In this series of posts, I am going to look at experimenting with a few tools that allow robots to be simulated, programmed, ideally web-based, free and simple to use. In this post, I am looking at iRobots recently released free tool that can be used on computers, tablets and phone to program a simulated iRobot Root robot targetted at educational use.
The initial inspiration for looking at this was through an IEEE Spectrum online article; the tool is web-based app and can be found at https://code.irobot.com/#/
In my opinion, it's most interesting feature is the same code can be written in three different ways. The codes below were the same thing (touch the left sensor turns and draws left, similarly for the right sensor; and lastly when front bump sensor touched it moves forward and plays a C) on all three levels. You only need to write it in one and it is usually available in all three levels, potentially good for transitioning between levels of challenge?
Level 2 is a graphical, drag and drop blocks programming language in the same vein as Scratch and makecode
Resources
Learning library https://edu.irobot.com/learning-library is available but you need a code to access some of the resources.
My view so far
If you want a tool to use with very small children using Level 1, through more flexibility using Level 2 to text-based using Level 3. Nice, as the same tool can be used at different levels. It does simulate a real robot iRobot Root coding robot see https://www.irobot.co.uk/root for more details.
This might be of interest
All opinions in this blog are the Author's and should not in any way be seen as reflecting the views of any organisation the Author has any association with. Twitter @scottturneruon
The initial inspiration for looking at this was through an IEEE Spectrum online article; the tool is web-based app and can be found at https://code.irobot.com/#/
In my opinion, it's most interesting feature is the same code can be written in three different ways. The codes below were the same thing (touch the left sensor turns and draws left, similarly for the right sensor; and lastly when front bump sensor touched it moves forward and plays a C) on all three levels. You only need to write it in one and it is usually available in all three levels, potentially good for transitioning between levels of challenge?
Level 1 is based around connecting icons together, aimed at young children
Level 2 is a graphical, drag and drop blocks programming language in the same vein as Scratch and makecode
Level 3 is a more traditional text-based programming language currently it is Swift; their website suggest other programming languages may be coming soon.
Resources
Learning library https://edu.irobot.com/learning-library is available but you need a code to access some of the resources.
My view so far
If you want a tool to use with very small children using Level 1, through more flexibility using Level 2 to text-based using Level 3. Nice, as the same tool can be used at different levels. It does simulate a real robot iRobot Root coding robot see https://www.irobot.co.uk/root for more details.
This might be of interest
- VEX Robot simulator and programming environment post : https://robotsandphysicalcomputing.blogspot.com/2020/04/programming-robots-virtually-1-vexcode.html
All opinions in this blog are the Author's and should not in any way be seen as reflecting the views of any organisation the Author has any association with. Twitter @scottturneruon
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