Programmable Robots, Drones & Circuits
There are many programmable robots and drones such as Lego Mindstorms, Edison, Beebot, Pro-Bot, Ollie and Sphero. Tynker can be used to program many of these. Their simple Crash Course tutorial on the Tynker for Schools app (blue ~ $8.50) teaches programming of robots and drones through a platform game. Tynker is available as a personal app for ipad or Android tablet (both free with limited options) or a paid Tynker for Schools app (~ $8.50) where class accounts can be added.
Tickle ipad app is similar to Tynker and Scratch and can be used to control various drones and robots such as Sphero, Ollie, BB-8, Dash & Dot.
The free Scratch site connects with any of the Lego robotic options: Mindstorms, WeDo and Boost.
This webinar looks at choosing and using robotics and electronics in learning. This Enabling eLearning page talks about getting started with robotics and has suggestions and resources. See also the Creating with Coding & Robotics page.
Tickle ipad app is similar to Tynker and Scratch and can be used to control various drones and robots such as Sphero, Ollie, BB-8, Dash & Dot.
The free Scratch site connects with any of the Lego robotic options: Mindstorms, WeDo and Boost.
This webinar looks at choosing and using robotics and electronics in learning. This Enabling eLearning page talks about getting started with robotics and has suggestions and resources. See also the Creating with Coding & Robotics page.
Sphero is a round programmable ball. Sphero can be programmed using the Sphero Edu app or Tynker. It is very hardy, easily changes direction, has built-in sensors, has no external moving parts and can float. This makes them very versatile. New models are very easy to connect with via bluetooth and some have a built-in LED light board. It is usually just over $200 incl GST. It is also available in a cheaper much smaller mini version which is fully programmable although not as robust and doesn't float. For both versions you can create Lego cages with wheels that allow you to transport objects or build vehicles using the Sphero. See this page for a Sphero challenge example. This example uses laser cutters and 3D printers but Lego or similar could do the job. Sphero Golf
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Edison - reasonably priced programmable robots that integrate with Lego bricks. They have their own Edware app for Chrome, online, ipad and most platforms and three levels of coding, simple blocks, medium level blocks and Python. Can be a little fiddly to use. More information and resources here.
Edison used as an automatic door opener. |
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Bee-bots and Blue-bots - programmable robots designed for young children. Buttons on the back are used to programme the robot to go forward, back, left right or turn 90 degrees (Blue-bot also does 45 degrees if you use the app) left or right. Those who have used Logo turtles will be familiar with this type of programming. Pro-bots are a more advanced version of the Bluebot that is programmed via a screen on the back of the car-shaped robot. Blue-bots and Pro-bots are also programmable via an app and you don't need a blue-bot to use the app. Teachers' Guide. With the Android App or iPad app you can Bluetooth to your Blue-bot but can also use the app for a large number of activities and challenges, including navigating a selection of maps, alphabet charts, shape charts etc and drawing shapes, without having a Blue-bot.
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Lego Mindstorms EV3 - make programmable Lego robots. Not a cheap option but plenty of scope for creativity with a variety of robots able to be created and programmed.
VEX IQ - Snap-together programmable robots suitable for Primary and Secondary age students. Robots can be entered in competitions. Dash & Dot - programmable robots for ~ ages 5 - 11. Free coding apps available for ipad and Android tablets. Lego Wedo 2 - Robotics kits that use Lego and can be programmed with the provided software or with Scratch - you need to add the Scratch extension in the Scratch web version - under the blue Add extension button (bottom left). There is a Facebook support group but it isn't NZ or education-based. MBot - Put together your own robot then programme. Scratch and Arduino-based. Self- driving vehicles Tutorials Buildable Robots MicroMaqueen robot - Build your robot and program it with a Micro:bit using MakeCode or Scratch. Can't afford the real thing? Try Virtual Robots. Investigate things robots can do in the real world and see if you can replicate a similar task with your robot. |
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Arduino is an open-source progammable electronics prototyping platform based on flexible, easy-to-use hardware and software. It can be used to create interactive objects. You can write and test your Arduino code at Autodesk Circuits. This is great if you have limited hands-on materials. For more practical applications check out the Arduino page and the Creating page
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N.B. Inclusion of any product on this site should not be considered an endorsement. They are suggestions of items related to this area that you may like to explore further yourself.
