Robots and Physical Computing

In this post, I am discussing using a recently bought   CBIS BBC micro:bit RobotArm , but play with it using Python (or rather micropython). Set Up Not a lot to set up really. The base and the arm are separate and are attached with four screws (so you will need a screwdriver).  The most difficult bit is the wiring the arm to the circuit/breakout board on the base, but instructions are available through CBiS Resource portal  http://portal.cbis.education/teacher/hardware . You will need a log-in for this. Also on that site, there is an example Microsoft Blocks code which includes some instructions on inserting the microbit as well - the micro:bit goes in buttons side facing upwards. Code Taking the values from the instruction sheet for setting it - the micro:bit key bit - the following pins were selected. Base                     Pins 0 and 1 Shoulder    ...

Guest Blogger Hiren Mistry, Nuffield Research Placement Student working at the University of Northampton. Nuffield Research Placement scheme provides students in their first year of a post16 course to work with STEM professionals  http://www.nuffieldfoundation.org/nuffield-research-placements . How to use Minecraft to move a USB Robot Arm on a Raspberry Pi By Hiren Mistry Currently, I am taking part in a Nuffield Foundation Research Placement at the University of Northampton, researching how to control a CBIS Robot Arm using a Raspberry Pi. This part of the project aims to learn more about using Python in Minecraft and how I can control the Robot Arm using Minecraft. When the player hits a specific block, the Robot Arm will move in a specific way. Minecraft is an adventure game where players are put in a randomly-generated world and can create their own structures and contraptions out of textured cubes. Here are the main commands used in Python for Minecraft Pi: ...