Here's how you can simplify complex robotics concepts for non-technical individuals.

Using analogies is a powerful way to demystify robotics concepts for non-technical audiences. For example, comparing a robot's programming to the instructions in a cookbook can make the concept more accessible. Just as a cook follows a recipe to prepare a dish, a robot follows programmed instructions to perform tasks. Similarly, likening sensors on a robot to human senses explains how robots perceive their environment. These comparisons help bridge the gap between complex robotics technology and everyday experiences, making the information easier to understand and engage with.

Analogies bridge the gap between technical jargon and everyday experiences. Consider comparing a robot’s sensors to a person’s sense of touch. Just as you pull your hand away from a hot stove, a robot’s sensors detect danger and trigger a protective response. For example: “Think of a robot’s sensors like Spiderman’s ‘spidey senses.’ They alert the robot to obstacles or changes in the environment.”

Depending on the level of non technical audience, analogies could also be of great help. Equating robots with more common examples that somewhat demonstrate behaviour of a robot is going to help. This however is very much relative depending on the audience and its culture.

Introducing the ABCs of robotics can be an effective way to ease non-technical individuals into the subject. Begin by explaining that robots are essentially sophisticated machines created to perform tasks, some of which might be too tedious or hazardous for humans. Compare a robot's controller to a human brain, highlighting that it serves as the central processing unit that executes commands. You can liken this to using a smartphone app: just as you use an app to order food or call a ride, robots use software to perform specific tasks. By relating robotics to everyday technology, you make the concepts more accessible and relatable.

Extend the analogy of a robot’s brain being like a remote control. Explain that the robot’s software is like a recipe book, guiding its actions step by step.

What I have personally found helpful is using simple and local language to explain. For example a few days back an elementary school student asked me: what is a robot? My answer was: a robot is a machine made to help us, humans, perform tasks that are less productive, repetitive and time taking. Among other things, the language and choice of words also helps. The tip is to not go into anything technical at all not even to explain about a controller, sensor or anything, just talk about the impact and exemplify it.

Incorporating visual aids can significantly enhance understanding when explaining robotics to non-technical audiences. Diagrams, flowcharts, and videos can clarify how robots perceive and interact with their environment. For instance, you might use a diagram to illustrate a robot's sensory and processing system: sensors collect data (akin to human senses picking up stimuli), which the robot's "brain" (or controller) processes to decide on actions (similar to our brain processing sensory information and deciding to react). Demonstrating these concepts visually helps bridge the gap between abstract robotics principles and tangible, everyday experiences, making the information more digestible and engaging.

Use flowcharts or animations to depict the decision-making process. Show how sensor data flows to the controller, which then directs the robot’s movements.

Introducing hands-on learning experiences can greatly aid in demystifying robotics for non-technical individuals. Allowing them to interact with simple robotic kits or software simulations gives them a direct, impactful way to see the effects of their actions on the robot’s behavior. This method is akin to learning to drive by actually sitting behind the wheel, as opposed to just reading about it. When people can physically see and manipulate the elements of a robot, such as programming a small robot to navigate through a maze, they can better understand the concepts behind its operations, making the learning process both engaging and informative.

For instance, you can set up a mini robot maze or a simple line-following challenge. Let non-technical individuals experiment with changing code parameters to see how it affects the robot’s behavior.

Simplifying the jargon associated with robotics is key to making the field accessible to non-technical individuals. When explaining complex concepts, use everyday language that parallels the technical terms. For example, describe "kinematics" simply as the way a robot moves, and refer to an "algorithm" as a recipe that the robot follows to perform tasks. Instead of "sensor fusion," explain it as the robot using information from multiple senses to make better decisions. This approach helps prevent confusion and keeps the audience engaged by relating robotics to familiar experiences and ideas.

Instead of ‘inverse kinematics,’ explain it as ‘figuring out how to move robot arms.’ Replace ‘SLAM’ with ‘mapping and navigation.’

Discuss how self-driving cars use sensors to avoid collisions or how drones deliver packages. Relate these to everyday experiences. I would say, "Self-driving cars use sensors like our eyes to stay safe on the road.”

Giving real world and simple machine examples and explaining how they match the definition of robot or a machine is also important. You can use ranchos example of machine - a zipper ??. One minute down, one minute up.