With the technology being very dynamic, coding and robotics have become household names in schools. From classrooms to extracurriculars, teachers and parents agree that children need to be exposed to these vital skills at an early age. So then, what is robotics and coding, and how do they compare. Here we would take a step into the fundamentals of coding and robotics, the difference between robotics and coding, and their importance in modern education.
What is Robotics?
Robotics is an interdisciplinary domain which includes integration of different branches of engineering and science like mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, and so on. It is concerned with the design, construction, operation and use of robots, their programmable machinery to operate either fully or partially autonomously to replicate or take the place of human physical actions in executing tasks. Robots are programmed machines, by which they perform the intended jobs, either fully taking place for human functions and activities.
What is coding?
Coding, also known as programming, involves writing instructions in a programming language to control the behaviour of computers or robots. It focuses on computational thinking, logic, and problem-solving skills. In the fast-paced world we live in, coding becomes important for everyone. Education involves more than memorizing facts. Today, with information as near as our fingertips, we must teach our children thinking rather than give them something to think about.
How are they linked?
The software that creates the control signals (the “controller”) in real-world robots must operate at a fast speed and do sophisticated calculations. Robots can be virtual machines or hands that weld vehicles. But they can also be any machine that employs sensors to acquire data and produce outputs such as mobility, illumination, heat etc. This all is done with the help of coding.
Types of coding used in robotics
Block-based coding: It employs a stack of distinct-shaped blocks so that the user can easily connect them together. It is also pretty easy to debug errors with block-based coding. Some of the examples of block-based coding include Scratch, Blockly, and VEXcode Vr.
Text-based coding: Text-based coding is typically based on predefined syntax: a list of codes that are readable by the particular language. Greater chances of errors are possible because every code line must be typed. A few examples include C/C++, Python, Java.
Why Needed?
Programming skills: We will learn how to solve new problems imaginable and unimaginable.
Preparedness: New technologies are cropping up almost every day we need to prepare themselves for changing technologies.
Analytical thinking: The students break down a large robotics problem into smaller segments and find solutions for each one.
Teamwork: We will work as a team to adapt their robots to compete in diverse dynamic challenges.
Robotics and Coding education become very critical for students for the journey of learning and opportunities in a digital age. Teaching kids about these concepts early prepares them to become confident, creative and future-ready learners. In fact, while enjoying all the future benefits of coding and robotics education, let us inspire the next generation to think big, venture borders, and carve their future in technology and society.
