The emergence of simple robots can be said to be a result of the educational sector’s vigorous promotion of robotics technology. In the field of children’s education, assembling their own robots is very appealing to children, and the process of exploration is far more meaningful than the final result—practice is the mobilization and verification of all knowledge, and children are more likely to discover the charm of learning through hands-on activities.
In response to today’s programming learning needs, programming functionality has also become one of the main selling points of simple robots. Currently, there are three types of DIY simple robots available in the UK market: Chickbot, SAM’s curious cars, and QuadBot, all aimed at youth of all ages, encouraging children to get hands-on, are easy to operate and safe, and all have programming capabilities, yet each has its unique design focus.
With 22 years of experience in the IT industry, Nick McCloud, a STEM ambassador in the UK, seized children’s curiosity about programming robots and launched the simple robot Chickbot in 2016, which supports three mainstream programming microcontrollers (Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and BBC micro:bit). Its affordable price has become Chickbot’s greatest feature and is also one of the core missions of the development team.
Founded in 2014, SAM LAB is the first digital product startup in the UK to develop seamless integration of hardware and software over the internet. The company adheres to the principle that “the Internet of Things breaks the limits of imagination, and the Internet explores children’s potential,” addressing the issue of children’s imagination being constrained by real-world factors.
SAM’s curious cars all mainboard modules can be connected via the internet, and users can control them through a mobile client app. After the client recognizes each module, users can drag the modules on their mobile devices, and the software will automatically generate a logical flow to form action connections.
Due to their fascination with robots, Jack Scott-Reeve and Josh Elijah, also graduates of the University of Manchester, founded EngiMake in 2016, aiming to create an educational robot—QuadBot—that is suitable for everyone, regardless of user background or programming foundation, with the best user experience.
QuadBot is not a limited-function but expensive robot alternative; it allows users to learn programming while truly creating physical objects. Although the design and manufacturing team of the robot consists of inexperienced young people, each member has rich programming and manufacturing experience.
The fun of DIY simple robots lies in allowing users, especially children, to unleash their imagination in assembling their robots. All three robots leave ample space for users to exercise their creativity—Chickbot and SAM’s curious cars are designed in the shape of a small car, and users can design and create the appearance of the car using cardboard.
QuadBot, on the other hand, leverages 3D printing technology Autodesk Fusion 360 to support users in personally designing and printing more stylish appearances; however, users need to have their own 3D printer, otherwise they can only use the robot’s default shell.
In terms of assembly, all three robots require users to use the provided parts to assemble the robot, except for the mainboard and important components, which have been soldered.
In terms of assembly difficulty, the car-shaped Chickbot and SAM’s curious cars only require simple part assembly, especially since SAM’s curious cars use LEGO blocks’ snap-together design, and users do not need to use any screws.
However, QuadBot, which resembles a spider and has four limbs for walking support, requires users to pay attention to wiring and other issues, thus increasing both the assembly volume and difficulty.
Regarding charging, except for SAM’s curious cars which support USB charging, both QuadBot and Chickbot rely on AA batteries or rechargeable batteries.
In the UK, programming has long been highly valued as a core part of future computer education.
To narrow the gap between British students’ computer skills and the world-leading level, while also enhancing their interest in programming, the BBC, in collaboration with 31 companies, designed and distributed programming microcontrollers Micro:Bit for free to a million British children; many schools are now also establishing programming robot clubs to promote children’s exploration of programming.
The three simple robots mentioned above also all have programming capabilities, but the microcontroller platforms and languages they use differ.
Chickbot supports three mainstream microcontrollers: Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and BBC micro:bit, using complete programming languages. Users need to judge their programming level when choosing a microcontroller platform. For example, BBC micro:bit is suitable for programming novices aged 5-13, while Arduino is suitable for those aged 13-16 who already have some programming foundation.
//Chickbot robot can act according to commands
Compared to complete programming languages, SAM’s curious cars prefer using paired part module graphics to help children understand robot functions and establish basic programming logic, making it more suitable for younger children.The feature of SAM’s curious cars lies in the logical flow that automatically connects SAM LAB mainboard modules and forms predictive thinking.
For example, if the car needs to turn left, it first needs to start the car, then check the surrounding situation; if there is an obstacle, it needs to bypass it; if there is no obstacle, it needs to determine how many degrees to turn the steering wheel left, etc. This function is more pronounced when users use two or more SAM LAB products, as children can click on each module’s connections to see the principles.
//SAM’S CURIOUS CAR primarily uses graphics as the “programming language”.
QuadBot, on the other hand, is more like a combination of Chickbot and SAM’s curious cars. QuadBot supports both graphical programming language ArduBlockly and text programming language Arduino, allowing users to start with simple graphical programming and then use advanced text language once they have a certain programming foundation.
Like Chickbot, all programs used by QuadBot are open-source, and users can find more resources or develop more functionalities in the two language libraries. Both QuadBot and Chickbot provide users with detailed step-by-step guidance and learning resources.
//QuadBot can use both graphical and text languages
Additionally, compared to pursuing programming skills, Chickbot focuses more on meeting the learning needs of children at different age stages, ensuring that its functional settings fully comply with the teaching syllabus for the target age group, thus ensuring the scientific nature of learning.
All three robots can be operated remotely, especially SAM’s curious cars and QuadBot, which are equipped with Bluetooth receivers, supporting users to program and control the robots directly through an app or PC client, while Chickbot requires users to connect via USB to program the microcontroller.
In terms of price, McCloud’s intention in preparing Chickbot is to allow teachers and parents to spend very little money for children to have a programmable, affordable robot full of hands-on fun. Therefore, the retail price of each basic Chickbot kit is only £17 (excluding tax), and the group purchase price is £10 before tax.
//The image shows the ChickBot robot makers at the IET Robot Triathlon Conference.
QuadBot allows users to freely choose functionalities; for example, users with 3D printers can purchase the developer kit without having to pay for the robot’s appearance, and users who do not require wireless control can purchase the kit without Bluetooth.
However, compared to Chickbot’s affordable price, while the other two robots’ prices cannot be said to be high, they will still make many working-class families think twice. SAM’s curious cars kit is priced at £149 (excluding tax), while the price of QuadBot, which allows functional selection, ranges from £135 to £219.
(Editor: Jordan)
