Robots and Physical Computing

Taken from:  http://www.northampton.ac.uk/news/matthew-takes-control-of-robot-research-project/ A sixth-form student has spent the summer at the University of Northampton investigating the possibility of controlling DIY robots with a computer half the size of a credit card. Matthew Hole, who attends Wrenn Academy in Wellingborough, has been awarded a  Nuffield Research Placement  – a scheme which offers sixth formers the chance to work on university research projects during the summer. During his time at the University, Matthew used a BBC micro:bit computer  to control a junkbot – a robot made from junk, such as a drinks can, powered by a kit. Junkbots have previously been controlled by a Raspberry Pi computer, but the University’s Associate Professor in Computing and Immersive Technologies, Dr Scott Turner, saw the potential to harness the micro:bit. “The micro:bit has been given away free to every Year 7 p...

Originally posted as:  http://computingnorthampton.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/waste-as-tool-to-inspire-potential.html in 2012. A recent article in the Northampton  Herald and Post  "  How a university is using waste as tool to inspire students" by Lawrence John discusses the Junkbots project.  " FUNNY looking robots called junkbots could be the key to encouraging more children across the county to become engineers, computer programmers or scientists. One force which is driving this idea forward is the University of Northampton. For the past few years, staff from its science and technology department have been going out to primary and secondary schools to spread the word that science is fun. By working with schools, the university hopes to show pupils a different side to computing and hopefully raise their interest in what they can achieve " Lawrence John For the whole article  click here .this takes you to the Newspaper site...