Deborah Chan
LEGO WeDo is a robotics kit designed to introduce children to coding and robotics. The WeDo 2.0 kit includes a motion sensor, a tilt sensor, and a distance sensor, which can be used to detect objects and make decisions without constant human control. The sensors can be connected to a WeDo USB Hub or a Smarthub, which can then be connected to a computer or tablet via Bluetooth. The input from the sensors can be used with programming languages such as Scratch, allowing for more complex projects.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Playful learning |
| Target audience | Younger kids, students |
| Learning method | Coding |
| Compatibility | Not compatible with NXT/EV3 sensors or LEGO MINDSTORMS Education Sensors and Motors |
| Parts | Motion sensor, tilt sensor, rechargeable battery, smarthub, medium motor, sorting tray, labels, 280 LEGO system building elements |
| Functionality | The motion sensor can detect the presence of objects; the tilt sensor can detect seven positions |
| Connection | Bluetooth |
| Programming language integration | Scratch |
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What You'll Learn
Connect the distance sensor to the WeDo USB Hub
To connect the distance sensor to the WeDo USB Hub, follow these steps:
Firstly, ensure you have the correct hardware. Both versions of the WeDo kit (2.0 and 1.0) come with two sensors, one of which is the motion or distance sensor. The WeDo 2.0 motion sensor (part 45304) can detect objects up to 15 cm away, depending on the object's shape and reflective properties. It is worth noting that the two versions of WeDo use different connectors, so the sensors from 1.0 and 2.0 are not interchangeable.
Once you have confirmed you have the correct sensor, connect it to the LEGO WeDo USB Hub. The Hub, in turn, must be connected to a tablet using Low Energy Bluetooth. When attached, the computer will automatically detect the sensor's presence and can use the input.
Using the WeDo software, you can attach up to three hubs to a computer, allowing for more motors and sensors. However, it is recommended that only one motor connects to one hub to limit power consumption.
The WeDo software can also make use of the built-in microphone on the computer or tablet. For example, you can program the software to display how loud a sound is or start the motor when a sound is detected. Additionally, the WeDo system can integrate with the programming language Scratch, where input from the sensors can be used.
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Connect the Hub to your tablet via Bluetooth
To use the distance sensor in WeDo 2.0, you need to first connect the sensors to the LEGO WeDo USB Hub. The Hub then needs to be connected to your tablet via Bluetooth.
- Ensure that your tablet has Bluetooth capabilities and that it is turned on.
- On your tablet, go to the settings and search for available Bluetooth devices.
- Put the Hub into pairing mode. You may need to refer to the user manual for specific instructions on how to do this, as it may vary depending on the model of the Hub. Typically, there is a button on the Hub that needs to be pressed and held for a few seconds to initiate pairing mode.
- Once the Hub is in pairing mode, it should appear on your tablet's list of available Bluetooth devices.
- Select the Hub from the list, and if prompted, enter the pairing code or password. This can usually be found in the user manual or on the packaging.
- Wait for the devices to pair and connect. There may be an option to give the connection a name, which can be useful if you plan to connect multiple Hubs or devices.
Once the Hub is successfully connected to your tablet via Bluetooth, you can then proceed to connect the sensors to the Hub. The sensors will provide input data, such as distance measurements, which can be utilised for various projects and coding endeavours.
It is worth noting that the LEGO WeDo system has evolved, with WeDo 2.0 being a wireless solution that utilises Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology. This offers flexibility in terms of classroom or home use, catering to a range of ages with its simple yet expandable coding and robotics capabilities.
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The motion sensor can be linked to sight
The motion sensor in WeDo 2.0 is an active infrared (IR) sensor. It works by emitting an infrared signal from one "eye" that bounces off an object and is detected by the other "eye". The motion sensor can be linked to the sense of sight, as it detects objects in its field of view, similar to how our eyes perceive objects in our visual field.
To use the motion sensor in WeDo, it must be connected to the LEGO WeDo USB Hub, which in turn connects to a tablet via Low Energy Bluetooth. The motion sensor can then be used to detect the presence of objects, such as in the Milo's Motion Sensor lesson plan, where students build an arm with a motion sensor that allows Milo to detect a plant sample.
The motion sensor in WeDo can also be integrated with the programming language Scratch, allowing for more advanced applications. For example, a Scratch program can be set to wait for a change in motion detected by the sensor and then display a corresponding message on the computer.
When using the motion sensor, it is important to consider its placement. In the context of home security, motion sensors should be placed near entry points like doors and windows, ideally at a height of 6 to 8 feet off the ground, to maximize their field of view and minimize false triggers.
Overall, the motion sensor in WeDo can be linked to sight by detecting objects within its range, similar to how our eyes perceive the world around us.
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The tilt sensor can be linked to balance
Tilt sensors can detect changes in orientation and tilt angles. They can be used to maintain stability and direction, which is crucial for vehicles, aircraft, watercraft, and even robots. In the context of WeDo, the tilt sensor can detect various positions, such as tilting up, down, left, right, or shaking. This information can be used in programming to trigger specific actions or messages. For example, a program could be set to display a warning message when a certain degree of tilt is detected, indicating that the object is "going downhill."
The WeDo tilt sensor has different versions, with the newer WeDo 2.0 tilt sensor offering increased functionality. It can detect seven positions, including "tilt this way," "tilt that way," "tilt up," "tilt down," "no tilt," "any tilt," and "shake." The original WeDo tilt sensor does not include the "shake" detection feature. The WeDo 2.0 tilt sensor is also reported to have a slower response time compared to its predecessor, which can be mitigated by causing the sensor to tilt more strongly.
When using the WeDo sensors, it is important to ensure compatibility with the correct version. The WeDo 1.0 and WeDo 2.0 sensors use different connectors and are not interchangeable. The tilt sensor can be connected to the LEGO WeDo USB Hub, which then connects to a tablet or computer via Low Energy Bluetooth. The computer or tablet will automatically detect the presence of the sensors and can utilize their input for various projects and educational activities.
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Integrate with Scratch programming language
The LEGO Education WeDo 2.0 kit is a great way to introduce primary school children to robotics and programming. It comes with a motor, two sensors (including a distance sensor), bricks, and a hub to connect to a computer or tablet.
To integrate the WeDo 2.0 kit with Scratch, you will need a programming device (e.g. a laptop or tablet) and the Scratch Link app, which allows the WeDo 2.0 Smarthub to connect with Scratch. First, download and install Scratch Link from the official website. Then, enable Bluetooth on your device and open Scratch. Click on the exclamation mark icon to open the Smarthub search window. Press the green button on your Smarthub until the LED starts flashing, then click "Start Searching" in Scratch. Once the connection is established, return to the Scratch editor.
In Scratch, the distance sensor can be used to determine proximity, with 0 being close and 100 being far. To access the sensor value, use the Sensor Value block in the Sensing category, selecting "distance" from the pull-down menu. The distance sensor can also be used to detect light and motion.
With Scratch and WeDo 2.0, students can learn basic programming commands and create simple programs, such as opening and closing a gate based on a keyboard press, and then build on this framework by adding extra sounds and speech bubbles.
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Frequently asked questions
WeDo is a LEGO kit that focuses on playful learning through coding and robotics. It is designed for classroom use, but can also be used at home. The kit includes a motion sensor and a tilt sensor.
Connect the sensors to the LEGO WeDo USB Hub, which must then be connected to a tablet, laptop, or desktop using Low Energy Bluetooth. The WeDo software can support up to three hubs.
The distance sensor is a block that reports the distance value of the robot. It can be used with the LEGO Education WeDo Robotics Kit and integrated with the programming language Scratch.
One project idea is to create an object-detector arm that can detect the presence of a plant specimen.
