Robot toys are always fascinating as they encompass a wealth of scientific knowledge. Driven by curiosity, children not only find them engaging but are also more interested in exploring their mysteries. However, the high prices of robots on the market are not affordable for all families. So, is there a cost-effective yet quality solution?
Chickbot might just be the answer—composed of standard parts and priced affordably; children can not only learn programming languages to control the robot’s movements but also assemble or modify their own robots.
A Robot Designed for All Children
Due to the novelty of the robot itself, combined with the ability to program it to act on commands, programming robot clubs have become popular in schools across the UK. Many schools in the UK now have similar clubs to cultivate children’s interest in technology and programming.
However, programming robots with educational significance are not cheap; market research shows that their average price is over £100, making it impossible for schools to provide a robot for every child.
With tight school budgets, many working-class families may not consider purchasing one for their children. If children’s exploratory desires cannot be satisfied, will the learning interest sparked by robots be short-lived?
Nick McCloud, founder of Chickbot and UK STEM ambassador, expressed the same concern. “If children cannot each have a programming robot and cannot maintain their interest in technology and programming through practice, then what is the point of the club?”
//Nick McCloud, Founder of Chickbot
McCloud pondered, “Why can’t we just spend a few pounds to DIY a robot, allowing every child to have their own robot?”
With 22 years of experience in IT and a passion for hardware and software development, McCloud began preparing the Chickbot project in the summer of 2015. By utilizing low-cost control boards like Arduino and Raspberry Pi, Chickbot offers three types of motors and common parts, allowing teachers and parents to acquire a programmable, affordable, and hands-on robot for very little money.
DIY is the Start, Learning Programming is Key
In fact, Chickbot is not just a toy robot; it is a DIY kit filled with educational significance. Unlike the complete robots advertised, what Chickbot delivers to users is a manual, a pile of parts, a control board, and a frame. Users only need a pair of scissors and a rechargeable battery to assemble a car-like Chickbot.
It is worth noting that children not only need to learn how to program but also must apply their STEM knowledge to assemble their robots. McCloud believes that the hands-on process is far more interesting than direct operation.
//Chickbot users receive parts that need simple assembly
Chickbot supports three simple programming languages as control platforms, including BBC micro:bit, Arduino, and Raspberry Pi. When purchasing the kit, users need to choose a programming platform based on their abilities; for example, BBC micro:bit is suitable for beginners aged 5-13 with no programming background, while Arduino is suitable for those aged 13-16 who already have some programming foundation.
Thus, completing the hardware assembly is just the beginning of DIY robotics; getting the robot to move according to one’s programming commands is the crucial step.Once users install the programming platform, they can start coding. Chickbot also provides users with step-by-step tutorials to help them familiarize themselves with their robot’s operation and conduct further experiments.
Currently, Chickbot’s tutorials have been tested by children aged 11-16 with varying programming abilities and are considered to meet the educational standards for that age group. Of course, children can also seek additional resources based on their interests, as all three microcontrollers have extensive data resources and tutorials available.
//The image shows a student user DIYing a Chickbot robot that can act according to commands
AlmostUnlimited Expansion Capabilities
To meet the diverse needs of students, Chickbot has launched various robot kits, including basic kits compatible with three programming languages and versions with expanded functionalities. Each basic kit retails for only £17 (pre-tax), with group purchase prices at £10 pre-tax.
McCloud hopes that schools can become pioneers in fostering children’s interest in robotics. “After all, schools only need to spend one-sixth of the price to equip every interested child with a robot, which can save a significant amount of money. The robot components are very sturdy, and even if damaged, replacement parts can be easily found.”
//Children participants at the IET Robotics Triathlon are making their own ChickBot robots
All parts of Chickbot can be purchased on eBay or at hardware stores at low prices. This not only makes it convenient for users to replace damaged parts but also supports users in modifying and adding functionalities.
For example, users can add light sensors to the basic robot, allowing the robot to track a flashlight or search for the brightest or darkest parts of a room.
Additionally, Chickbot provides a programming toolkit to achieve more advanced functionalities for the robot, such as watering plants on a schedule.
//Sensor kits compatible with Chickbot
It has been reported that Chickbot has begun project collaborations with several institutions and schools. The company launched its first crowdfunding round on Kickstarter in November 2016 and has received significant attention. However, McCloud stated that Chickbot is not intended for profit; he has registered Chickbot as a non-profit organization.
“The crowdfunding funds are only to ensure that employee salaries are not affected, and the income will be used for product functionality development and to meet children’s needs for robots,” McCloud stated. “Everyone can take Chickbot and I hope everyone can contribute some resources to DIY robotics.”
//Chickbot compatible with BBC Micro:bit
The Process of Education is More Important than the Result
Low-cost, simple robots are not a new idea. As early as 2007, scientists at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh collaborated with Google, Intel, and Microsoft on an educational project—low-cost DIY robots that could alleviate household chores.
Now, with the programming wave sweeping in, makers are once again focusing on low-cost, simple robots with educational significance. The domestic maker robot XKBOT, like Chickbot, is a low-cost DIY programming robot for children, also shaped like a small car.
XKBOT, like Chickbot, is priced within an affordable range, equivalent to just a few pounds. Users need to assemble the robot themselves and use programming to remotely control it.
XKBOT is also rich in functionality, as it is equipped with line-following sensors and ultrasonic sensors, allowing it to follow advanced commands for more complex activities, such as avoiding obstacles and line-following driving.
Additionally, users can directly send commands from mobile devices to remotely control XKBOT. Therefore, on the entertainment level, XKBOT will bring more surprises and fun to children eager to try out robotic functionalities.
//XKBOT simple robot
Compared to the cool existing features of XKBOT, the basic functionalities of Chickbot seem a bit sparse, with additional features primarily needing to be developed by children through learning.
However, returning to the educational aspect, compared to Chickbot, which requires children to choose a microcontroller platform and learn real programming languages, XKBOT’s graphical programming only gives children a concept of programming, not true command statements.
Another commendable aspect of Chickbot is that all three microcontrollers used have comprehensive teaching resources and step-by-step guidance, and the functional settings fully comply with the educational standards for the target age group, ensuring the scientific nature of children’s learning processes.
It can be said that Chickbot’s motto is “the process is more important than the result.” Exploring from easy to difficult allows children to discover the charm of learning and maintain their enthusiasm for exploration; instant excitement is hard to sustain.
(Editor: Yingluo Qiaodun)
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