1. Propose a final project that integrates the range of units covered.

The project consists of the design and construction of a didactic toy that is based on a board with a logic of tangible programming that has the purpose of simplifying the programming in such a way that the smallest of the household are involved in the world of computer development indirectly without the need for a computer or smart devices; The child to insert pieces with simple instructions and in a correct order can guide and give movement to a small electronic robot connected wirelessly to the board, which will allow them in a fun way to acquire basic knowledge of what is the logic of programming and giving it the ability to solve problems in case it does not work as they want.

The project scope

The toy have three main elements, the first is the communication board that is the interface in which the child can programming by inserting the instruction pieces, this board has a microcontroller that is responsible for processing a sequence of up to 16 consecutive instructions , reading the resistive value of the pieces and then sending the data through a wireless communication to the second element, a small robot represented by a cart that hace a second microcontroller, which is responsible for receiving, interpreting and executing the instructions, and the third element corresponds to the block of instructions composed of a total of 17 pieces distributed as follows: twelve basic instruction pieces that are forward, left, right (four of each), one piece of cycle of two repetitions, one piece of cycle of 3 repetitions, a piece with the condition "If ther is a obstacule" and two pieces of start and end fuctions. It also includes a mobile application designed for the Android operating system that allows children to enjoy playing with the robot giving instructions from an intelligent device.

What will it do?

A didactic electronic toy based on an ATMEGA 328P microcontroller and contains a logic of tangible programming; the same that allows children to program the robot wirelessly using Bluetooth technology and without the need for a computer or smart device, only inserting small wooden chips, which gives simplicity at the time of the action of playing and learning to program.

Who has done what beforehand?

The company PRIMOTOY has promoted the CUBETTO project which is a friendly wooden robot that teaches children the foundations of computer programming in a playful way and through sensory play. The proposed toy JEDPRO for its acronym in Spanish Programmable Didactic Electronic Toy presents more programming functions similar to a real programming language such as: conditions and repetitions. The manufacturing process is different since it uses acrylic material and presents a mobile application that allows the handling of the robot from the cell phone.

Additionally, in Ecuador, educational institutions, parents and mainly teachers do not use didactic tools that mix learning and fun while allowing children to strengthen and increase the possibilities of investigative progress since their student beginnings, so unfortunately continues to use materials that do not focus on modern education trends. In this sense I would like this project to be replicated in my country to promote learning programming from early ages.

What materials and components will be required?

The JEDPRO consists of three main components: the programming interface, the robot and instruction block. Each of them presents different materials.

PROGRAMMING INTERFACE

It is composed of:

  • An electronic circuit based on ATMEGA 328P.
  • 16 instruction entries.
  • 16 magnets.
  • Bluetooth connection.
  • Flexible cable.
  • Acrylic Case.
  • USB connection for 5 Volt power supply.

INSTRUCTION BLOCK

It is composed of:

  • Block of 17 instruction sheets made of acrylic material.
  • 17 magnets placed inside each card.
  • MDF wood of 3 mm for each sheet.

ROBOT

It is composed of:

  • Acrylic case.
  • Ultrasound sensor.
  • Circuit.
  • Two DC motors.
  • 7.4 Volt battery.

Where will they come from?

The materials come mostly from the FABLAB inventory, they are imported to Ecuador in view of the fact that in our country these elements are not manufactured.

How much will it cost?

The costs of the materials are presented in the following table:

The answers to the questions above will allow you to create your BOM, or Bill Of Materials.

What parts and systems will be made?

  • Programming Interface.
  • Instruction Block.
  • Robot.

What processes will be used?

Below, there's an overview of the processes used just in completing the final project (without extra features).

What tasks need to be completed?

  • Initially, develop and test programming interface.
  • Finish the construction of the instruction sheets.
  • Finish the structure of the robot that will be the final result of the programming.
  • Develop the mobile application and the database linked to the electronic system.
  • Perform functional tests of each of the systems.
  • Document the process during the development and the final result.

What other questions need to be answered?

  • Will be really useful for something?
  • Can it include also other electronics of the bobby pin?
  • Is the system too big?
  • Are there too many activities that I have to develop in my final project?
  • The project is expensive?
  • Is development viable?
  • Is there the possibility of producing a replica of the project for someone who wants to acquire them?
  • Can the technology involved in the project be improved?

What is the schedule?

The development of the project has been carried out according to the dates presented in week 1 of the project, through the use of the Gantt Project software for the administration of the activities.

How will it be evaluated?

The project includes the following digital manufacturing and prototyping processes:

  • 2D design, cutting and laser engraving for the manufacture of the case of the programming interface and the robot.
  • 3D design, molding and 3D printing for tire manufacturing
  • Design and electronic production for control boards
  • Programming of embedded systems
  • Inputs and Outputs devices
  • Configuration of wireless communication via bluetooth
  • Design and programming of a mobile application
  • CNC machining for packaging design

However, considering that all the requirements have been met, the evaluation could be carried out based on the following parameters:

  • Innovation.
  • Creativity.
  • Impact.
  • Advantage.
  • Functionality.
  • Scalability.

Posted by Eduardo Cartagena. 2018
Licencia de Creative Commons
This work is underlicense of Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International.