Class 6 - Robotics notes
Chapter 1: Exploring the Hardware Kit
Maker Board
The Maker Board is an easy-to-use electronic board designed for learning robotics and coding.
It helps students create innovative projects by connecting sensors, motors, LEDs, and other electronic
components.
Key Features:
● Has 5×5 RGB LED Matrix
● Includes GPIO pins for connecting sensors and modules
● Comes with push buttons, buzzer, reset button
● Can be programmed using a graphical block-based interface (Maker Studio)
● Used to make games, animations, smart devices, and simple robots
Components of the Hardware Kit
1. Maker Board
The main control board that processes instructions and controls all connected
components.
2. IR Sensor
Detects objects using infrared light. Commonly used for obstacle detection.
3. Servo Motor
A motor that rotates to a specific angle. Used in robotic arms, doors, and wheels.
4. LEDs
Light-emitting diodes used to show output such as ON/OFF signals or status
indicators.
5. Jumper Cables
It's a wire used to connect components to the Maker Board.
6. Resistor
Resistors are elements of electrical circuits that resist and reduce the
flow of current through the electrical circuit. They can also be used to
provide specific voltages to active components.
7. Batteries
Provide power to the Maker Board when not connected to a computer.
8. LDR Sensor (Light Dependent Resistor)
Detects light intensity. Used in automatic street lights and light-based
projects.
9. Rain Sensor
Detects rain or water drops. Used in automatic rain sheds and
weather projects.
Components of Maker Board
1) GPIO Pins
● GPIO means General Purpose Input Output
● Used to connect sensors, LEDs, motors, etc.
● Supports both analog and digital signals
2)Power Pins
● VCC pin supplies 3.3V regulated voltage
● GND pin provides ground (0V)
● VIN pin supplies power when using an external power
source
3) Programmable LED Matrix
● A 5×5 RGB LED matrix
● Can display numbers, symbols, animations, and patterns
● Used in games and visual outputs
4) Push Buttons
● Buttons named A, B, C, D
● Used to give input to the program (start, stop, change direction, etc.)
5) Buzzer
● Produces sound
● Used for alarms, music, and alerts
6) Reset Button
● Restarts the program loaded on the Maker Board
7) Stand-off Holes
● Allow safe mounting of the board on surfaces
● Prevent electrical short circuits
Maker Studio Coding Interface
The Maker Studio is a block-based coding platform used to program the Maker Board.
Main Parts of Maker Studio
1. Workspace – Area where blocks are arranged
2. Blocks Panel – Contains all coding blocks
3. Menu Bar – Used to save and share projects
4. Control Buttons – Save, compile, and burn code
5. Simulator Window – Shows output virtually
Burning Code into Maker Board
Burning means transferring the program from the computer to the Maker Board.
Steps:
1. Arrange blocks to create the program
2. Save the code
3. Compile the code
4. Burn the code into the board
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Chapter 2
Experiment 1: Count Till 10
What is a Variable?
A variable is like a box that stores information in a computer program.
● The value inside the box can change
● Variables help the program remember numbers
Why Variables Are Important
● To store numbers
● To increase or decrease values
● To show changing data on the screen
Examples of Variables in Daily Life
1. Speed in an online game – Speed changes while playing
2. Traffic signal timer – Counts seconds
3. Digital wristwatch – Stores time
Key Blocks Used
● My Program block – Starts the program
● Variables block – Creates and changes variables
● Show Number block – Displays numbers
● Wait block – Creates a delay
How the Program Works
● The variable count starts from 1
● The number increases one by one
● Each number is shown on the Maker Board
● The wait block slows down the counting
Exercise – Answers
A. Tick (✔) the Correct Option
1. In coding, variables are used to:
✔ Store and label data
2. Which block is used to start the program in the Maker Board?
✔ My Program block
3. Which block is used to set a pause time of 700 milliseconds?
✔ Wait block
B. Answer the Following
1. What is the purpose of variables in coding?
Variables are used to store information that can change in a program.
2. Why should you connect the Maker Board to your computer using a USB?
To transfer the program to the Maker Board and give power to it.
C. Apply Your Learning
1. Name three real-life examples of variables.
● Score in a game
● Time on a clock
● Speed of a vehicle
2. How will you change the program to count till 5 instead of 10?
Change the counting limit from 10 to 5 in the program.
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Chapter 3
Experiment 2: TV Remote
When an event happens, the program gives an output.
Input and Output
● Input → Key pressed (W, A, S, D)
● Output → Animation shown on the Maker Board
Things Around Us (Real-Life Examples)
1. TV Remote – Changes channel or volume
2. Game Controller – Moves characters in games
Key Blocks Used
● My Program block – Starts the program
● If key pressed block – Detects which key is pressed
● Show animation block – Displays animation on LED matrix
● Repeat while block – Keeps the program running
How the Program Works
● When a key is pressed, the Maker Board detects it.
● Each key shows a different animation.
● The program works like a TV remote.
Exercise – Answers
A. Tick (✔) the Correct Option
1. An event is:
✔ An action that triggers a response
2. Which block is used to create an infinite loop in the program?
✔ Repeat while block
3. Which animation appears when the “D” key is pressed?
✔ Snake animation
B. Answer the Following
1. What is the purpose of an event in coding?
An event tells the program when to do something.
2. What happens when you press the “W” key in this program?
When the “W” key is pressed, a specific animation (Basketball animation) appears on the Maker
Board.
C. Apply Your Learning
1. Name two real-life examples of remote controls. What do they control?
● TV remote – Changes channels and volume
● Game remote – Controls game characters
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Chapter 4
Experiment 3: Wandering Sprite
1. What is a Sprite?
A sprite is a small picture or character that appears on the screen in a game or animation.
● A sprite can be still or moving
● It is usually part of a game or animation
● On the Maker Board, a sprite is shown using LED lights
2. Sprite Movement
Sprites move using x and y coordinates.
● X-axis → Left and right movement
● Y-axis → Up and down movement
By changing these values, the sprite can:
● Move forward or backward
● Change direction
● Stop at a position
Real-Life Examples)
Sprites are used in many video games such as:
● Super Mario
● Pac-Man
● Other arcade games
In these games, characters move on the screen just like sprites.
Key Blocks Used
● Create Sprite block – Creates a sprite on the LED matrix
● Move Sprite block – Moves the sprite step by step
● Turn Sprite block – Changes the direction of the sprite
● Repeat While block – Keeps the sprite moving
● If block – Checks conditions like touching the edge
How the Game Works
● The sprite moves randomly inside the display.
● The player tries to keep the sprite inside the area.
● When the sprite touches the boundary, the game stops.
Exercise – Answers
A. Tick (✔) the Correct Option
1. What is a sprite?
✔ A two-dimensional bitmap image or animation
2. Which block is used to create a sprite in the program?
✔ Create Sprite button
3. What message is displayed when the sprite reaches the edge?
✔ Game Over
B. Answer the Following
1. Explain the purpose of x and y coordinates in sprite movement.
X and Y coordinates are used to decide where the sprite is placed on the screen and how it moves left,
right, up, or down.
2. How can you make the sprite move to the right when the “D” key is pressed?
By adding a condition that checks if the “D” key is pressed and then increasing the x-coordinate of
the sprite.
C. Apply Your Learning
1. Give an example of a video game that uses sprites. How are sprites used in that game?
In games like Pac-Man, the player and enemies are sprites that move around the screen.
Chapter 5
Experiment 4: Burglar Alarm
Sound Sensor
A sound sensor is a device that detects sound or noise in the surroundings.
● It senses sounds like clapping, talking, or footsteps
● When sound is detected, it sends a signal to the Maker Board
● The Maker Board then performs an action, such as playing an alarm sound
Things Around Us (Real-Life Examples)
Sound sensors are used in:
1. Home security systems – Detect unusual sounds
2. Virtual assistants – Respond to voice commands
3. Automatic door systems – Open when sound is detected
4. Hearing aids – Help people hear better
How the Burglar Alarm Works
1. The sound sensor listens for sound.
2. When a loud sound is detected, the sensor output becomes HIGH (1).
3. The Maker Board checks this value.
4. If the value is 1, the board plays a sound.
5. This sound acts as a burglar alarm.
Exercise – Answers
A. Tick (✔) the Correct Option
1. Which sensor is used in this experiment?
✔ Sound Sensor
2. Which unit represents the rate at which sounds vibrate (pitch)?
✔ Hz
3. Which is an application of the burglar alarm circuit?
✔ Home Security System
B. Fill in the Blanks
1. The configure pin block is available in the Hardware category.
2. The play tone of the frequency block is set to 1000 hertz by default.
3. In this experiment, the sound sensor senses sound if the sensor value is equal to 1.
4. The G of the sound sensor is connected to the GND of the Maker Board.
C. Apply Your Learning
1. How can a burglar alarm system be useful for someone who travels frequently?
It helps protect the house by alerting people when someone enters without permission.
2. What will happen if you reduce the Hz value of the “play tone of frequency” block to half?
The sound will become lower in pitch.
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Chapter 6
Experiment 5: Guest Counter
IR Sensor (Infrared Sensor)
An IR sensor is a device that detects infrared radiation.
● Infrared light is not visible to our eyes
● All warm objects give off infrared radiation
● IR sensors are used to detect movement or presence
Types of IR Sensors
1. Active IR Sensor
○ Emits infrared light
○ Detects reflected IR light from objects
2. Passive IR Sensor
○ Does not emit IR light
○ Detects infrared radiation from warm objects
In this project, an active IR sensor is used.
Real-Life Examples
1. TV Remote – Uses IR signals
2. Automatic doors – Detect people entering
3. Robots and drones – Detect obstacles
How the Guest Counter Works
● When a person crosses the IR sensor:
○ The sensor detects the object
○ A signal is sent to the Maker Board
● The visitor count increases by 1
● The updated number is shown on the Maker Board display
Exercise – Answers
A. Tick (✔) the Correct Option
1. What does an IR sensor detect? ✔ Infrared radiation
2. Which type of IR sensor emits and detects infrared radiation? ✔ Active infrared
sensor
3. Which variable is used to store the count of guests? ✔ visitor
B. Answer the Following
1. Explain the difference between active and passive infrared sensors.
Active IR sensors emit infrared light and detect the reflected light, while passive IR sensors only
detect infrared radiation from warm objects.
2. Why do you need to set the pin direction to “Input” for the IR sensor?
Because the IR sensor sends data to the Maker Board, and the board needs to read this data.
C. Apply Your Learning
1. List two real-life examples of IR sensors and explain their functions.
● TV remote – Sends signals to control the television
● Automatic doors – Detect people entering or exiting
2. How can you modify the program to count cars instead of guests?
● Place the IR sensor near a road or gate
● Increase the counter when a car passes in front of the sensor