Robot Responders by Smriti Daniel

This is a very different book from the ones I usually see from CSIRO Publishing. Huge thanks for my review copy. 

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

Blurb from Lamont: Explore the fascinating world of robotic innovation in Robot Responders. Uncover how nature inspires engineers, discover the latest life-saving technologies, and get a glimpse of the next

generation of robots that are already in development. Meet the robots that dare to go where humans can't! From blazing fires and crumbling buildings to radioactive zones and stormy seas, rescue robots are on the front lines saving lives, exploring the unknown and tackling tasks too dangerous for people. Whether they're diving to the ocean floor, fixing satellites or cleaning hospitals, robots are redefining what's possible. Behind every heroic robot is brilliant design and cutting-edge technology. Think flexible joints, precision flight, lasers for mapping, and fire-fighting abilities to spray hundreds of litres of water in seconds. But success also depends on seamless teamwork between humans and machines.

The Teachers Notes list these questions for discussion:

• Police should be allowed to use robots in public places if it helps keep people safe.
• Robots should be allowed to enter private land or homes during emergencies, such as bushfires or floods, without asking first.
• It is okay for robots like Reef Sweeper to kill invasive animals if it helps protect native species.
• Robots should replace humans in very dangerous jobs, even if it means some people lose their jobs.
• Drones and robots should be allowed to watch animals and people from above if it helps scientists collect important information.
• Medical robots should be allowed to work inside the human body if they can treat people faster and more safely than doctors alone.
• Robots should be used in war if it means fewer human soldiers are harmed.
• Robots that collect information (photos, sounds or data) should always ask for permission first, even in emergencies.
• If a robot makes a mistake and causes harm, the people who designed it should be responsible.
• Robots should only be used to help humans and the environment, not to make money or gain power

Over the last few days I read a new Young Adult title for readers aged 16+ Once Upon Tomorrow by Karen Comer due May 2026. Part of the setting of this confronting story is set in 2125 and in that imagined future robots are not to be trusted, humans have brain implants, and all thoughts are monitored. The future world described by Karen Comer is not one I would want to live in. 

Robot Responders contains ethical questions for further discussion. I have selected a few and if I was sharing this book in my school library (senior Primary level and High School) I would copy some of the questions and then link them with a suggested fiction title. I do enjoy fiction middle grade books that feature robots so I have quite a few I can suggest which you can link with this nonfiction title.

The Last Human

Troofriend

Roboethics "Some (people) think we'll see robots in every kind of industry. Others would like to see stricter rules and regulations put in place now."

Dogtown

Privacy paw-trol "Imagine if your pet could remember everything it sees and hears. While that sounds super cool, it also means we need to think about privacy ... What rules should be in place to protect information we don't want to share?"

Curiosity

A Rover's Story

When is it too risky for humans? "Robots can go places that are too dangerous for humans, such as deep under the ocean or far into space. Do you think that's necessary? What do we gain - or lose - when we send a robot instead of a human being."

Our sister again

The Wild Robot

Who is in charge? "Should robots always obey the commands of their human partners? Or are there some situations where a robot should act based in its own judgement?"

Runaway Robot

Friends or machines? "Some people think that as robots become more lifelike and useful, they should have certain rights similar to humans or animals. Others believe that since they are human creations and don't have feelings, robots shouldn't have rights."

Monstrous Devices

Robots at the frontlines. "Should robots be used in military conflicts? ... Do you think it is every right to have a robot fight a human? ... what happens when one side can afford advanced robots and the other cannot?"