Robotic Revolution

Originally coined by Czech author Karel Capek in 1920, the word "robot" initially conjured up visions of an industrial revolution gone awry, with machines replacing humans in the factory. To some extent, that vision has come true: Detroit's automobile assembly lines today are as likely to feature single-tasked robotic arms as blue collar workers. Robotic Revolution, a pilot episode for a projected TV series for kids, examines the wide-ranging application of robots in contemporary society and scientific research, from robots that literally do the dirty work of toxic clean-up to office robots that deliver the mail. Combining voice-over narration, interviews, and plenty of footage of various robots, the program features both common (space rovers) and unusual (a totally autonomous car) sights in highlighting the role of robots in space exploration, farming, military maneuvers, factory work, and medical operations (including footage of a robot-assisted coronary bypass that might be unsuitable for very young viewers). Sure to be quite popular. Recommended. Aud: E, I, P. (R. Pitman)