Robot Responders: Rescue Missions to Space Adventures

Robot Responders: Rescue Missions to Space Adventures by Smriti Daniel. CSIRO Publishing 2026, paperback 92pp. RRP $34.99. ISBN 9781486318421

Reviewed by Debra Williams

“Meet the robots that dare to go where humans cannot. 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.” – CSIRO Publishing.

This non-fiction book is a great resource for students, showing how robots are involved in everyday life. Brilliant design and cutting-edge technology have brought the automatons into an astonishing array of uses, from drones and medical assistants to space exploration and everything in between. It is full of fascinating facts, with clear explanations and eye-catching illustrations to spark curiosity and inspire young readers. This book also looks at the future of robotics.

The author, Smriti Daniel, had a career in journalism and now works for CSIRO. She had a lot of fun interviewing several roboticists for this book, although not a roboticist herself.

Designed for readers and students aged 8-12, this resource includes Teacher Notes aligned with the Australian Curriculum. They are free to download from the CSIRO Publishing website: publishing.csiro.au/book/8165/#forteachers.