How to Build a Robot? Ultimate guide for kids of all stages
Children are always fascinated by STEM robots. They love to engage and play with them all the time.But what if they could build a robot on their own?Yes, it is possible to build robots, and your children can do it too. It is one of the high-demand skills equipped with extensive knowledge of technology, practical implementation, and soft skills.A STEM robot is a new way to teach modern skills and knowledge to children in an exciting way. They will equip themselves with in-demand knowledge while playing with the robot.In this blog post, we will explain how to build a robot, what its main components are, and everything else you need to know.But before that, let’s understand why children should learn to build a robot.Why Should Children Learn to Build a Robot?When children start learning to build a robot at an early age, they acquire modern knowledge and keep themselves updated with the latest technology.Let’s see what they learn and gain.
STEM
Building a robot is a complete package of STEM knowledge. It helps them implement science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and other subjects they study. It is a way to understand the practical application, which enhances learning and makes the process a lot easier for the children. They learn while playing with the robot and enjoy every moment.
Modern Knowledge
They learn how to use sensors, actuators, building blocks, and different types of robot modules. They learn how to wire and code them to achieve the desired results.It is a practical implementation of what they have learned, and they will have a feeling of self-satisfaction and pride once they achieve tangible outcomes.
Programming
Children learn programming languages and how to use them to command robots and get the outcomes they need.They start with the easiest language and use computers to program the controller. They also learn the use of computers at the same time.They connect the controller to the computer, write codes, and control different types of sensors and actuators.
Problem-solving
Building a robot is undoubtedly one of the best ways to develop problem-solving skills in children. They try to command the robot to perform a certain function through coding. But it is not something they can do in one attempt. There will be issues in the code, and they will have to debug the code and find the errors and problems. They will find suitable ways to solve the problem and achieve the desired results. It improves problem-solving skills, which is something that recruiters demand.Moreover, children also learn how to be persistent. They try again and again to achieve the results. It creates a sense of determination toward the end goal.
Creativity
For programming robots, children have to think out of the box. They can command the robot as they like, but they have to plan accordingly.This creativity allows children to invent new things and be future innovators. They learn how to explore new things and make decisions.
Teamwork and Leadership
Children can play with STEM robots along with their friends, siblings, and classmates. They learn how to work in teams and appreciate their ideas and efforts. This is an invaluable soft skill that every company or organization requires.Secondly, children learn to take steps and lead the whole team. They learn to guide others, solve conflicts, and achieve something with collective effort.Thus, children not only gain advanced knowledge but also develop high-demand soft skills. Building a robot is an excellent educational activity that kids will enjoy a lot while learning.
Is Coding a Prerequisite for Children?
Coding is essential to program the robot and give commands, but it does not mean it is a prerequisite.Children with no prior knowledge of coding can get started because learning to code is a part of building a robot. The robot helps them learn how to code even if they are unfamiliar.Most robot kits allow children to learn Scratch coding first, which is block-based coding. Children drag and drop the blocks to code the robot, and it is a beginner-friendly programming language.Once they ace Scratch, they switch to advanced programming languages like Arduino and Python. So, building a robot is an interesting way to teach coding and programming language to kids at an early age.They start with simple languages, and then they move to the advanced ones. They work on advanced and difficult projects and use their skills to invent new things.Components of a RobotHere are some of the main components of a robot that you should know about.
Sensors
Robots are equipped with different types of sensors. For instance, there can be a PIR sensor to detect the movement of a person. Similarly, there are other sensors like ultrasonic sensors, speed sensors, cameras, temperature sensors, etc. Their main job is to sense anything and convert it into electrical signals, which can be read by the control unit.
Actuators
Actuators are often misinterpreted and considered the same as sensors. Instead, they are the devices that drive the events or movements. They respond to the signals and work according to the commands. The simplest example of an actuator is a motor, which moves in response to an electric signal.
Battery
Batteries are the simplest component of a robot that children can understand easily. They power the control unit, sensors, actuators, and everything within the robot.
Control System
It is the main component of a robot that controls the sensors and actuators and gives commands. It is actually a microcontroller that can be programmed in a compatible language, such as Arduino, Raspberry Pi, etc.How to Choose a Robot-Building Kit for Children?If you are thinking about choosing a robot-building kit for your children, you have to keep a few in mind to select the right item. There are different types of STEM robots available, and you might get confused if you are buying for the first time.Here are the important things you need to consider.
Age of the Child
The most important thing is considering the age of the child. STEM robots are specifically designed for certain age groups. There are different robots for 4-6 years old and different for 8-12 years old.The activities, sensors, and features of the robot are according to the age. If you pick the right one, children can easily get started and enjoy building the robot.Usually, robot-building kits are made for ages 6+.
Previous Experience
The most important thing is considering the age of the child. STEM robots are specifically designed for certain age groups. There are different robots for 4-6 years old and different for 8-12 years old.The activities, sensors, and features of the robot are according to the age. If you pick the right one, children can easily get started and enjoy building the robot.Usually, robot-building kits are made for ages 6+.
Purpose of the Robot
STEM robot toys have a special purpose. For instance, there are robot cars that can be coded for obstacle-avoiding robots or self-balancing robots. You need to know how the robot can be programmed and the variety of robots the children can make.
Add-ons
Children get bored after coding the same robot again and again. Therefore, make sure the robot can be upgraded through the add-on kits. This will allow children to build an extensive variety of robots and learn more.
Programming Language
Pay special attention to the programming language. Scratch is definitely the best option for beginners, but there should be other languages to progress further. The end goal should not be learning Scratch; instead, it should be excelling in advanced programming languages like Python and Arduino.
Ease of Use
The robot-building kit should be easy for children. It should have detailed tutorials that children can easily follow. Even if the children have no idea of programming, they can learn through the play cards, games, instructions, and videos.Moreover, there should be some pre-programmed codes to teach kids and help them get started without any hassle.
Special Subjects
Some STEM robots teach special subjects that are in high demand, such as artificial intelligence, IoT, data science, etc. The robot helps them get familiar with these advanced subjects and implement them practically. Therefore, they can pursue their career in these subjects in the future.
Pricing
Last but not least is the pricing. Check the pricing of the robot kits and compare the features and other aspects. You might think these are a bit expensive, but they are worth it. You are investing in the future of your child, and the robot teaches advanced skills.
mBot Ultimate: 10-in-1 Building Kit
mBot Ultimate is an incredible choice for children 12 years old and above. It is a 10-in-1 robot building kit that allows users to build a wide variety of robots, which are:
1. Robotic Arm Tank
2. Camera Dolly
3. Robotic Bartender
4. Catapult Ram
5. Robotic Ant
6. 3D Capture A
7. 3D Capture B
8. Rolling Tank
9. Self-balancing Car
10. Detecting Robot
All these are pretty exciting projects, and children would love to make these robots and play with them. The best part is that there is a complete tutorial book that teaches children to assemble these robots without any hassle and code them to achieve the desired results. It is beginner-friendly and a complete package of learning and fun.The kit makes robot building more exciting by offering interesting game-based activities and learning options. They can master the skills and knowledge while having fun with family and friends. They can build whatever they want and then enjoy the tangible outcome of their code and hard work.Even if children have no experience coding or building a robot, they can get started with this. It offers three programming languages. They can start with block-based coding, which is simple and beginner-friendly. Then, they can move to the advanced languages, which are Python and Arduino. They can switch between these code options to master the techniques, syntax, commands, libraries, etc.
With this kit, children can learn programming along with electronics, robotics, mathematics, and science. They can learn about different sensors and actuators and the methods to read and control them. Due to the vast options of the robots, they can build a strong foundation in robotics, which will definitely help them in the future.Moreover, there is science behind the working of the sensors and actuators. Children learn how these things work. They apply mathematics to the values read from the sensors and convert them to the data they need. So, this kit teaches a lot of things to children, and they can learn these things without getting bored.It is an excellent way to develop in-demand soft skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, persistence, and creativity. They also develop teamwork, leadership, conflict management, communication, etc.The robot can be controlled by the mobile app or software, which makes coding a lot easier and quicker. Children can play with the robot they have built and enjoy it to the fullest.If you are looking for a gift for your children, mBot Ultimate is a perfect idea. They will enjoy this tech robot and improve their knowledge and skills.