E. Kylen (Educational Kylen)

E. Kylen is a robot meant to help teach programming to children. Its blocks are a physical representation of block coding, and allows the user to make a sequence of code and watch E. Kylen execute it.

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Inspiration

We all tried to brainstorm something that would have helped us learn to code or get more kids interested in coding at a young age.

What it does

E. Kylen introduces its users to basic road programming through the use of directional inputs in the form of physical blocks. Furthermore, it allows its users an engaging hands-on-method to learn block coding and watch their code be executed before their eyes.

How we built it

We started with a chassis, motor driver, and wheels which we obtained from Micro Center. Next, we used SolidWorks to create cad models of the physical components of E. Kylen. We then proceeded to 3-D print components that would house the circuitry and raspberry pi as well as physical blocks for user interactions. Some of our group worked on creating a circuit on the breadboard that would interact with the raspberry pi that would allow the user to transfer the data from hardware to software to back to hardware (occurred when the user would put their blocks on E. Kylen, and E. Kylen would then execute their code). The other portion of our group was learning Python while writing a code for the interaction between specific sequences of button activation (blocks) and motor movement due to the sequence. After these steps were completed, we combined the circuitry and the code. Our final goal is to make E. Kylen wireless through the use of Alexa voice activation. Lastly, we customized E. Kylen aesthetically to appeal to the race car loving side of kids.

Challenges we ran into

The first challenge we encountered was interfacing the computer with the raspberry pi due to difficulties with hardware. Then we had to learn how to build circuitry and code Python. We also did not have prior knowledge regarding specific DPUI pins. Another challenge we encountered was getting the raspberry pi to interface wirelessly with the raspberry desktop.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

We had to learn a lot of skills, in general, to make our idea come to life. For instance, we didn't know Python, how to create a circuit, use raspberry pi, make a code that could execute our ideas, etc.

What we learned

Each of us learned so many new skills. From coding in Python, to using a raspberry pi, to building a circuit, to 3-D printing, to making custom stickers with a vinyl printer.

What's next for E.Kylen

We want to integrate voice commands using Alexa and make it possible to store and recall previous code sequences and activate them with a voice command. Another idea we have using Alexa and E. Kylen is attaching a pen to E. Kylen and coordinating with Alexa to draw a pre-programmed command such as a heart.

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