Lesson Plan: Designing Ethical AI Robots

Unit Theme: Robotics, AI, and Responsible Technology
Grade Level: Middle School (6–8)
Length: 2–3 class periods
Framework: Design Thinking + Makerspace

Essential Question:

How can we design robots that help people while making ethical decisions?

  • Objectives

    Students will:

    * Understand how robots use sensors and AI

    * Identify ways robots can assist people

    * Use the design process to design a robot solution

    * Consider ethical implications of automation

  • Key Concepts

    Robotics components:

    * Sensors (camera, distance, touch)

    * Motors

    * Microcontrollers

    * Programming

    AI in robotics:

    * Object recognition

    * Decision making

    * Navigation

    Ethics:

    * Robots replacing jobs

    * Privacy concerns

    * Safety and accountability

  • Materials (Makerspace)

    Possible robotics platforms:

    * Micro:bit robots

    * LEGO SPIKE / LEGO Robotics

    * Arduino robots

    * cardboard + simple motors

    * craft materials

    Additional supplies:

    * cardboard

    * markers

    * wheels

    * sensors

    * LEDs

Lesson Structure Using the Design Process

1. Empathize

Scenario Discussion

Students explore real-world situations where robots assist humans:

Examples:

  • hospital delivery robots

  • disaster rescue robots

  • warehouse robots

  • agricultural robots

Ask students:

  • Who benefits from these robots?

  • What problems do they solve?

  • What risks might they create?

Students identify real human needs.

2. Define

Students write a problem statement.

Examples:

Rescue teams need robots that can search dangerous areas safely.

Other possible problems:

  • helping elderly people

  • cleaning pollution

  • assisting farmers

  • delivering supplies

Each team selects a problem to solve with robotics.

3. Ideate

Students brainstorm possible robot designs.

Encourage them to consider:

Robot abilities:

  • detect objects

  • move around obstacles

  • carry items

  • communicate warnings

Students sketch 3 possible robot ideas.

Example robots:

  • disaster rescue robot

  • recycling sorting robot

  • hospital delivery robot

  • ocean cleanup robot

4. Prototype (Makerspace)

Students build a robot prototype or model.

Two possible approaches:

Functional Robot

Using LEGO / Micro:bit / Arduino.

Example functions:

  • move forward

  • detect obstacle

  • pick up object

Concept Prototype

If robotics kits are limited:

Students build a cardboard robot model and diagram how sensors and AI would work.

Example features:

  • ultrasonic sensor for obstacle detection

  • camera for object recognition

  • AI decision system

Students label components on the prototype.

5. Test & Improve

Students test their robots with a challenge scenario.

Example:

Rescue robot must navigate a maze and locate a “victim”.

Teams evaluate:

  • Did the robot solve the problem?

  • What improvements are needed?

Students revise designs.

Ethics Discussion

Students explore ethical questions about robotics.

Discussion prompts:

  • Should robots replace dangerous jobs?

  • Who is responsible if a robot makes a mistake?

  • Should robots collect personal data?