Azoresbot v2: A new robot for learning robotics and science at schools

Abstract

This paper describes the didactic robot Azoresbot v2, a new version of a previous robot Azoresbot already tested in context of robotics open type of events and also at schools. This new version of the robot uses a wifi module providing a way to communicate data received from the sensors as the robot executes its program. It is argued that this feature may be useful to use the robot in competitions extending its use to different learning contents. The robot was built and tested by students in a hands-on introduction to technology and programming in a Computer Science course for first-year students at the University of the Azores. Since the curriculum was a mix of introductory topics related to digital technology, programming, and data science, the robot must include the following features: be a kit to assemble and test, be easy to program, and provide real-time data that can be analyzed using basic data science techniques.Students completed a questionnaire (N = 13) used to evaluate interaction difficulties with the robot and how students see their importance for learning activity. The survey was based on a previously tested heuristic model. It pointed out some issues to consider in future interactions with the robot in classes and competitions.