Transistors
January 21, 2026 • EPISODE 294
What is a transistor and why is it important? In this episode of Science LIVE, Dr. Roger Billings explores how transistors control electric current, replaced bulky vacuum tubes, and made modern electronics possible—from radios to computers and smartphones. The episode also features a tiny bug-like robot developed by MIT and the fascinating story of Henry Ford and how Thomas Edison influenced the development of the automobile.
About DrB
Dr. Roger Billings is a visionary innovator whose work has touched the lives of millions of students and transformed the landscape of education. Widely known as “DrB” to the countless kids who benefit from his groundbreaking Acellus learning system, Dr. Billings has dedicated his life to advancing education through technology.
As part of DrB’s lifelong commitment to supporting education, Science LIVE was launched as a way to “give back” by mentoring students in conjunction with the Roger Billings Scholarship Program.
Read more about DrB »
About the Roger Billings Scholarship Program »
These videos are always so fascinating, Thank you for them
Henry Ford was such an awesome innovator.
Loved the video this week!
I love R51!!!
i loved this!
I love science live
That’s a small robot!
I love r51!!
It’s truly remarkable how Henry Ford was able to take something that used to cost a fortune and make it accessible to almost everyone.
The coolest part of the video is the robot its amazing how technology works
The tiny robot is so cute, I can’t wait for nexts weeks science live!
Got to this one a bit late lol, but I’m grateful to watch science live another week. The tiny robot is so cute lol! Can’t wait for next week’s, I’ve been loving Acellus.
wow, this episode is by far one of my faves
I enjoyed this video too.
Awesome!
I hope it counts that I watched today… winter storms completely wiped my area of power. Stay safe everyone!
I think so far this is my favorite video!
r51 is so cool!
what a fantastic live
I am happy to hear the knowledge you share.
Love r51!!!
science is awesome
I am a bit late but it is very cool and unique.
I didn’t know that the modal T was named after the 20th version.
This Science Live was so Interesting. I’m thankful for the knowledge you share .
This was such a fun and amazing video to watch I enjoyed it so much and I learned some new things and glad i watched the video great video.
I am grateful for this program. This video was one of my favorite.
Science live just gets better every time.
I learned that Henry ford made pocket watches.
This has been so helpful!
This was a very interesting video and im glad i was able to learn something new.
I love the little flying robot they showed this episode! Technology has came so far!
I love Acellus!!!
thank you for the video Leighon from Wyoming
science live is awesome!
Thank you!
I love Acellus so much! I didn’t know a robot can be made that small. That’s so cool!
I love watching these
getting to get ahead on school during this snow storm!!
Acellus is awesome, my favorite online school program 🙂
I enjoyed this video!
What are the requirements for the science fair?
How did yall come up with the idea for the skit in area 51?
Robots helping with surgery would be wonderful.
I love science live.
I thought the twin sisters was funny
Ryker, thanks for doing this
Love hearing about Henry Ford
That was so cool and the robot and the car and all of that was so cool.
Hello from Colorado!
Its crazy fast that little robot can fly but what I find more impressive is the wings. How are so they so durable? It’s crazy!
Another awesome science live. Keep up the good work!
Science fairs are awesome!!!!
Science is one of my favorite subjects!
Communicating from Mississippi as well! r51 is interesting to say the least.
It is just amazing how advanced the flying robot is
r51 is super crazy.
science is cool
Researches have found a link in migraines to disruptions in circadian rhythm.
Just like Henry Ford used an assembly line to make cars, my church group used an assembly line to pack bags for the community Wednesday.
This was extremely informative.
The robots are always interesting
It is cool the made a bot that is a fly very interesting
It would be cool if we had more SEL videos by Dr Monet!
Lots of great information always!!!
Thank you for another great video!!!
I think it’s amazing how Ford dedicated 9 years to creating the automobile after Edison saw the vision he had.
How can technology improve nature and the way nature responds?
I really was excited that i got to learn more about Henry Ford.
It is amazing how they have made robots so small you would not even know it is right there looking at you.
i love acellus!
So awesome.
love the video
This was cool live
I really enjoyed this weeks scince live 🙂
I love r51!!!!
Fords are the best!
I love science because it’s fun
*Good job Richa!
this stuff is awesome hope to learn more
Nice science live.
I love Acellus!! Thank you for science live!
the bug robot was so cool
I love the tiny robot
Nice a robotic bugs, Science Live is epic. More science please
These videos get better every time, love this episode!
How does a transistor act as both a switch and an amplifier?
Amazing information!
Loved this.
R51 was so cool!
I never knew much about Henry Ford, but I actually have a friend that used to go to Fordson High school. That school is deeply connected to him.
There has been a spoiler alert about R51. Looking forward to seeing first hand.
I am really enjoying Acellus, great video!
R51 is amazing love from nc
How do the mini robots hold up in unpredictable environments like wind gusts?
I like how they talked about the model t cars and the mit robot.
Acellus is amazing and wonderful school
I think that if the MIT found a way to not have the cord on the bot they could use it to do a whole lot more.
I found it interesting that Henry Ford implemented the assembly line to make cars more affordable for the average person.
Don’t want to get biodegraded!
My mom enjoyed hearing about the migraine study. She is suggesting I sign up for the science fair now.
I did not know about the transistors or Henry Ford and Thomas Edisons influence.
This was so fun! Thank you!
love science live stay warm
This was a great video! I really enjoyed it!
R51 is very funny. Love science
Henry Ford has got to be one of the most interesting characters in the automotive industry. He really changed how luxury goods could become affordable via the assembly line.
The tiny robots!!
l love the tiny robot
That is really cool that you made a computer at the same time as Apple.
I’m going to research vacuum tubes to see benefets.
I love Acellus
Do my airpods use transistor technology?
Thank you Acellus for doing this weekly.
Who invented the radio?
How fast will the robot from the video go?
Science is goated
really awesome live!
R51 is my favorite!
this so interning I love Acellus so much it’s helped me a lot since day one and can’t wait for next week!!!
i love math
I loved learning about *transitors and what they mean in science.
I love the tiny robot!!
I liked learning about transistors and the science fair!
I think she should record another class!!!!
I love how the robot can move the same speed like a bug
So interesting! Love science live!
Awesome live!!!
I always enjoy the bits with David and Caleb
WOW! I did not know you can make robot that small!
What a good episode!!!
I really enjoyed the part about mentorship and Henry Ford.
I loved learning about transistors today! Can’t wait for the science fair!
I like learning about Transistors!
Are there any plans for ways to use the tiny robots?
Thank you for teaching about transistors. The science fair looks cool!
I love science, it’s interesting.
How did Henry ford built a quadracycle
Do you think that they can upscale the drone and put a battery in them?
Ive heard about Henry Ford but never this information this is legendary!
I enjoyed watching science live!
Hello from Illinois! I love Acellus!
hello from south carolina!!
It is amazing how fast they were able to build some of the first cars.
I love the robot! That is super neat!
Acellus science live is so fun and interesting!!
This program makes me so elated, I can’t even begin to imagine how much I love it.
It was vey interesting!
David and Caleb are really funny and are easy to listen to, they don’t make it sound boring.
Acellus is the BEST!!!!!!!!!
I think DR. pajet Monet should make another class because it could help more kids cope with stress and more and it will help kids learn to forgive yourself and others
Great video! Thank you for showing how semiconductors work.
Science live this spring sounds really exciting!! I hope that I can make it! 😄
Great live!
One day I will make a tiny robot.
I am so excitied to see all the new inventions and inovations for the science fair!
Thank you
awesome on the tiny robot.
the tiny robot is awsome
I loved this live! My favorite part was learning about Henry Ford.
R51 is super funny! 🙂
Thank you for doing science live every week, so many of us are so thankful that through this program we can learn more about science! Also, learning about transistors has been fascinating! Have a blessed day!
Science is fun
I loved learning about Henry Ford!
This was so cool! Thanks Dr. Billings!!
I wonder how many new jobs were made for cars after they got big*
I love learning about the new model A.
WOW! This was a really good episode. I enjoyed learning about Henry Ford’s assembly system and the time it took to build a Car.
just gonna say that Henry Ford is one smart cookie. I don’t know how people think of things like that but I hope that I think of something like that too one day.
Comment Henry Ford really made such a difference. I loved learning about it.
R51 is so amazing, I love it.
Great video! loved this one!
That tiny robot is incredible. Nice job!
How do they fit the robot’s parts in that tiny structure?
I also think Ms. Pajet should film another course.
I learned a lot just from watching this video.
thanks acellus
The robot was cool!