Robotics

Dash is a robot, charged and ready to play out of the box. Dash responds to voice, navigates objects, dances, and sings. Dot is a round stationery sphere that has sensors, sounds and lights that can be programed to achieve a challenge. There are add-on components that dress the dot up for more individualization. The Dot uses Bluetooth to connect to an application on a tablet.

Sample Videos:

• Wonder Workshop, Home of Dash & Dot Robots
• Kids Can Code: A Dot and Dash Addition Strategy Game
• Learning Math with Dash

Little bits are small colour coded electronic components that snap together magnetically. There are components for movement, sensors, sounds, adjustment/input, etc. that can combine to provide solutions to challenges.

Sample Videos:

• Welcome to Little Bits
• What is littleBits?

Bits are a small moveable robot with light sensors on its base that allow it to line track. Small sections of lines can be colour coded to input commands to have the robot move in different directions or change colours. The Bits can be programmed with Bluetooth on a tablet and/or an app with a Chromebook by flashing colours on the screen. It can be used in a single class period or can be be part of an extended project.

Sample Videos:

• OZOBOT BIT 2.0 by Evollve Inc. Quick Overview
• Ozobot - It's Your Move

Probots are similar to the Beebots above but provide more control for turning, allowing acute or obtuse angles of movement. They also have a location in the center of the robot to allow placement of a marker so that the robot draws a line as it moves. This line can create a pattern on the floor that would correspond to the robots programing.

Sample Videos:

• Drawing a square with a Pro-Bot
• Pro-bot instructions

These small rectangular objects each have a purpose - movement, sensor, sound, etc. and they combine/snap together with magnets to create a robot.

Sample Video:

• Cubelets Robot Blocks | Getting Started Guide

EZ robot is an extensible system with multiple sensors, motors and controls. It requires a dedicated software program and is best suited to a larger project over multiple days.

Sample Video:

• Using the Robot Program

Mindstorms have been available for over 20 years and are currently on their fourth version. There is dedicated software to program the "brain" and the latest version has expanded to include a cloud based Chromebook application. The sensors and motors connect back to the brain and the brain itself has sounds and a screen. This is an in-depth robotic system that generally works best in a specialized class to meet CTF or CTS outcomes.

Sample Video:

• How to create your first program (Learn to program tutorial)

M-Bot is an entry-level robot that can be programmed using drag and drop programming blocks. It uses line tracking movement, but components are available that expand its functionality such as sonar, light and sound sensors. Similar to a Lego robot, it can be expanded into robotic arms, plotters, etc.

Sample Video:

• mBot Robot Kit

Evos are similar to the Ozobot Bit above but include the addition of proximity sensors. These accommodate programing for vertical obstacles such as those found in a maze. Programing works best using Bluetooth and a tablet application.

Sample Video:

• Evo – Unboxing and Getting Started

Spheros are small tennis ball sized spheres with lights and motors that allow it to move. They connect to a tablet or Chromebook to allow for programming and control commands. Consumer and educational applications are available. Spheros can be used in a single class period.

Sample Video:

• Sphero SPRK Inspiring in the Classroom

Vex robotics are available in two versions, IQ and EDR. IQ is an entry level kit based on plastic components and EDR is a more advanced kit based on metal components. They are similar to Lego robotics in that they are best suited for a longer term dedicated class.

Sample Video:

• VEX IQ Challenge Next Level- 2018-2019 VEX IQ Challenge Game