Buildable robots allow students to design and build their own robot, incorporating computational and creative thinking. Buildable robots are often used when students enter competitions that require the design of a robotic solution to meet a challenge.
These types of robots frequently provide an opportunity for students to explore systems, and draw on systems thinking, as they design a robotic solution that incorporates outputs, sensors, on-board microcontroller, actuators, gears and other moving parts.
Suggested Year Bands: Years 2-4
LEGO WeDo 2.0 allows students to construct models using lego and interact with them. The WeDo can be connected to bluetooth enabled computers and devices to use simple drag and drop block coding and can be used with Scratch using an extension. LEGO also make available, (free for a limited time), a teacher curriculum guide.
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Suggested Year Bands: Years 5-8
The easy-to-assemble mBot is an Arduino based robot which can be programmed via the Scratch inspired mBlock application. The mBot can use an add-on Bluetooth or 2.4GHz wireless module. Check out also the other Makeblock robots and options.
Images credit: © Makeblock Co. Ltd
Suggested Year Bands: Years 7-10
Makeblock Ultimate 2 has a strong motor-driving ability and is compatible with both Arduino and Raspberry Pi. It can help students learn about mechanical design, electronics and programming. This robot kit can be assembled into more than 10 different configurations.
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Feature image: Photo by Jelleke Vanooteghem on Unsplash
Suggested Year Bands: Years 5-10
Build a LEGO Mindstorms EV3 robot using Lego bricks, motors and sensors and program it using a tablet or computer and the EV3 programmer software. The robots can be programmed to drive, shoot, slither, walk, slam, spin and more. Note that the EV3 replaced the Mindstorms NXT.
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Suggested Year Bands: Years 7-10
Vex Robotics is a modular building system similar to LEGO Mindstorms where you can use the elements to build different types of robots. Gears, wheels and other accessories are also available to add on.
Image credit: Joaquin Corbalan P/Shutterstock.com
Feature image: Aflo Co. Ltd./Alamy Stock Photo
Suggested Year Bands: Years 5-8
The Airblock is a modular drone connected through a series of magnetic compartments and is safe for indoor use. The drone can be used as a hovercraft or a hexacopter drone and can be programmed using the MBlock5 graphical language.
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