How I combined robotics, vision AI, and visual programming to make coding tangible for young learners.

Driven by my love for programming, robotics, and technology, I recently dove into a DIY project to help my 5-year-old daughter grasp the fundamentals of algorithms and coding. By combining a simple robot, a remote control equipped with an AI camera, and the highly adaptable micro:bit programming cards, I created an engaging, hands-on experience that makes coding concepts more tangible.
Similar to projects like Cubetto, Blue-Bot, or Kibo Robot, this setup is designed to evolve as a child’s skills progress. Here’s an overview of how the project functions and its potential for growth with young learners.

The Inspiration Behind the Project

Teaching abstract coding concepts to children can be quite challenging, so I aimed to create something hands-on and interactive to make learning algorithms both engaging and fun. The idea was to design a physical robot that kids could control and program, giving them immediate visual feedback on their efforts.

Here were my main criteria for the project:
• A setup that’s easy enough for parents to assemble, with minimal or no soldering involved.
• The flexibility to add more commands over time, allowing for the introduction of advanced programming concepts.
• A project that can grow and adapt as the child’s skills progress.
• The use of accessible materials that can be reused for other DIY projects.

Components of the Project

Micro:bit Programming board

At the core of both the robot and the remote control are micro:bit programming boards. These compact, pocket-sized computers are ideal for educational projects because they can be programmed using a block-based language, much like Scratch, which is beginner-friendly and intuitive. The micro:bit’s built-in wireless communication feature simplifies the connection between the remote and the robot, streamlining the project. With the wide range of projects built around micro:bit, combined with its wireless functionality and easy-to-use block-based interface, it’s the perfect choice for this kind of project!

The remote

The remote control features an AI camera that can recognize basic directional commands, enabling children to use physical images to control the robot and bridging the gap between the digital and physical worlds.
Using the AI camera made the project not only simpler but also more exciting, keeping the focus sharp on the main goal without adding any unnecessary complexity. It's a super versatile module that will definitely come in handy for future projects. The camera is configured to recognize printed directional arrows, each with its own ID, making it easy for the micro board to link them to specific commands and bring the robot to life!

You can find an example of the code on my GitHub repository, where I’ve shared the block-based programming solution.

The Robot

The micro:bit ecosystem offers a wide range of robots, varying in price and functionality. For this project, I chose a line-following robot since I couldn’t precisely control 90° turns or specific distances for movement—though adding such capabilities could be a great future enhancement. The robot is programmed to follow a line on the ground, stopping at each intersection. It executes commands from the remote control in sequence, helping children grasp the concept of execution flow in programming.

I’ve shared an example of the block code on my GitHub repository if you’re interested in exploring the implementation further.

How It Works

When a child inputs a command using the remote—such as showing a card with an arrow pointing straight then a card with a right-pointing arrow—the AI camera recognizes and registers the shape. Once the “GO” card (a large arrow pointing right) is shown, the entire sequence of actions is transmitted to the robot via the micro:bit’s wireless communication. The robot then follows the line on the ground, turning right at the next intersection as instructed.

This setup gives children a tangible way to see their commands executed in sequence, helping them understand how programming sequences and directives function in a real-world context.

Bridging Abstract Concepts and Real-World

Getting Started with Your Own Project

If you’re interested in replicating or adapting this project, here’s a basic roadmap:
1. Gather Materials: You’ll need two micro:bit board, an AI camera compatible with micro:bit, an extension board, a simple line-following robot kit, and basic crafting materials. (~150€)
2. Assemble the Robot and Remote: Follow the instructions provided with your robot kit and AI camera to set up the hardware.
3. Program the Micro:bits: Use the micro:bit’s block-based programming interface to program the robot’s behavior and the remote control’s command recognition.
4. Test and Iterate: Encourage the child to test different commands and see how the robot responds, fostering a learning environment based on experimentation.

Application

This project effectively connects the dots between abstract coding concepts and tangible results. By physically interacting with the robot and seeing the immediate effects of their commands, children gain a deeper understanding of how algorithms work in real-world applications.

One of the project’s strengths is its adaptability as the child’s skills grow:

• Beginner: Kids can easily control the robot with an AI camera and built-in commands, no coding needed.
• Intermediate: As they grow more confident, they can tweak the robot’s actions using a block-based coding interface.
• Advanced: Experienced kids can take it further by customizing the robot and remote, exploring wireless communication, sensors, and advanced programming.

Final Thoughts

Creating this DIY robot project has been a rewarding experience. It’s incredible to see children engage with programming concepts in a way that’s both educational and entertaining. By making coding tangible, we’re not just teaching them how to program—we’re inspiring them to think critically and creatively.

Have you tried integrating robotics into learning experiences for kids? Share your thoughts or projects in the comments below!