In times when the word ‘tech-savvy’ is not a unique attribute but a necessary trait in all individuals to sustain in the technological landscape, STEM education has aptly garnered attention. One significant aspect of the STEM branch is the study of Robotics. But why is the introduction and prevalence of robotics for kids important?

The answer lies in the transformative power of hands-on learning and the potential to raise a generation of innovators and problem-solvers. Robotics for kids is not just about building robots, it’s about nurturing curiosity, encouraging creativity, and instilling essential skills that will shape the future of our world. Moreover, through robotics, kids not only learn about electronics, programming, and mechanics but they also gain insights into their real-world applications in fields such as healthcare, agriculture, and space exploration. By bridging the gap between theory and practice, robotics for kids empowers them to explore their passions and pursue their interests from a young age. 

Whether building a robot from scratch, coding a virtual companion, or solving real-world challenges, the ABCs of Robotics lay the foundation for a future fuelled by innovation and technology. Understanding the basic terms makes it easier for children to grasp and advance in the realm of robotics at an increased pace. 

A Glossary of Robotics-related Terms!

Algorithm: An algorithm is a set of instructions guiding a robot’s actions. Serving as the backbone of computational and robotic systems, algorithms play a crucial role in enabling robots to perceive their environment, make decisions, and execute actions autonomously.

Biorobotics: Biorobotics is an interdisciplinary field that merges principles of biology and robotics to create machines that mimic or interact with living organisms. It seeks to understand the underlying principles of natural movement and apply them to design robots.  

Circuit: A circuit is a pathway on which electricity travels. They consist of wires and components like switches and lights. While learning robotics for kids, understanding circuits can help in building and controlling electronic gadgets, including robots.

Degrees of Freedom: In robotics, ‘degrees of freedom’ refers to the number of independent ways in which a robot can move and function itself. For example, a robotic arm with three degrees of freedom can move up and down, left and right, and forward and backward.

Error: Error refers to mistakes or discrepancies between what a robot is supposed to do and what it actually does. As your child learns robotics for kids, they learn that these errors can occur due to various reasons like imprecise programming, sensor inaccuracies, or mechanical limitations. 

The OBotz Olympiad, an annual coding and robotics event, involves activities in which children engage in Coding Wars. Participating in this gives them the opportunity to figure out and debug errors in the programs or robots that they built in a limited time. Such events at OBotz, boost children’s confidence and challenge their competitive spirits!

Feedback: Feedback refers to the process of receiving information from the robot’s sensors and using it to make adjustments to its actions. It is essential for enabling robots to interact with their environment in a dynamic and adaptive manner. Through coding classes for kids, they can learn to precisely write codes that help in collecting the right feedback from the robot sensors. 

Gear: A gear is a mechanical component used to transmit motion and power between two or more rotating shafts. It consists of toothed wheels that mesh together, allowing them to transfer rotational movement and torque from one shaft to the other. 

HRI: The Human-Robot Interaction is the study and design of interfaces and interactions between robots and humans. It focuses on making robots easier to understand, control, and work alongside humans, encouraging trust, cooperation, and mutual understanding. 

Interface: An interface is a point of interaction between different components or systems within a robot or between the robot and its environment. It allows them to facilitate communication between various parts of robots or the robot and its environment. It is essential for designing and integrating robotics systems effectively, ensuring compatibility and interoperability.  

Joints: Joints are like the hinges or pivots that allow parts of a robot to move. They act as flexible connections in robots.  At OBotz, we teach our students about  these concepts and resources that serve as the fundamentals of robotics for kids. Knowing about them helps our students grasp the complex concepts of robotics faster.

Kinematics: Kinematics is the study of the relationship between a robot's joint coordinates and its spatial layout. Understanding kinematics allows young engineers to design robots that move efficiently and accurately, enabling precise control and coordination of robotic motion.

LIDAR: Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) is a remote sensing method used in robotics to measure distances and create detailed 3D maps of the surroundings. It works by emitting laser pulses and measuring the time it takes for them to reflect off objects and return to the sensor and provides precise spatial information.

Mechatronics: Mechatronics in robotics combines mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering disciplines to design and control robotic systems. It focuses on integrating sensors, actuators, and control systems to create robots that can perceive their environment and respond accordingly. 

Node: A Node refers to a computational unit or device within a networked system, typically connected through a communication protocol. Nodes can represent individual components like sensors, actuators, or processing units, each of which is taught in the robotics and coding classes for kids.

Operator: An operator is a person who controls or oversees the operation of a robot. Operators may use manual controls, joysticks, or software interfaces to command the robot's movements, tasks, or functions. Their role is crucial in ensuring the safe and efficient performance of robotic systems.

Prototype: A prototype is an early version or model of a robot that is built to test and validate design concepts, functionalities, and performance. It serves as a tangible representation of the final product.

Quantum Mechanics: Quantum mechanics explores the application of quantum principles to enhance computing power, sensing capabilities, and communication efficiency in robotic systems.

Radar: Radar is a sensor that uses radio waves to detect objects and measure distances. It helps robots navigate and avoid obstacles by providing real-time feedback about their surroundings and can be an important topic while teaching robotics for kids.

Simulator: Robotics simulators are software tools that replicate real-world robotic environments, allowing users to design, program, and test robots in a virtual setting. When children learn robotics, these simulations provide a safe and interactive way for them to explore robotics concepts, experiment with code, and see the results of their creations in action.

Torque: Torque, in robotics, refers to the rotational force exerted by a motor. It determines the robot's ability to move or manipulate objects and is crucial for tasks requiring strength and precision.

USB: USB (Universal Serial Bus) in robotics is a common interface for connecting peripherals like sensors, cameras, and controllers to robots. It allows for easy data transfer and power supply, simplifying the integration of external devices into robotic systems.

Vision Systems: Vision systems in robotics involve the use of cameras and image-processing algorithms to perceive and interpret visual information. While learning robotics for kids, understanding the vision systems inspires them to explore the fascinating world of computer vision and artificial perception.

Wireless Connection: Wireless communication enables robots to exchange data and commands with external devices without the need for physical connections. Whether it's Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or radio frequency (RF) communication, wireless technologies enable kids to control and interact with their robots remotely.

X-Axis: While learning robotics for kids, the X-axis plays a crucial role in defining the position and orientation of robot components and end-effectors. By understanding the X-axis, kids can visualize and manipulate robotic motion in a three-dimensional space, laying the foundation for advanced robot control and manipulation techniques.

Yaw: Yaw is the rotation of a robot or object around its vertical axis. In robotics, yaw motion is essential for orienting and stabilizing robots as they move and turn. In the Drone program offered at OBotz, children gain an understanding of the concepts of pitching, rolling and yawing while learning the process of making their personal flying devices!

Zero Moment Point: The zero moment point (ZMP) is a theoretical point on the ground beneath a walking robot where the net external forces and moments are zero. Introducing kids to ZMP principles helps them understand the mechanics of bipedal locomotion and design robots that walk with grace and stability.

Having grasped these frequently sought-after robotics concepts and terms, your child is ready to venture into this hands-on field and learn about one of the most successful upcoming career opportunities. This is possible at your nearest center of OBotz!

At OBotz, the most comprehensive Robotics and Coding classes for kids, we ensure that our students are familiar with these words and get a complete understanding of the robotics concepts through hands-on learning activities. Strengthening their foundational learning, students at OBotz are directed toward a brighter and more successful future! Book a free trial class now!!