Introduction - navigation in a tunnel

There is the classic robotics task - maze solving, or navigation in a labyrinth.
Today we will start with an introductory challenge - navigation in a known tunnel.

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20 Aug 2017
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LEGO MINDSTORMS, LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3
Sensors, EV3, STEM, Tasks, Touch Sensor, Classes with students, Fun, Programming

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The challenge

We have a tunnel of boxes with alternating left and right turns. The problem is that the distance between the separate turns will change before every start. How will the robot be able to go through the labyrinth without knowing the distance to the next turn in advance?

Our approach

In order to solve today’s task, we will use a touch sensor which will sense when the robot has reached the next wall. We might say the robot will have to feel the tunnel.
We will learn to make a new type of turn - the spin turn which will do wonders in such small area.
We will remind ourselves how to use the sound blocks and we’ll program the robot to say in which direction it will turn.

Courses and lessons with this Tutorial

This Tutorial is used in the following courses and lessons

Level A1. Introduction. Robotics with LEGO

Introduction to robotics - The first level of the Robotics with LEGO curriculum for students in second, third or fourth grades. A journey in space, with robots. Various constructions with robots are built. Learn how to control the motors so that the robot navigates around the Sun, the Moon and Earth in various ways. Getting to know the first of the sensors. The robot can feel its surroundings with the help of the Touch sensor and avoid obstacles.

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Lesson 7 - Navigation in a Labyrinth

For students who will not take two levels in a row today is their last lesson.

Robotics with LEGO - Level 1.0 - Adventure in Space

The first level of the Robotics with LEGO curriculum for students in fifth to twelfth grades.

Various constructions with robots are built. Learn how to control the motors so that the robot navigates around the Moon and Earth in various ways. Getting to know the first two sensors. The robot can feel its surroundings with the help of the Touch sensor and avoid obstacles.
The Ultrasonic distance sensor can help the robot avoid obstacles. Students work with concepts like loop, degrees and medium motor. Robots can now do two different actions at the same time - while solving missions on a field, the third motor clears detected obstacles.

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123:52
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Lesson 6 - Exploring the surface of Venus

In the next lesson we usually do a graduation. Write down your impressions about the students and the reasons why they have the grades you gave them.

Level A2. "Space exploration". Robotics with LEGO

The second level of the Robotics with LEGO curriculum for students in second, third or fourth grades.

A new sensor is introduced - the Ultrasonic distance sensor can help the robot avoid obstacles. Students work with new concepts like loop, degrees and medium motor. Robots can now do two different actions at the same time - while solving missions on a field, the third motor clears detected obstacles. The first robot with chain-treads is built.

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Lesson 5 - Navigation in a Labyrinth

Returning feedback to students is important. We try to return feedback constantly in the classes. You should also try to return feedback in a structured way - in a form of a digit. Today you will have to grade your students following this article.

Robotics with LEGO - Level 1.0 - Adventure in Space

The first level of the Robotics with LEGO curriculum for students in fifth to twelfth grades.

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123:52
150

Lesson 4 - In the depths of Mars

Introduction

Python with LEGO Mindstorms EV3 - Level 2

In the second level of Python for EV3 robots, students learn in-depth the touch sensor. The sensor is used as an input device for manual control of machines, as well as a sensor for autonomous robots. In a pair of lessons, students build a control panel for the grabber and the movement of a crane. Programming wise, students learn how to fork code with "if-else" constructions, how to create conditional and forever loops with "while" and how to negate conditions with "not" operator. In the end of the lesson, robots can detect obstacles and avoid them, so that they traverse a simple labyrinth.