To further standardize the youth robotics technology level examination, the software requirements for the practical part of levels three to six are explained as follows. All examination service points must fully distribute this explanation to all candidates and parents participating in the exam, ensuring that all candidates’ computers are configured as required.
1. Computer for Practical Exam (Theoretical questions use classroom computers)
Candidates participating in the youth robotics technology level examination from levels three to six should bring their own computers and prepare the exam environment according to the following requirements before the exam.
2. System Platform: Windows 7 or higher
3. Programming Languages, Software, and Required Libraries for Levels Three and Four
(1) Programming Language
1. Level Three: Graphical programming is recommended using Mixly software, version Mixly 0.997 or higher, preferably Mixly 0.999.
2. Level Four: Uniformly use Arduino C code programming, with the recommended programming software being Arduino IDE version 1.8.5 or higher, preferably version 1.8.9. It is suggested to use the Arduino IDE version included with the Mixly software, no need to download separately. During the exam, candidates are not allowed to refer to or copy the code generated by graphical software; if discovered, the practical exam score will be 0.
(2) Software Libraries Used in Exams
1. Level Three: There are no specific requirements for using programming modules.
2. Level Four: If using the Arduino IDE provided with Mixly software, the libraries included within the version meet the exam requirements. If Arduino IDE is installed through other means, relevant libraries can be downloaded from the China Electronics Society’s popular science website. During practical programming, the code for the DC motor driver and ultrasonic sensor must be written in Arduino C code without using library calls; if used, the corresponding score for this part will be 0.
(3) Software Download
Link to the China Electronics Society’s popular science website:
http://www.kpcb.org.cn/h-nd-288.html
Official Mixly download site: www.Mixly.org
4. Programming Languages, Software, and Required Libraries for Levels Five and Six
(1) Programming Language
Levels Five and Six both use Arduino C code programming, with the recommended software being Arduino IDE, preferably version 1.8.9. The Arduino_1.8.9_ESP32.zip can be downloaded from the Electronics Society website, and simply unzipped; this package already contains the software libraries and Bluetooth upgrade package needed for levels five and six.
(2) Software Libraries Used in Exams
If Arduino version 1.8.9 is already installed, ESP32 packages and libraries can be downloaded from the following links.
During the practical exam, candidates are not allowed to call any libraries other than those mentioned in the textbooks.
(3) Software Download
Link to the China Electronics Society’s popular science website:
http://www.kpcb.org.cn/h-nd-288.html
5. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can level three exams use Scratch or other graphical programming software?
A: Level three exams recommend using Mixly graphical programming software, but candidates can also choose other graphical software. The level three exam consists of a theoretical exam and a practical exam. The questions related to modular programming in the theoretical exam will uniformly use Mixly graphical software. In the practical exam, there are no specific requirements for the programming software, and the focus is on completing the circuit setup and functions required for the practical exam questions.
Q: What programming language is used for levels four to six exams?
A: The language used for levels four to six exams is Arduino C, with additional programming statements related to ESP32 for Arduino for levels five and six. During practical programming, candidates are not allowed to use other programming languages such as Python or Lua.
Q: Is it mandatory to use Arduino IDE to write code for practical exams at levels four to six?
A: The practical exams for levels four to six require programs written in Arduino C, but there are no specific requirements for the IDE used. It is recommended to use Arduino IDE, but candidates may use other IDEs such as Eclipse, VS Code, Atmel Studio, etc.
Q: What are the requirements for library calls in programming for practical exams at levels four to six?
A: According to the textbook and syllabus requirements, the module programs for servos, infrared remote control, WiFi and Bluetooth, strings, MPU6050, SSD1306, and stepper motors can call libraries. Regarding library versions, the libraries provided by the China Electronics Society’s popular science website will be the standard during the exam. Ultrasonic sensors and DC motor driver modules must not use library calls and must be written in Arduino C. Only when the DC motor driver module and the main control chip do not directly use I/O drive control can library calls be made.
Q: Can the pin names and numbers on the main control board differ from those officially agreed upon with the hardware?
A: It is recommended that the pin numbers on the main control board match those agreed upon with the hardware. During the theoretical exam, the pin names and numbers of the main control board will use the official agreement from the hardware.