Review: Robot Responders

Another great title from CSIRO Publishing that many young readers will find it absorbing and exciting. While there is so much shrieking about AI – and yes, it is quite justified in many instances e.g. stealing the work of creators – yet, there is so much more to AI and robotics that is of huge benefit to us all.

This book showcases the many ways robots of all kinds, as employed by the CSIRO team, are helping us all in a multitude of ways. In addition, it takes readers through a journey of robot development which many will find amazing.

It could be iRat [intelligent rat animat technology) which with its complex capabilities is helping scientists understand the mysterious workings of the human brain as well determining such things as navigation – how animals including human learn to find their way.

 It might be GUS, a robot designed and doing incredible work in protecting wildlife particularly in national parks and reserves – this one prompted by the increase in animal poaching in Africa.

But it’s not just animal-style robots helping, there are also the many applications of robotic technology to help in manufacture, energy efficiency, sensors and communication, medicine and more. I enjoyed trawling through this with its fascinating information and I certainly learned including new terms like biomimicry. Your readers will do likewise. Smriti Daniel writes with a very accessible conversational style with sparks of humour interspersed as well as ‘Did you know..’ and Fun Fact sidebards. The plentiful photographic illustrations are supplemented by drawn illos as well as diagrams. The book concludes with a one-page future projections page and a glossary.

Having just written some teaching notes for a series of books on ‘geniuses’ I was especially pleased to see the emphasis on da Vinci’s designs and ideas for robots back in the 1400s, in the opening section of the history of robots. How far we have come since then but what a brain he had to conceptualise, design and create working examples!

This is a fantastic addition to your non-fiction collection for kiddos from around Year 3 to lower secondary. Teaching Notes are available.

Preface
What to expect from this book
1: A short history of robots
2: The digital revolution
3: Say hello to the robots …
4: Robots to the rescue: From dangerous to discovery
5: Dive into the world of roboticists
6: Humans and bots: Spot the differences
7: Biomimicry: Inspired by nature
8: Robots in different environments
9: The future from here
Glossary
About the author
Illustration credits

Title: Robot Responders
Author: Smitri Daniel
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing,  $34.99
Publication Date: March 2026 
Format: Paperback
ISBN:9781486318421
For ages: 8+
Type: Non-fiction