Filip Brož From time to time I nostalgically remember my childhood and adolescence. I will lament that I did not have the opportunity to experience the smart devices deployed in school teaching. I learned the basics of programming and HTML code in Notepad. Today, it can be easily handled on the iPad screen. When you use some accessories for this, an incredible field of possibilities opens up before you.
For the last few months I have been playing at home with probably the best available in our market, and for reasonable money. I mean Wonder Dash and Dota smart bots with loads of accessories.
It wasn't that long ago that I tested the second generation Ozobot, which isn't bad by any means, but the Wonder robots open up a whole new world of robotics and programming. I got my hands on the entire Wonder Pack box, which includes Dash and Dot robots and a number of accessories. I have not yet come across robots where you can change their personality and behavior in such a significant way and at the same time give them commands. Being able to control Dash as a remote control toy car is just a sliver of the many features.
Five applications for control
It is written on the box that the robots are suitable for children from 6 years old. I'm over twenty-two years older, and so it took me quite a while to understand what everything was for. It follows that robots will certainly not only please children's hearts, but also adults'. The difference between Dash and Dot is quite obvious. Dash is more robust and has wheels. Although Dot only stands, but together they form an inseparable pair. The basis for both robots is five iOS/Android applications: Go, Wonder, Blockly, Path a xylo.
In addition to having to download the apps (for free), both robots need to be turned on using the large buttons on their bodies. The robots are charged using the included microUSB connectors and last about five hours on a single charge. You also need to turn on Bluetooth on your device and the fun can begin. I recommend launching the Go launcher first. It will help you in how to control the robots, how to give them commands, and show you what they can actually do.
After launching the application, it will automatically search for your robots and during this process you can see and most importantly hear Dash and Dot communicating with you. Unfortunately, everything takes place in English, but even that can ultimately be an interesting educational element. In the Go app, you can control Dash as a remote control toy car. A virtual joystick is created for this purpose in the left part of the display.
Conversely, on the right side there are various orders and commands. You can easily control Dash's head, change, turn on and off the colored LEDs that are located on both robots all over the body, or give them some command. Robots can, for example, simulate the sounds of animals, a racing car or a siren. You can also use the microphone to record your own sounds in free slots. I have a nine month old daughter who responds wonderfully to our recorded commands. Too bad she's not older, I believe she would be excited about robots.
You can also introduce Dash and Dota bots to each other in the Go app. Even though Dot is standing still, she can communicate without any problems and make dozens of different sounds you can think of. I spent dozens of minutes of fun and education with the Go app alone before moving on to the next one.
A simulation of the human mind
My attention was then caught by the Wonder app. It is a special programming language that is similar to how we think. In the app, you will find hundreds of pre-made tasks, with an initial tutorial introducing you to the basics. After that, the free play game will also be unlocked for you, or you can continue with the tasks. The principle is simple. You have to combine different kinds of commands, animations, tasks, sounds, movements and more. All you have to do is select the desired action, drag it onto the screen and connect it together. However, with everything, you need to think about what you intend to do with the given activity and what the robot will do.
It is interesting how simple ideas can be transformed into reality. For example, you want the robot to run into the next room, turn on a red light, beep, turn around, and drive back. You can program practically anything, from lights to movement that can be accurate to the centimeter. With the Wonder app, you can enjoy endless fun together with your children.
The Blockly app is very similar. By moving the colored blocks around the screen, you build a program for both robots in the app. Blocks represent easy-to-understand instructions, such as how the robot should move, what it should do when it meets another, how it should respond to a sound, a nearby object, what it should do when a button is pressed, and so on. You can also program your own ideas or solve pre-prepared tasks again. Personally, I think Wonder and Blockly are perfect for IT classes. I strongly doubt that it would not interest the children and involve them in the lessons.
In the Blockly application, children practice and, above all, learn about algorithms, conditional commands, cycles, work with sensor outputs, or try to compile their own command sequences and check their output. On the contrary, the Path application is more relaxing, where robots perform tasks on a farm or drive through a race track. You simply draw a path for Dash on the display, where he should go, insert tasks into the route and you can set off. Here again, children and adults learn the basics of cybernetics in a fun way.
In case you prefer artistic directions, you can use the latest Xylo application offered. However, for this you need an accessory in the form of a xylophone, which is part of the Wonder Pack. You simply put the xylophone on the Dash, start the application and you can start composing your own melodies. In the app, you click on a virtual music axis that corresponds to a real-life xylophone that has Dash attached to it. You can even save the resulting melody and share it at will.
Pile of accessories
In addition to two robots and a xylophone, the Wonder Pack also offers other accessories. Kids will have great fun with Launcher. This is a catapult that you re-install on Dash. Subsequently, you only need to charge the catapult with the ball that is included in the package, and you can start shooting at the prepared targets. At the same time, you control the shooting through the application, where you again perform various tasks. Thanks to the Building Brick Extension, you can add a LEGO kit to the game and take the whole robotic activity to the next level.
Accessories in the form of Bunny Ears and Tails are also imaginative, but they are only decorative. Lastly, you will find the Buldozer Bar in the package, which you can use to overcome real obstacles. Complete Wonder Pack with Dash and Dot and accessories it costs 8 crowns at EasyStore.cz. Separately so far with us sells for 5 crowns you can only use the Dash mobile robot and its accessories buy Wonder Launcher for 898 crowns.
With robots, you can also join a global community and use applications to get and share new ideas and inspirations on how to use robots in practical life or teaching. In each application you will find a clear tutorial and lots of user enhancements and options.
The Dash and Dot robots work great. I didn't encounter a single problem or glitch during testing. All applications are smooth and well designed. Even a small child who does not speak English can easily find his way around them. With a little help from parents, you can get the most out of the robots. Personally, I think the Dash and Dot Wonder Pack is the perfect gift for the whole family, as the robots cleverly combine fun with education. Robots could also be represented in every primary and secondary school.
