Learn the first STEM concepts with Makeblock mBot Neo

Tomorrow needs young people who know how to work with robots, but also young people who know how to program robots. Give your child an mBot Neo and encourage him to take his first steps in the world of STEM!

Makeblock mBot Neo is a versatile and affordable STEM education platform that provides an interactive and hands-on experience for kids and teens to learn about robotics, engineering and programming.

This model is appreciated by children starting STEM. It is easy to assemble, easy to use and very easy to connect to the control application. Even if it was designed to withstand mechanical shocks, we recommend that children be carefully supervised during use, at least until they get used to the control commands.

mBot Neo comes in the form of a construction kit, which includes components such as a chassis, two motors, two wheels, sensors, control board, cables and accessories, which can be assembled to create different types of robots, such as cars, robots with crawlers, arm robots and more. The kit is designed to be easy to assemble, requiring no prior robot building experience.

Specifications

• CyberPi: Control board.
• ESP32-WROVER-B: Processor
• Flash memory: 8MB SPI
• Battery: 2500 mAh capacity.
• Simultaneously store 8 different programs.
• Multi-threading support.
• Wireless communication-Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Wi-Fi LAN.
• Input and onboard sensors: 5-way joystick, 2 x Buttons, Reset button, Light sensor, Microphone, Gyroscope-accelerometer.
• Output interfaces: 1.44″ full-color display, Speakers, RGB LED x5.
• Expandable electronic modules- mBuild port x 1, connects 10+ components in sequence.
• Additional interface: 2-pin interface x2, 3-pin interface x4.
• Voice output: Speaker
• Extension port: 4 servo ports, 2 DC motor ports, 2 encoder motor ports, and 1 mBuild Extension port.
• Line following sensors: 4
• Misc: Programmable LEDs, Obstacle-avoidance.
• Size: About 6.69 x 5.11 x 3.54 inches (17 x 13 x 9 cm)
• Weight: 14.1 oz or 400 g
• Supported Coding Languages: Block coding and Arduino C
• Features: a light sensor, IR receiver, Ultrasonic sensors and a line following sensor, more available but sold separately
• Compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook, iOS, Android

One of the distinctive aspects of mBot Neo is its programming interface. The platform offers a range of programming options, from block-based visual programming, which is suitable for beginners, to programming in the C/C++ programming language, which offers advanced options for advanced users. Makeblock offers its own programming environment called mBlock, which is based on Scratch and provides an intuitive way to program mBot Neo robots.

Buy:

• makeblock.com

What is STEM?

STEM is short for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, and is an interdisciplinary field that involves the application of these disciplines to solve real-world problems. These four disciplines are considered fundamental for understanding and addressing the technical, scientific and innovative challenges of the contemporary world.

• Science: Refers to the study of natural systems, processes and phenomena around us, such as biology, chemistry, physics, astronomy and other natural sciences. Through science, people can understand and explain how the world we live in works.
• Technology: Refers to the practical applications of scientific knowledge in the development of technological products, services and solutions. Technology can include fields such as computer science, programming, computer networks, artificial intelligence, information and communication technology (ICT), robotics, and more.
• Engineering: Refers to the application of mathematical and scientific knowledge in the design, construction and development of structures, machines, devices and systems. Engineering can include disciplines like civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering and others.
• Mathematics: Refers to the study of mathematical properties, structures and relationships, and their application in problem solving. Mathematics is a foundational discipline that underlies the other three STEM fields and has applications in a wide range of fields, such as economics, finance, statistics, cryptography, and more.

STEM integrates these four fields to develop critical skills such as analytical thinking, problem solving, innovative thinking, collaboration and communication skills, and prepares students for a wide range of career opportunities in diverse fields such as information technology, medicine, energy, scientific research, design and more.

It is important for a child to know STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) for a number of reasons:

• Developing Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: STEM learning encourages critical thinking and problem solving skills. Children learning STEM are exposed to complex problems and are encouraged to find innovative and effective solutions. These skills are essential for success in everyday life and in their future careers.
• Developing creativity and innovative thinking: STEM learning fosters creativity and innovative thinking. Children learn to find new solutions and experiment with innovative ideas in a safe and supportive environment. This can help them become innovative and make valuable contributions in their future careers and society.
• Understanding the world around us: STEM teaches us how the world around us works, from the scientific processes that govern nature to the technology that surrounds us and the engineering that makes infrastructure development possible. Through STEM learning, children understand how the world they live in works and how they can help make it better.
• Preparing for future jobs: The careers of the future will largely require STEM skills. STEM learning prepares children for 21st century jobs that will require knowledge and skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. By acquiring these skills at an early age, children will be better prepared for future employment opportunities.
• Developing interest in science and technology: STEM learning can fuel children’s interest in science and technology, opening doors to a fascinating world of discovery and innovation. It can stimulate curiosity and the desire to learn in an interactive and hands-on way.
• Developing collaboration and communication skills: STEM learning often involves teamwork and collaboration. Children learn to work together, communicate and share ideas.

STEM knowledge and skills are very useful for robot programmers. Robot programming involves using technology and engineering concepts to create algorithms and codes to control the behavior and functionality of robots.

For example, to program a robot to move autonomously or perform specific tasks, robot programmers must have a solid knowledge of mechanical engineering to understand how robots are built and physically work. Also, knowledge of mathematics and physics is essential to calculate the trajectories, velocities and accelerations required for robot movement.

In addition, robot programmers often use artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms and techniques to enable robots to make real-time decisions, adapt to their environment, and interact with humans or other robots. This knowledge falls within the field of technology and computer science, which are important components of STEM.

In conclusion, STEM knowledge is essential for robot programmers because it provides the foundation needed to understand and apply complex concepts in the development and programming of modern robots.