Overview
Two-wheeled robot in black that is about to drive over a square floor plate with the letter 'R'.

Physical learning robot for programming logic

A robot that teaches users the basic principles of programming in a simple and playful way. Physical interaction with Rolle•E provides a more accessible, vivid and memorable experience than a digital on-screen implementation.

Contents

    Result

    Role•E, lost in space

    By laying out the direction cards, children big and small are introduced to the basic principle of programming.

    In the video, the user controls a learning robot indirectly via freely placeable floor plates.

    • DirectionsRoll•E moves in a fixed 90 degree grid. Users place the cards on the ground, Rolle•E adjusts its direction of travel as soon as it moves over them.
    • Mission HomeHelp Rolle•E get home safely and correct misdirections caused by virus maps or oil puddles.
    • RewardAt the finish you celebrate together with a little dance of joy.

    Initial situation

    Project goals

    A preliminary project as at example of "Physical Computing". A candy bar is touched and begins to speak. The conductive packaging film serves as a sensor, detects changes in capacity and triggers voice output via Arduino.

    In the video, a chocolate bar is touched and then begins to speak.

    Ideation

    Considered sketches

    They help to make initial mental ambiguities visible and to identify gaps in the interaction.

    Concept sketch for the game 'Lost in Space' with the drawing of an RFID robot and handwritten explanations of the game symbols.
    Technical concept sketch of a wristwatch with a magnetically detachable coupling element and Bluetooth connection.
    Ballpoint pen sketch with an interaction diagram, geometric shapes in a grid and representations from case shapes.

    Concept choice “Lost in Space”

    Can be implemented in a timely manner and allows creative and unplanned user behavior.

    Playtesting

    Initial tests with paper prototypes show that users understand the game principle intuitively and the concept is well received.

    A paper prototype on a table, with a hand moving red Lego bricks across marked fields.

    Build robots

    Draw electronics schematic

    Shows, among other things, which electronic components are required for the control.

    Electronic circuit diagram with an Arduino Uno, a breadboard, two DC motors and an integrated circuit.

    Development of the chassis

    Quickly adaptable Lego chassis for testing stability and mobility, on which the required electronic components are installd.

    A mobile robot chassis made from Lego elements on a work table next to a laptop, an Arduino Uno and tools.

    Programming the interaction logic

    NFC reader reads the chips in the floor maps and controls the direction of travel.

    Screenshot of Arduino source code for the project, showing setup and main loop functions.

    Give a face

    This makes the direction of travel of Rolle•E visible from the outside and creates additional empathy among users.

    A self-built two-wheeled robot from Lego elements with a complex cable structure and LEDs on the front.
    A laser-cut wooden housing for the robot on a work table with tools.

    Directional cards

    Make a signpost for Rolle•E

    Floor cards with NFC chips have icons that make the effect on Role•E predictable.

    Printed cards with various symbols and letters such as 'R', 'L' and an SD card icon on a table surface.
    Several square gray cardboard plates with NFC chips on which printed game symbols are stuck, placed on top of each other in a disorderly manner.

    User review

    Convincing prototype with expandable potential

    User tests show that the robot and the cards are understood intuitively and that the gameplay is immediately enjoyable for children and adults alike.

    A person observes the finished, black-painted play robot at the playtesting.