Tips and Tricks | Coding with the Edison robot - Eduporium (2023)

Edison encoding options

When programming with the Edison robot, children can take advantage of three main digital environments: EdBlocks, EdScratch and EdPy. All of them can be used completely free of charge and can be accessed directly in the browser. There is also no need to download any additional software to program with these bots. Students can even choose from pre-designed programs or design their own. Either way, once they're ready, they can simply transfer the program to their Edison robot via the EdComm cable.

In particular, students can download all of their EdBlocks andEdScratchProgram as a local file on your computer. This means they don't need to create an account linked to an email address. If you still want to access your accounts, you can do this via the cloud version. When it comes to coding, EdBlocks is the easiest Edison programming language designed for younger students who are just starting out. It is fully icon-based and features drag-and-drop program creation functionality. Thanks to this simplicity, even students as young as 7 can use EdBlocks with the Edison robot.

Next we have EdScratch which is a bit more advanced and based onscratchcoding environment. EdScratch displays programs in portrait orientation, while EdBlocks displays programs in landscape orientation. Students can still drag and drop blocks into their Edison Robotics programs, but in EdScratch blocks display text instead of an icon indicating their unique function. Additionally, EdScratch's advanced capabilities allow students to leverage deeper computing elements across all Edison programs, making it ideal for students ages 10 and up.

Finally, there is EdPy, which students can use to try programming the Edison robot.Felshaken.EdPy, like Python, is a text-based programming environment, which means students can write the code themselves. Then they can watch their code come to life while learning important strategies for exploring this real-world language. It is the most advanced option for programming with Edison robots and is intended for students aged 13+ with programming experience.

Getting started with the Edison robot

The Edison is packaged in orange cardboard and is reusable. It folds away for safe storage between lessons and includes example barcodes that students can use to program the robot. Theeducational communication cableYou can find it in your robot's battery compartment when you first turn it on. Students can take it out and put the four AAA batteries in its place. They must be new and complete with standard disposable alkaline batteries, particularly Edison Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) rechargeable batteries.

Extra-strong batteries, heavy batteries or weak or empty batteries can damage your Edison. To make sure the battery is oriented correctly, look at the plastic sheet you removed to insert the battery. Inside there are plus and minus signs showing how the battery is inserted. Also, the on/off switch is located on the bottom of the Edison robot. When switched on, the red LED starts flashing. Also remember that the Edison will shut down after five minutes of inactivity. However, it's best to turn it off manually when you're not using it to conserve battery power.

Edison robotic sensors

Despite its small size, the Edison robot is equipped with many important sensors. This includes your sound sensor, light sensor, clap detector and line tracking sensor. These sensors allow students to incorporate a variety of creative elements into their Edison programs, no matter what programming environment they use. Basically, they allow the robot to interact with the world. In addition to sound and light, it can also detect infrared light.

Configure your device

The volume on the device the students are using to program the Edison must be turned up so the Edison robot can "hear" the program download. However, no equipment is required to encode with Edison.as the student progresses, integrating a screen programming device is the next logical step.

Students should also ensure that the device volume is not turned down when the EdComm cable is plugged into the audio jack. Computers and other devices can sometimes do this automatically. The other end of the EdComm cable connects to the two holes on the bottom of the robot. If you use a Windows computer, you will also needDisable sound enhancementIn other words, this is very important to ensure your bot is working properly.

Hybrid or distance learning

Of course, some students are studying STEM at home right now. Luckily, Edison was very good to both of them.Distanz- und Blended-LearningThis is due to its compact size and durability, as well as the availability of digital learning materials. If students have an Edison robot at home, they can do the sameWeibo pageThere are STEM programming activities, lessons, and projects that can help maximize summer class time or learning experiences.

teacher training

Programming the Edison on paper

For Edison barcodes and stripes on paper, matte matte paper works best. However, if you are laminating the paper, you can only use a matte finish. Your Edison can read about 20 different barcodes on paper. These include the six main modes (Line Drawing, Sumo, Limit Bounce, Obstacle Avoidance, Follow Light, and Clap Control Driving). There are other barcodes that kids can use to program the Edison to move with the remote. For example, about 75 percent of popular home TV remote controls are compatible with robots.

To program the Edison to a specific pattern using a barcode, students must place the Edison next to the barcode on a printed piece of paper. There is usually an orange arrow next to the barcode and you can place the robot directly on it. They then need to quickly tap the Edison record button (circle) three times. The Edison will then run through the barcode and beep when it reaches the other side, indicating successful programming in that mode.

Edison Robot Programming Tips

Students should avoid using the Edison in direct sunlight, as this can confuse its sensors and cause problems reading barcodes, drawing lines, avoiding obstacles, or following light. The first rule of thumb when using your line tracing feature is to start the robot on a white background, never on the line itself! Make sure your lines are dark (black), about 1.5cm wide and drawn on any white surface. Additionally, when students program in EdScratch or EdPy, they must include a command in their program that tells Edison to look for lines to trace.

As for obstacle detection, the Edison can only detect obstacles that are at least as tall as itself and opaque (but not too dark). If the Edison still doesn't detect an obstacle, you may need to scan the obstacle detection barcode to recalibrate it. Again, if students use this feature with EdScratch or EdPy, they must include a command that tells Edison to look for obstacles to avoid.

device calibration

If the Edison isn't going straight, it probably means its wheels aren't moving at the same speed. To fix this you can try a throttle body calibration. Print and scan thisBarcode, then press the play (triangle) button on the robot twice. Make sure the Edison has enough clearance to stay clear of obstacles and falling objects (e.g. the edge of a table). The Edison moves back and forth at different speeds during calibration. Even if you bump into something or fall, you can simply scan the barcode again. Calibrating your Edison robot should only take a few minutes and the robot should only move a few feet in each direction. If your Edison is having trouble reading the calibration barcodes, it may help to remove the wheels and try again.

We hope this helps answer your questions about the Edison robot! To buy Edison robots, classroom games or their accessories visit the Eduporium store or click below. Follow us toobloodjInstagramGet more EdTech tips and tricks!