Computing · Stage 6

Robots & Control Systems

Coding & Systems · systems — how a robot or control system senses the world, uses logic to decide, then uses actuators to act

✦ Computing📘 Stage 6 · S6⏱ ~14 min🧒 Ages 10–12★ Free to start

I can explain sensors, logic and actuators.

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Kavi and the Door That Opened By Itself

Kavi walked toward the shop — and the door slid open all by itself! "Nobody touched it. How did it know I was there?" Kavi hooted. The secret is three parts working together. First a sensor noticed Kavi coming (that is the sensing). Then the logic inside decided, "Someone is here — open!" (that is the thinking). Then a motor — an actuator — slid the door aside (that is the acting). "Sense… think… act!" Kavi cheered. "Every robot and every control system in the world works the same way."

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What your child will learn

1Sensor, logic and actuatorEvery robot and control system is built from three kinds of part working together. Tap each one to learn its job.

2Sense → think → act, round and roundThe three parts always work in the same order, over and over. Tap each step to hear it.

3Sort each part into its jobEach part below does one of the three jobs. Sensor = detects the world. Logic = decides what to do. Actuator = acts on the world. Tap the right box for each.

4Sensor = information IN · Actuator = action OUTThis is the pair people muddle most. Tap each card to see the difference.

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A peek inside

A robot or control system has three kinds of part: sensors, logic and actuators. What is the job of each one?

sense → think → act

Try this at home: A part that detects light, heat, sound or movement — what is it called?

Ready to play and learn?

Start the free interactive lesson, or print the handout for screen-free play.

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Part of Computing · Stage 6 · S6 on KAVI Academy — a secular, whole-child learning platform for ages 5–12.