Educational Robotics

Image: Vini Goulart

Educational Robotics+

Robotics Project - Catholic Educational Center of Brasília - CECB - 2009

Under the leadership of director Professor Enéas Portugal and with the support of technology coordinator Professor José Job, the Centro Educacional Católica de Brasília began an innovative project: the implementation of the Robotics Project. Managed by me, Anderson Brito, the project aimed to integrate all the components of basic education, such as: Mathematics and its technologies, Natural Sciences and their technologies, as well as computational thinking and computer science through the construction and programming of robots, promoting interdisciplinarity and developing technical and analytical skills in students.

The project was designed to include the study of various genres of knowledge, interpreting and understanding them through robotics, offering students a practical application of concepts from different areas of knowledge.

The project methodology involved making robots and applying them in different contexts. Each area of knowledge played a specific role: performing calculations, checking measurements and programming the robots, etc. After making the material, the functions of each robot were defined, such as simple and intermediate movements, thus achieving the established objectives.

All the material made was exhibited to visitors. Robot assembly workshops with fun activities related to the theme were developed, and the exhibition venue was characterized according to the theme.

The whole project resulted in the creation of an instruction booklet entitled “How to Make My Robot?”.

Various materials were used to carry out the project, including assembly kits, soldering irons, pliers, insulating tape, computers, spray paints, hot glue, among others. Each assembly kit catered for four students, making a total of 16 participants per class, with several classes for the Elementary School Final Years (6th to 9th grade) and the entire High School.

With this project, we want not only to build robots, but also to teach important things about technology and communication. The Robotics Project provides a rich and multidisciplinary educational experience, contributing to the all-round development of our students. Our aim is to create useful and functional robotics for society, making it easier for human beings to work and giving meaning to the use of these technologies.

MEPRO

MEPRO, which stands for “My First Robot”, is a small robot designed to introduce the study of robotics to students, making learning accessible, simple and engaging. This project was developed by Professor Isaías, who worked for many years as a coordinator and instructor of electrotechnics and electronics at the Technical School of Brasilia. The idea for MEPRO arose from his experience, with the aim of creating an initial project for basic education students in partnership, facilitating interaction and the development of technological skills from an early age.

MEPRO consists of three main parts: one mechanical and two electronic. The mechanical part includes two gearboxes, each equipped with a DC motor. The electronic parts consist of a microcontroller and a driver. This robot can be programmed to perform various movements, such as moving forward, backward, turning left, turning right and stopping, using a very simple programming language.

In summary, MEPRO's main objective is to introduce the study of robotics in a simple and entertaining way, allowing users to acquire fundamental knowledge and skills in a practical and fun way.

2009

MEPRO Manual

Science fair - TRANSFER

After implementing the project in 2009, we outlined, together with the students, the goals and projects to be presented at the school's next science fair, called TRANSFER, which was to be held in October 2010.

During this process, we decided to develop the following projects:

MEPROTuning

The aim of this project was to retrofit MEPRO's logic and circuitry to a damaged remote control cart. The idea was to make the cart drive autonomously, following a continuous line without the need for a pilot, using only the settings of a programmer. The vehicle would be presented in a city built specifically for the event. Unfortunately, due to the technical complexity, this project was not completed in time for the fair.

(CMR) Cadeira Motorizada Robótica

The main objective of this project was to adapt a joystick to a circuit, batteries and motors, allowing a person with a motor disability to move around independently.

All the projects involved the school community, including parents and students, in donating materials, electronic components and other necessary resources. The students worked together with the school's educational team, made up of coordinators and physics, mathematics and chemistry teachers, as well as receiving specialized technical support from the employees responsible for maintenance.

The result was very satisfactory in the educational sphere, as all the projects, right from their conception, were presented by the students to visitors at the fair.

Image: Personal archive

Science fair - TRANSFER

In 2011 and 2012, our projects expanded considerably, and the students taking part in the Robotics Project decided on the following projects:

Imagens: Arquivo Pessoal

(CMR) Robotic Motorized Chair

We are proud to present one of our most exciting and transformative projects: the Robotic Motorized Chair, known as CMR. This project was born out of a desire to improve the process of getting around for people with disabilities or inability to move, and the result has been a real revolution in accessibility for our school community.

The CMR is more than just a wheelchair; it is a fusion of innovation and compassion. Rescued almost from the school dump, this chair has been completely recycled and transformed. It has been completely upgraded with a battery, powerful motors, an adapted joystick, boards and advanced electronic circuits. Each component was carefully selected and installed to ensure that the CMR provided smooth and efficient mobility for its users.

This inspiring project took around three years to complete and was developed entirely by students from the final years of elementary school and secondary school. The success of the project is a testament to the power of collaborative work and the tireless dedication of our young innovators.

We had the invaluable support of the school community, including teachers from our school and university, who brought their expertise in various fields to guide and assist the students. This project not only enriched the students' educational experience, but also united the whole community around a noble and meaningful cause.

CMR is more than a project; it is living proof that with creativity, determination and teamwork, we can turn challenges into opportunities and create solutions that really make a difference to people's lives.

VESP - Electric Vehicle for Security and Patrol

I'd like to introduce you to one of the most exciting and innovative projects our robotics team has ever developed: the VESPA, the first 1000-watt electric bicycle with an incredible range of 120 km and a top speed of 70 km/h. With a full recharge time of just 6 hours, BikeVolt represented the future of sustainable mobility at the time.

The VESPA is equipped with a 1000-watt motor on the rear axle, a gel battery, and components, boards and circuits developed by Chinese manufacturers. Its main objective is to demonstrate that it is possible to replace the use of fossil fuel transportation with sustainable alternatives, integrating electric mobility with solar energy.

Our project was conceived and developed entirely by the senior team of the Robotics Project, with the support of the school's management team and principal, with the aim of making the prototype available for use by the school's security team.

As well as building the bike, we planned to install a charging space with a solar energy source on the school campus, more precisely in the ECOVila, which is now known as the AGROVila.

The conclusion of VESPA generated great enthusiasm among the school community. During the presentation at TRANSFER, the visitors' curiosity and excitement were palpable. The students who presented the project shared technical details and demonstrated how the bicycle works, generating enormous interest in everyone who took part.

The VESPA (Electric Vehicle for Security and Patrol) is not just an electric bicycle; it is a symbol of innovation and sustainability. We have shown that it is possible to create ecological solutions that not only help preserve the environment, but also offer a practical and efficient alternative for everyday transportation. We are proud to have contributed to a greener and smarter future with this innovative project.

Image: Personal archive

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