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What are littleBits? littleBits are easy, electric building blocks that are able to snap together via magnets. These are used for learning about circuits and electronics.
Shown: littleBits starter kit
What are Legos? A Lego is an interlocking plastic brick. These bricks are often used in many ways for practical and enjoyment uses.
First, I began to learn about the littleBits. All littleBits circuits require power, whether that be from a battery or from a USB powered from a device. I decided to build a simple circuit, powered by a battery. Each circuit requires a blue, or power bit, a pink, or action/input bit (these do things), and a green bit, or output bit. Together, these bits complete the circuit.
IMG_6507.MOVShown In Video: How this simple circuit works!
PIctures: First: parts of simple circuit Second: partially assembled circuit Third: fully assembled circuit
Let's Learn!
Let's Learn!
Youtube Video: How to use littleBits starter kit
Let's Put Them Together!!
Why these tools? When asked to create something using the tools from the Makerspace, I knew I wanted to use the littleBits. I wanted to learn more about them and see how I can assemble a circuit using these small bits. I also knew I wanted to use Legos because I grew up building Legos.
littleBits Brick Adapter
I began to think about how I could combine the two, and I discovered a littleBits piece called the Brick Adapter. This brick adapter attaches easily to the bits and to Lego pieces at the same time. This encourages the two to work together.
Another littleBits piece that caught my eye was the Mechanical Arm. This piece allows you to put various pens or markers in the holes of the arm.
littleBits mechanical arm
littleBits mechanical arm in use
Prototyping!
I decided I wanted to build a machine out of Legos and littleBits that would be able to draw. I started by assembling the littleBits in a circuit that would swing the mechanical arm with the marker in it.
I used the Lego base to stabilize the circuit and created a moving stand for the arm. The arm is connected to a motor which allows the rotation of the arm. I had difficulty figuring out how to keep the motor upright and I ultimately locked the motor into a Lego window piece with another Lego jammed in the space to ensure the motor would not move.
IMG_6591.MOV<-- Testing the first prototype, this ultimately broke and I had to redesign the base.
Final Product!
How the final product turned out! I had to build a larger Lego base for the motor of the mechanical arm in order to withstand the weight of the arm and the marker.
IMG_6593.MOVTesting the final product before testing the marker.
IMG_6594.MOVThe Final Product in Action!!
Let's Review!!
I would 100% recommend littleBits to anyone! These are super simple and very fun to start learning about circuits. I would recommend these to anyone who might be interested in becoming an engineer or just anyone to have fun and see what they could create! There are many online tutorials and articles that explain how to make certain projects. There is also a guide book on how to build simple circuits that could spark creativity into creating something entirely new!
IMG_6508.MOVCircuit with LED lights, created from the guidebook!
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