In the last post in our blog series on tips for building and operating a makerspace. we’re looking at an area that is growing in popularity within makerspaces — robotics, coding, electronics and microcontrollers.
This is a pretty broad topic area so where exactly do you start?
Determine Your Electronics Prototyping and Soldering Equipment Needs
Electronics kits and components for building simple circuits, machines, computer motherboards, and robotics are commonly found in most makerspaces today. What do typical projects cover? Any of the following topics:
- Languages, machines, and computation
- Algorithms and abstraction
- Inputs and Outputs
- Data, variables and constants
- Control structures
- Testing and debugging
- Open-ended design projects
- Autonomous vehicles
- Multi-limbed robots
- And more…
In order for students to develop the skills they need to build and program their own models, it is important to offer options for learning at any level.
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A variety of pre-packaged kits are a great option for more novice users. For example, the Educational Robotics Invention Kit (ERIK) from LJ Create combines engineering and programming to help students develop problem-solving skills that involve mathematics, engineering, science and logic. It consists of intelligent servo motors, sensors, a programmable controller and a range of construction parts allowing students to design, build and program a wide range of robotic systems.
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Another great kit is the DOBOT Magician, which is a low cost, lightweight / small, and easy-to-operate robotic arm that can be controlled by Programming, APP, Bluetooth, WiFi, Mouse, and more.
You’ll also want to offer a range of components that gives advanced users the autonomy and creative freedom to create on their own terms. Inventory of each type of component will depend on expected usage.
Get Started with Microcontrollers
Microcontrollers are a great way for beginning engineers to dip their toes into coding. To determine what will work best for your users, you’ll need to know the processing power and speed, amount of storage desired, and Wi-Fi functionality needed for the projects that will be created in your makerspace.
To familiarize users at the beginner level, the DOBOT AI-Starter kit is an Arduino-compatible entry-level artificial intelligence robot platform that integrates mechanism, electronic and programming. With Arduino-compatible graphic programming software, students can learn programming knowledge intuitively and cultivate logical thinking ability easily.
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For intermediate and advanced users, you may want to consider Flowcode 8, Matrix’s programming software for electronic and electromechanical system development targeting microcontrollers such as Arduino, PIC and ARM, and rugged industrial interfaces using protocols such as Modbus and CAN.
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Consider Platform Agnostic Solutions and Open APIs
Whether you’re looking at Arduinos, Raspberry Pi, VEX Robots, or Matrix Robotics and Electronics kits, it’s important to not only support new makers who need more structure but also advanced makers who need freedom and flexibility to fully explore their interests. We highly recommend including platform agnostics solutions and open APIs as part of your makerspace offerings.
Read more about robotics and coding for makerspaces and other makered technologies, including 3D printers, CNC machines, vacuum formers and more by downloading our full Makerspace Checklist.
