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Activity

ShyBot

Create a robot that is shy!

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This activity was created by Tom Simpson at Heathwood Hall Episcopal School in South Carolina.

INTERMEDIATE: Add Sensors

Required lessons: Sensor Overview, Conditional Statements

The ShyBot doesn’t like anyone getting too close.  When it senses someone is nearby, it beeps and flashes its lights.

For this project, the Finch should do the following:

  • Have a solid green beak and tail and be quiet when nothing is nearby.
  • Blink red rapidly and beep a fast, high note when something is closer than 30 cm.

ADVANCED: Going Further

Required lessons: Control Structures & Line Tracking

The ShyBot doesn’t like anyone getting too close.  When it senses someone is nearby, it changes the color of its lights, flashes the lights faster, and beeps with higher notes.

For this project, the Finch should do the following:

  • Have a solid green beak and tail and be quiet for “calm” (nothing is nearby).
  • Blink yellow slowly and beep a slow, low note for “slightly nervous” (an object is between 20 and 50 cm away).
  • Blink red rapidly and beep a fast, high note for “very uncomfortable” (an object is closer than 20 cm).