CONNECT
Robotics is the science that explores technology to build robots, which are machines created to perform tasks based on commands given by us, facilitating people’s activities.
In educational robotics classes, we research, make discoveries and build prototypes that can be imitations of animals, toys, tools or machines.
With technological structural assembly kits, made up of many colorful parts, we have at hand an investigative tool to explore everything from the simplest concepts of structural construction to the operation of advanced, engine-driven machines.
To start structural robotics classes, you need to understand some basic technological concepts, such as bases, beams, connectors, wheels, axles and motors.
The bases and beams are fundamental pieces to start assembling a project. They are responsible for supporting and structuring the other components. Just like the bases, the beams are part of the project structure. In the structural robotics kit, they are called rods. In this kit, we have two types of rods: rigid and flexible.
Connectors are parts used to connect components (connect parts) of the project. Connectors can be parts that fit into others by pressure and can have different sizes, shapes and colors.
Wheels are circular objects that facilitate the transport of loads. Axles are objects with a cylindrical shape, smaller than the wheels, which are used to join them. In the structural robotics kit, the axes are called rods.
The wheels and axles always rotate at the same speed. Moving a vehicle or heavy object using wheels makes the process easier.
Auxiliary parts are responsible for performing functions such as finishing, spacing and interconnection between parts.
The battery motor, found in our technology kits, is an electric motor that includes a 3V power pack made up of two AA batteries (each battery is 1.5V). The power supply has a three-way switch that allows the motor to operate by turning left or turning right.
To insert the battery motor into a structural robotics model, first push a (very strong) rod through the hole in the middle. Then, try turning the switch on the battery to rotate
the rod in each direction.
Finally, the easiest way to connect the motor to your model is to fit a white connector to the terminals on each side of the motor.
CONTEMPLATE
Look at structural robotics kits.
• How many types of rods are found in the kits?
• How many types of connectors are found in the kits?
CONSTRUCT
PROTOTYPE: CAR
As a team, build a prototype car with parts from the structural robotics technology kit.
Follow the step by step.
CONTINUE
After building the prototype, share the experiences with your team.
• How many axes were used in the assembly? And how many wheels?
• What parts were used to attach the axles and wheels?
Then, save all the materials used.