Robots and Physical Computing

From "Hello" to "Bonjour": Bringing AI to Life  I recently revisited one of my favourite projects based around using  Machine Learning for Kids  and  Scratch 3 , and the result was surprisingly elegant. For STEM educators and makers, this is more than just a coding trick; it’s a gateway to AI literacy and global communication.    It started with a simple question: Could I make a computer not just hear me, but understand my intent across languages?  I’m always looking for that "Aha!" moment—the point where the complexity of high-level tech melts away into a simple, working project - and is cool. The end goal has changed since the original project  from getting it to just saying a prescribed phrase to translating typed-in phrases when it hears "French" - it is even cooler than before. The Journey: Making the Connection I sat down with the goal of creating a "Polyglot Sprite." The setup through the Machine Learning for Kids Scratch templ...

The original Micro:bit V1 (left) remains a powerful tool for teaching data logging and IoT fundamentals, even alongside the feature-rich V2 (right) produced using ChatGPT Introduction   Before you drop those original Micro:bit V1 boards into the recycling bin, ask yourself this: what if the board without all the bells and whistles is actually the better teaching tool? As we move further into 2026, many educators find their storage bins filled with V1 boards — the ones without the notched gold edge connectors. With the V2 boasting a built-in microphone, speaker, touch-sensitive logo, and a faster processor, it's tempting to assume the V1 is obsolete. But is it really? The answer, perhaps surprisingly, depends entirely on what you are trying to teach — and the V1 makes a far stronger case for itself than most people expect. The Technical Trade-off   To be fair to both boards, the V2 is the clear winner for AI, audio, and machine learning projects — and if your budget allows, ...

This project journey follows the evolution of a simple social-distancing idea into a fully realized "Hug Avoider" wearable. Written from my perspective, it’s designed to take you from basic block coding into the professional-grade world of MicroPython. As a maker and educator, I’m always on the hunt for "low floor, high ceiling" projects—those that are easy enough for a beginner to start in an afternoon but deep enough to keep an experienced coder engaged. I embarked on a multi-stage project using the 4tronix EggBit . What started as a simple social-distancing experiment turned into a  transition from blocks to text-based code. Whether you're a teacher, a parent of a young coder, or a fellow maker, here is the full evolution of the "Hug Avoider." The Hardware: Meet the EggBit The foundation of this project is the 4tronix EggBit . It’s a "cute," egg-shaped expansion board for the BBC micro:bit, designed specifically to be wearable. [INSERT IMA...

DIY Data Science: A Complete Guide to Data Logging with the Micro:bit V1 Whether you are a STEM teacher looking for a classroom lab solution, a parent seeking a weekend project, or a maker building an environmental monitor, the Micro:bit V1 is a hidden gem for data logging. While the newer V2 has built-in logging memory, the V1 is incredibly capable when paired with a computer. By using the Serial (USB) Connection and Radio Communication , you can turn these pocket-sized boards into useful sensors. The Equipment List To get started, you will need: For Local Logging: 1x Micro:bit V1. 1x Micro-USB cable (high quality, data-capable). A computer with a Chrome-based browser (to use the WebUSB feature in MakeCode). For Remote Logging: 2x Micro:bit V1s. 1x Battery pack (2xAAA) for the "Remote" Micro:bit. 1x Micro-USB cable for the "Receiver" Micro:bit. Optional (For Experiments): A strong magnet (to test the Compass/Magnetometer (see later in this post). A flashlight (to ...

Producing a data logger using the microbit to detect and log changes in the magnetic field. Traces The micro:bit includes a built-in compass that can also be used as a magnetic field detector . With a small amount of code, we can use this sensor to measure changes in the magnetic field and log the data to a computer . If you are new to this idea, a useful introduction is the video from Mr Morrison below, which explains the basic concept. The video demonstrates how the micro:bit can detect magnetic fields and display the readings on the device itself. Let’s extend that idea by turning the micro:bit into a data logger that continuously records magnetic field changes . Coding and Sending data to a Computer Instead of displaying the magnetic readings directly on the micro:bit’s LEDs, we can send the data through the USB cable to a computer . The MakeCode editor already provides blocks that allow data to be sent using the serial connection . By placing the magnetic measurement inside a c...