Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.31803/tg-20220714131724

Prototyping and Integration of Educational Low-Cost Mobile Robot Platform

Petar Piljek ; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, Trivium STEM Edu association, Ivana Lučića 5, 10002 Zagreb, Croatia
Denis Kotarski ; Trivium STEM Edu association, Ciglenica Zagorska 10, 49223 Sveti Križ Začretje, Croatia
Alen Šćuric orcid.org/0009-0005-3066-2042 ; Trivium STEM Edu association, Ciglenica Zagorska 10, 49223 Sveti Križ Začretje, Croatia
Tomislav Petanjek ; Trivium STEM Edu association, Ciglenica Zagorska 10, 49223 Sveti Križ Začretje, Croatia

Abstract

This paper describes the process of designing and prototyping a low-cost robotic platform based on existing equipment and projects that enable extracurricular STEM activities in Croatia and beyond. A robotic platform with a differential drive configuration was chosen for education from an early age due to its simplicity and a wide range of cheap and compatible components from which it can be made. From the aspect of integration into extracurricular or curricular activities, the BBC micro:bit ecosystem was considered, enabling block-based visual programming. Components with printable parts make up the assembly of the educational robot. The main steps in designing and creating a robot prototype are presented, which consist of the modelling, 3D printing of robot parts, and assembly into a functional system. After several stages of testing, an interactive workshop was held with 7th-grade primary school pupils. Further work is planned to create educational material for extracurricular STEM workshops.

Keywords

3D printing; BBC micro:bit; differential drive; Scratch; STEM education

Hrčak ID:

301536

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/301536

Publication date:

15.6.2023.

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