Let’s discover more about the wonder of robots…
What is Robotics?
Robotics is “the branch of technology that deals with the design, construction, operation, and application of robots.” Despite what you may think, robotics isn’t just a modern-day interest. Leonardo Da Vinci and Archytas had a great fascination with them. Da Vinci wrote extensively of robots (he called them automatons), and his notebooks are full of designs for prototypes. It is speculated that he built a robot, but no evidence exists to suggest that this is one hundred percent true. Archytas – a Greek mathematician, philosopher, and astronomer, built a wooden mechanical bird called The Pigeon which was propelled either by air or steam.
The field of robotics is continuously expanding, and we can see this in areas such as healthcare and space exploration. Think, for example, of someone who has lost a limb. The help of robotics engineers has been able to produce life-like limbs that are able to grasp objects and move like the real thing, improving the quality of life of the wearers. NASA’s Perseverance robot on Mars has enabled us to explore what Mars’s surface looks like, what it is made of, and to discover its solar history.
As pioneers of technology, we at ComputerXplorers know the importance of developing a child’s interest in robotics. Children absolutely love it when we bring robots in for them to explore and get super excited to see what they can achieve.
Do you have a child who has a knack for all things mechanical, or just loves to discover how things work? Check out some of the robots we use in our sessions to help cultivate this enthusiasm.
The ComputerXplorers Robot Family
We have a range of robots to suit each stage of education. Our most popular is proving to be the fun and frantic Sphero Indi’s. These are little blue robots that use an LED to read coloured tiles to navigate their way around a path created by the children. Each tile programmes Indi to move in a different direction. Not only do the children have fun, but they learn the basics of programming. Indi teaches them that if they want Indi to move in a particular direction, they need to tell it where they want it to go. They have great fun exploring how Indi moves and learn how coding is about creating readable patterns.
We also use the VEX robots to begin introducing children to the power of robotics. VEX 123 is great because it enables children to be interactive with the robot. The robot is programmable by touch or by using VEX’s coder and coder cards – a set of cards that children insert into the coder which programme the VEX 123. The interactivity of these robots is fantastic because it empowers children to learn about programming away from screens and computers.
For the older students, we have the VEX Go. These are construction systems that children have to build which uses electronics, motors and sensors teaching children that each component is as important as the other. It utilises their capacity for creativity and imagination whilst learning new ways to incorporate robotics knowledge in a more tactile way. Each of the parts are colour-coded which is great for keeping it organised!
All of the above are perfect for those who have an ambition for design, and a knack for construction.
How Can Robotics Benefit Your Child?
Learning about robotics is an excellent way for your child to learn about programming, designing, and construction, as well as how to use their problem-solving and critical thinking skills. It promotes independent working, but also collaboration and cooperation. It encourages them to be inquisitive and to ask for help if they need it.
Is your child the next NASA robotics lead?
If you think they are, book one of our academy sessions here.
