Robobo is a unique tool for those teachers who want to introduce the next generation of educational robots in their classes from the beginning. Scratch is the most popular block-based programming language in primary and secondary schools all around the world, and Robobo can be programmed with it. Hence, students can learn intelligent robotics without resorting to a complex programming environment.
As any other educational robot, Robobo has the basic capabilities required to start working in robotics, like motors on the wheels that allow learning basic concepts on kinematics, or distance sensors to avoid simple collisions. But, in addition, it has some unique capabilities to start learning in artificial intelligence that current platforms do not have, like face and color detection, speech recognition, tactile interaction and more. These capabilities increase the life cycle of the robot in the classroom.
We have developed a set of teaching units for Robobo. The units exploit Robobo's technical capabilities and they have been developed by University Professors with the guidance of education sciences professionals, with the aim of helping teachers to introduce intelligent robotics topics in their classes.
Project-based learning is intrinsic to robotics. All the teaching units have been developed with the objective of solving real-world challenges. This implies acquiring relevant competencies in different disciplines in an integrated fashion, following a STEAM (SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, ARTS AND MATHEMATICS) methodology. Teaching units for the courses will be accessed through our private educational portal, and they contain teaching guides for the teacher and interactive learning activities to be carried out directly by the students.
Robobo is a long-term educational tool, with many possibilities that can be exploited in different courses. For students that already have basic knowledge in robotics and block-based programming, Robobo is an optimal option to continue with their learning.
For intermediate level students, we have developed a curriculum that associates the advance in intelligent robotics skills with a transition to text-based programming using Python or Javascript. Both of them are very relevant programming languages that complete their skills in AI related issues.
With University and many other avid high-school students in mind, we have devoted large efforts in making Robobo capabilities available to higher level programmers and roboticians. To this end, Robobo is completely compatible with ROS, opening this platform to be programmed in almost any programming language.
The possibility of using computer vision, speech recognition, and other advanced features in high-level computer science, engineering or robotics courses is mandatory nowadays. Robobo is the most affordable robot that incorporates such technology, so it is an optimal option for universities and research centers. In this sense, even multi-robot development can be easily performed with this robot due to its communications capabilities.
Some reference educational institutions are already involved in the Robobo Project, from primary schools to Universities. All of them are interested in their technological capabilities and long-life cycle. The application of Robobo in their courses has opened up a new horizon of projects and challenges to be solved by students.
The Robobo base supports the attachment of 3D printed accessories in its bottom part using simple screws. This allows students to use their imagination and add new features to the base to be used in their programs. Pushers, pen holders, wagons or bigger wheels can be designed, printed and attached to the base.
3D printing and Robobo present a strong synergy in education. Design new accessories, print them, connect them to Robobo and enjoy infinite possibilities, pure STEAM learning.
