Blog post
edited by
Lisa Mayer
Results
Final robotic development of the project by the “Learn2Go!” group
Initial robotic development of the project by the “Learn2Go!” group
Materials and inspiration for creating robotic activities from the “Learn2Go!” group
Digital (Picture) Story “The Mystery of Shadow and Echo”:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hXe–WRZya0ILrpD3VX4aMcV9FxXYXsJ/view?usp=sharing (Attention: High data volume!)
Experience report
While working on our project, we encountered numerous difficulties. Initially, we believed that the sensors would not recognize the selected colors and that the many different sounds (warning signals, melodies, etc.) could not be generated. After several failed attempts, it turned out that the sensors required proximity to the color plates and an additional time distance, i.e. a longer driving distance, to achieve the expected results. Due to the high sensitivity of the sensor, we therefore decided to minimize the use of excessive coloring and the inclusion of a background design (e.g. design of a train station) in the creation of our wall as much as possible. The creation and programming of the robot also proved to be extremely challenging due to both the motor (problems with the controller, hence the use of cardboard rails) and sensory (sounds were added via recordings and the sound system of the LEGO MINDSTORMS motor via the tablet programming is very weak) problem representation. Creative approaches therefore had to be sought and often rethought by the team members.
As already mentioned, the project therefore has some limitations. The robot is designed to react only to colors and does not recognize light variations. This limitation restricts its ability to potentially interact with a wider range of environmental stimuli. The robot operates strictly according to the pre-programmed code and does not adapt to failed attempts. Furthermore, the robot’s activity does not contain any form of artificial intelligence and therefore does not adapt or self-adapt to extra-natural occurrences, which could lead to major safety issues given the proposed environment and the many human interactions involved. There is still a lot of room for improvement in this respect.
However, the future potential applications of our project are equally diverse. Our project plays an important role in fostering critical thinking and problem solving skills, and prepares the need to involve diverse – and often even for the technology experts unknown – disciplines through the use of advanced technological devices. The development aims to create everyday scenarios and integrate real-life problems in order to develop the students’ learning and problem-solving experience. By simulating a train environment, students can gain insights into the complexities and challenges of everyday life.
In addition, our project also promotes Austria’s cultural heritage and could serve both tourism and Austria’s security, as the melodies that one can hear after the warning signal sounds when the public transport arrives can also be replaced by well-known pieces of music by well-known Austrian artists. Of course, the selection of these pieces of music can also be done through several interactive (digital) votes with the Austrian population and thus also directly involve the Austrian people. This would also create a certain proximity to our project for outsiders to the project and emphasize the musical and cultural uniqueness of cities like Salzburg for both the population and visitors.
The target groups of this project are therefore basically unlimited and range from all ages and genders, as our project is linked to public transportation, with all types of people being found and therefore being if not directly, indirectly part of the project.