutions for real-world scenarios," and "Robot Responders card game") converge at a final box at the bottom labeled "Reflect, evaluate and communicate design ideas." Example session run sheet (60-90mins) Activity Suggested Introduce the three environments (page 4), the design challenge and read the mission scenarios (workbook page 8-16) 5–10 min Discuss the problem, mission requirements and environmental challenges 5–10 min Participants work individually, in pairs or small groups to design their robot solution 20–30 min Build a physical robot prototype or complete the HTML game mission or play Robot Responders card game 20–30 min Gather participants to share, test or present their robot designs 10–15 min Reflection and discussion: What worked well? What challenges did you encounter? What would you improve next time? 5–10 min Background information Robot Responders by Smriti Daniel For further exploration of robotics concepts and real-world robot applications, educators may wish to obtain a copy of Robot Responders by Smriti Daniel, available through CSIRO Publishing. The book cover of "Robot Responders: Rescue Missions to Space Adventures" by Smriti Daniel. The title is written in large, bold red capital letters. The cover features various illustrations and photos of robots, including a humanoid robot holding a tablet, a yellow quadrupedal robot dog, a drone flying over water, a mars rover, and an industrial robotic arm. CSIRO research: Caves and lava tubes: • CSIRO Blog: From Earth to space: Testing tech in lava tubes for future space exploration. • CSIRO YouTube: CSIRO's Multi-Robot Navigation Stack. • CSIRO website: CSIRO-Japan collaboration advances lunar cave robotics. • CSIRO Data Access Portal: Jenolan Caves: 3D Data Collection. Marine environments: • CSIRO YouTube - How Google and CSIRO are helping protect the Great Barrier Reef with AI. • CSIRO News article- World-first robotic hand to help cultivate baby corals for reef restoration. • CSIRO Research – Bio-sensors: Discovering the secret life of oysters. • CSIRO News article - The promise of seagrass pastures. Space: • CSIRO website: multi-resolution scanning. • CSIRO Research: multi-resolution scanner. • CSIRO and ISS National Laboratory: Testing novel 3D mapping technology to transform space exploration and benefit industries on Earth. • CSIRO News article: CSIRO 3D mapping tech blasts off for International Space Station. Investigation: Robot Responders Read below to find out about the three dirty, dangerous and/or dull environments explored in this investigation: Dirty, dangerous and/or dull environments Caves and lava tubes environments Caves and lava tubes are some of the most exciting and mysterious places on Earth! Imagine exploring deep underground where it’s dark, twisty, and full of surprises around every corner. These environments can be narrow, bumpy, and uneven, with sharp rocks, steep drops, and even hidden pools of water. Lava tubes are tunnels made by flowing lava during volcanic eruptions! Inside, you might find rough floors, delicate ceilings, and unexpected changes in the ground. Some areas can be tricky or unsafe for people to explore, which makes them perfect places for scientists to investigate in new and creative ways to access them. Marine environments Oceans cover most of our planet, but so much of them is still a mystery like an uncharted world waiting to be explored! As you go deeper underwater, it becomes darker, colder, and the pressure increases, creating conditions very different from anything we experience on land. Beneath the waves, the seafloor can be rocky and uneven, with strong currents moving everything around. In some places, it’s so dark that you can’t see your hand in front of you! There are also extreme areas, such as the deepest parts of the ocean or regions trapped beneath thick ice, where humans can’t safely go. That’s why finding innovative ways to successfully explore these environments so fascinating. Space environment Space environments are some of the most extreme and challenging places humans can explore. They are vast, airless and exposed to extreme temperatures, radiation and microgravity, making them dangerous and difficult for humans to access. These environments may include the surface of planets and moons, as well as space itself, where there is no oxygen and very little protection from harmful radiation. Surfaces can be rocky, dusty and uneven, with craters, steep slopes and unknown hazards. Because these environments are so harsh and unpredictable, it’s often too risky for humans to explore them directly. Get ready for a robot rescue mission! Explore caves and lava tubes, then design, build, and test a robot that can tackle the challenge. Play online or with cards — can your robot complete the mission? Designing robots for complex environments requires engineers to consider factors such as movement, stability, durability, sensors, tools and materials. Engineers continuously test, evaluate and improve their designs to ensure the robots can successfully complete their missions in difficult conditions. CSIRO engineering design process: 1. Identify the problem – What’s going wrong? Who needs help? Where will the robot be used? 2. Optional: Research and learn – How other robots do similar jobs? What environment will the robot work in? 3. Imagine possible solutions – What shape will it be? Should it have wheels, legs or tracks? 4. Plan the best idea – Which idea solves the problem? Is it safe? 5. Build a prototype – What do I need to build? 3D printed parts? Household materials? Lego? 6. Test and improve – Does it do the job? Is it breaking? What do I need to fix on the robot for it to work? 7. Share and reflect - What worked? What didn’t work? What we’d improve next time? Aim: To design, build and test a robot that can successfully explore a dirty, dangerous and/or dull environment where humans cannot. Focus question: How can we design a robot that can successfully explore a dirty, dangerous and/or dull environments that are too dangerous or difficult for humans to access? Robot Responders game instructions Option 1: Plugged Access https://www.csiro.au/en/education/Resource-Library/Resource-Library/Robot-Responders-HTML-game and build your prototype in the game Access the Robot Responders Game Open the Robot Responders HTML game on your device using the link provided by your adult. Use your design plan to select robot components and build your digital robot. Test your robot Launch your robot into the mission environment and observe how it performs. Pay attention to how well it navigates obstacles, completes tasks and manages the challenges presented. Review, refine and retry Failure is an important part of the engineering design process. If your robot does not successfully complete the mission: • Review your robot design • Identify which features were successful and which were not • Modify your design and component choices • Test your robot again Continue improving and testing your robot until it successfully completes the mission or performs more effectively. Option 2: Unplugged Print and cut cards on pages 9 – 16. How to complete the unplugged Robot Responders mission 1.Read the mission brief Carefully read the scenario and identify the problem the robot needs to solve. Consider theenvironmental challenges, mission goals and design requirements. 2.Follow the CSIRO engineering design process Use the engineering design process to: • define the problem • research and learn • brainstorm possible solutions • plan and sketch your robot design • create a prototype • test and improve your design • share and reflect. 3. Construct a Play Robot Responders card game Build a physical prototype using everyday materials such as cardboard, paper, recycled materials, craft supplies or classroom construction materials. Go to https://www.csiro.au/en/education/Resource-Library/Resource-Library/Robot-Responders-HTML-game. Players work together or compete to design a robot that can complete an important mission. Each turn, you collect and swap cards to build your robot, making sure it includes all the essential components. The winner is the first player or team to complete the robot and successfully meet the mission requirements while staying within budget. 4. Test and refine your designEvaluate how effectively your prototype meets the mission requirements. Makeimprovements based on any challenges or limitations you identify. 5. Present your solution Present your robot design to the class, explaining: • The problem your robot solves. • Key design features. • Any improvements you made during the design process Robot Responders scenario card: Caves and lava tubes Mission card #1: The cave mapping A team of scientists have discovered a large underground lava tube system beneath an ancient volcanic region. The caves may contain important geological information about past volcanic eruptions, underground water movement and rare cave ecosystems. However, the tunnels are too dangerous for humans to fully explore. The cave environment contains: Unstable rocks Steep & uneven terrain Narrow passages Complete darkness Deep drop-offs Thick dust blocking visibility & signals Your engineering team has been asked to design a robotic explorer that can safely travel through the cave and help create a map of the underground system. Your task Mission #1: The cave mapping Your robot must be able to: Move across rough terrain Navigate in darkness Avoid obstacles & drop-offs Collect & return information Survive dust & rocky conditions As you design your robot, think about: • What movement system would work best? • How will the robot “see” in the dark? • How will it avoid obstacles? • How can the robot communicate underground? • What features will help it stay stable on uneven surfaces? Using the engineering design process, your team will: • Define the problem • Optional: Research and learn • Brainstorm possible solutions • Sketch and label your robot design • Build a physical prototype using everyday materials • Test and improve your design based on feedback and failures • Share and reflect At the end of the challenge, your team will present how your robot design could help scientists safely explore dangerous cave systems. Robot Responders scenario card: Caves and lava tubes Mission card #2: The deep cave search A group of cave researchers entered a remote lava tube system to investigate unusual rock formations deep underground. During the expedition, part of the cave became blocked by fallen rocks, preventing the team from continuing safely. The cave system is extremely dangerous because: Large piles of rubble block pathways Visibility is almost zero The ground is uneven & slippery Some tunnels are too small for humans to enter Communication with the surface is unreliable Your engineering team has been asked to design a robotic explorer that can safely travel through the cave and help create a map of the underground system. Your task Mission #2: The deep cave search Your engineering team must design a robot that can: Explore tight underground tunnels Move safely over rocks & rubble Search for safe pathways Carry equipment or emergency supplies Communicate information back to the rescue team As you design your robot, think about: • What movement system would work best? • How will the robot “see” in the dark? • How will it avoid obstacles? • How can the robot communicate underground? • What features will help it stay stable on uneven surfaces? Using the engineering design process, your team will: • Define the problem • Optional: Research and learn • Brainstorm possible solutions • Sketch and label your robot design • Build a physical prototype using everyday materials • Test and improve your design based on feedback and failures • Share and reflect At the end of the challenge, your team will present how your robot design could help scientists safely explore dangerous cave systems. Robot Responders cost card: Caves and lava tubes Budget: 100 credits A colorful grid layout titled by category columns on the left, displaying various robot parts, their credit costs, and small illustrated icons. The table is structured into seven rows corresponding to different robot subsystems, each with five cost tiers: 10 credits (green outline), 15 credits (blue outline), 20 credits (yellow outline), 25 credits (purple outline), and 30 credits (pink outline). Body (base) row: Features "Compact core" (10 credits), "Standard frame" (15 credits), "Heavy platform" (20 credits), "Basic thermal insulation" (25 credits), and "Active cooling and heating insulation" (30 credits). Wheel (locomotion) row: Features "Standard wheels" (10 credits), "Rubber tracks" (15 credits), and "Single thruster" (20 credits), with two empty slots. Arm (manipulation) row: Features "Basic gripper" (10 credits), "Drill" (15 credits), "Arm" (20 credits), "Precision arm" (25 credits), and "Laser arm" (30 credits). Motor row: Features "Brushed motor" (10 credits), an empty slot, "Brushless motor" (20 credits), another empty slot, and "High torque motor" (30 credits). Head (camera) row: Features "Single grayscale" (10 credits), "HD colour" (15 credits), "Humanoid" (20 credits), "Stereo vision" (25 credits), and "Thermal camera" (30 credits). Battery row: Features "Small capacity" (10 credits), "Solar array" (15 credits), "Solar panel" (20 credits), "Medium capacity" (25 credits), and "Large capacity" (30 credits). LiDAR/SLAM row: Displays an empty slot, "2D LiDAR/SLAM" (15 credits), another empty slot, "3D LiDAR/SLAM" (25 credits), and a final empty slot. Robot Responders scenario card: Marine Mission card #1: Crown-of-thorns starfish reef rescue Marine scientists working on the CSIRO Great Barrier Reef monitoring program have discovered a large outbreak of crown-of-thorns starfish (CoTS) damaging sections of coral reef. Crown-of-thorns starfish are native marine animals covered in long toxic spines that feed on living coral. When too many starfish gather in one area, they can rapidly destroy large sections of reef habitat. The reef environment is difficult and dangerous for divers to manage alone because: The starfish have toxic spines Underwater visibility can be poor Large areas of reef need to be monitored quickly Some reefs are deep or difficult to access Repeated surveys are needed to track outbreaks Scientists are now investigating how robotic technologies can help monitor reef health, detect crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks and assist with reef protection efforts. Some robotic systems can use cameras, sensors and artificial intelligence to identify starfish underwater. Your engineering team has been asked to design an underwater robot that can help scientists protect coral reefs. Your task Mission #1: Crown-of-thorns starfish reef rescue Your robot must be able to: Detect or locate Crown-of-Thorns starfish Help scientists monitor reef health Operate in low-visibility conditions Navigate around coral without causing damage Travel safely underwater Collect reef data or images As you design your robot, think about: • How will your robot move underwater? • What sensors or cameras might it need? • How will it avoid damaging coral? • How can it detect crown-of-thorns starfish? • How will information be sent back to scientists? Using the engineering design process, your team will: • Define the problem • Optional: Research and learn • Brainstorm possible solutions • Sketch and label your robot design • Build a physical prototype using everyday materials • Test and improve your design based on feedback and failures • Share and reflect At the end of the challenge, your team will present how your robot design could help scientists safely explore dangerous cave systems. Robot Responders scenario card: Marine Mission card #2: Coral recruitment and reef restoration Marine scientists are working to restore damaged coral reef ecosystems after coral bleaching events, storms and crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks have reduced large areas of healthy coral. Coral reefs are important habitats that support thousands of marine species and help protect coastlines from erosion and strong waves. One of the biggest challenges facing scientists is helping baby corals survive long enough to grow and rebuild damaged reefs. Baby corals are extremely small and fragile, making them difficult to move, monitor and plant safely by hand. Researchers from CSIRO have developed a soft robotic “hand” that can gently handle and transfer baby corals during reef restoration projects. Your engineering team has been asked to design an underwater robot that can assist scientists with coral recruitment and reef restoration. Your robot must be able to: • safely transport delicate baby corals • operate underwater without damaging coral reefs • identify suitable locations for coral growth • navigate around rocks and coral structures • collect reef data or images • support reef restoration efforts in challenging ocean conditions The reef environment presents several challenges: • baby corals are fragile and easily damaged • underwater visibility can be poor • waves and currents can affect movement • coral reefs have uneven and delicate surfaces • scientists need to restore large reef areas efficiently Your task Mission #2: Coral recruitment and reef restoration As you design your robot, think about: How will your robot move underwater? How can it gently carry or place baby corals? What features will help avoid damaging the reef? How will your robot identify safe coral planting areas? What tools or sensors might scientists need? As you design your robot, think about: How will your robot move underwater? • What sensors or cameras might it need? • How can it gently carry or place baby corals? • What features will help avoid damaging the reef? • What tools or sensors might scientists need? Using the engineering design process, your team will: • Define the problem • Optional: Research and learn • Brainstorm possible solutions • Sketch and label your robot design • Build a physical prototype using everyday materials • Test and improve your design based on feedback and failures • Share and reflect At the end of the mission, your team will present how your robot design could help scientists restore and protect coral reef ecosystems for the future. Robot Responders cost card: Marine Budget: 100 credits A grid menu titled with different robot component categories, organized by cost in credits across five columns: 10 credits (green), 15 credits (blue), 20 credits (yellow), 25 credits (purple), and 30 credits (pink). A CSIRO logo is in the bottom right corner. The rows and their corresponding upgrade options include: Body (base): Compact core (10), Standard frame (15), Heavy platform (20), Pressure housing (25), and an empty slot. Wheel (locomotion): Standard wheels (10), Rubber tracks (15), Single thruster (20), Omni-thruster (25), and Multi-thruster (30). Arm (manipulation): Basic gripper (10), Drill (15), Arm (20), Precision arm (25), and Laser arm (30). Motor: Brushed motor (10), an empty slot, Brushless motor (20), an empty slot, and High torque motor (30). Head (camera): Single grayscale (10), HD colour (15), Humanoid (20), Stereo vision (25), and Thermal camera (30). Battery: Small capacity (10), Solar array (15), Solar panel (20), Medium capacity (25), and Large capacity (30). LiDAR/SLAM: An empty slot, 2D LiDAR/SLAM (15), an empty slot, 3D LiDAR/SLAM (25), and an empty slot. Robot Responders scenario card: Space Mission card #1: Lunar sample collection Scientists have identified several locations on the Moon that may contain valuable geological samples. By studying rocks and soil from these locations, researchers hope to learn more about the Moon's history, how planets form and whether resources can support future human exploration. The collection zone is located near a rugged canyon system containing steep slopes, rocky outcrops and deep shadowed areas. Engineers need a specialised robotic rover capable of travelling safely through the environment while collecting and transporting samples back to a central base station. The mission presents several challenges: Some collection sites are difficult to reach Rocky terrain can damage equipment The robot has limited energy available Lunar dust can interfere with moving parts Samples must be handled carefully to avoid contamination Your engineering team has been selected to design a robotic sample collection rover for the mission. Your task Mission #1: Lunar sample collection Your robot must be able to: Navigate around obstacles & steep slopes Locate & collect rock or soil samples Safely transport samples Travel across challenging terrain Operate in dusty conditions Return collected samples to the base station As you design your robot, think about: • How will your robot collect and store samples? • What type of robotic arm or gripper will it need? • How will it travel safely across rough terrain? • How can the robot conserve energy throughout the mission? • What design features will help protect the samples? Using the engineering design process, your team will: • Define the problem • Optional: Research and learn • Brainstorm possible solutions • Sketch and label your robot design • Build a physical prototype using everyday materials • Test and improve your design based on feedback and failures • Share and reflect At the end of the mission, your team will present how your robot design could help scientists collect and transport valuable lunar samples while overcoming the challenges of the environment. Robot Responders cost card: Space Budget: 100 credits A grid menu displaying robot component categories organized by rows, with options categorized by increasing credit costs across five columns: 10 credits (green), 15 credits (blue), 20 credits (yellow), 25 credits (purple), and 30 credits (pink). The CSIRO logo is visible in the bottom right corner. The rows and their respective component choices include: Body (base): Compact core (10), Standard frame (15), Heavy platform (20), Basic thermal insulation (25), and Active cooling and heating insulation (30). Wheel (locomotion): Standard wheels (10), Rubber tracks (15), Single thruster (20), followed by two empty slots. Arm (manipulation): Basic gripper (10), Drill (15), Arm (20), Precision arm (25), and Laser arm (30). Motor: Brushed motor (10), an empty slot, Brushless motor (20), an empty slot, and High torque motor (30). Head (camera): Single grayscale (10), HD colour (15), Humanoid (20), Stereo vision (25), and Thermal camera (30). Battery: Small capacity (10), Solar array (15), Solar panel (20), Medium capacity (25), and Large capacity (30). LiDAR/SLAM: An empty slot, 2D LiDAR/SLAM (15), an empty slot, 3D LiDAR/SLAM (25), and a final empty slot. Reflection Describe the design features that helped your robot successfully complete the mission. Which robot components (movement, sensors, computing, etc.) were most important for exploring the environment successfully? What challenges did your robot face during the mission, and how did you improve your design? As Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO is solving the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. CSIRO. Creating a better future for everyone. Contact us 1300 363 400 +61 3 9545 2176 csiro.au/contact csiro.au For further information CSIRO Education and Outreach 1300 363 400 education@csiro.au csiro.au/education