Your child should learn Robotics - here's how to get started

Robots will play a significant role in our lives

We know that our world is zooming toward a future where robots will play a significant role in our lives. Smart devices are just the tip of the iceberg.

Knowing this, we're happy to hear that the Philippines is not lagging behind when it comes to robotics. Our team won 3 gold, 4 silver and 7 bronze medals during the last International Robot Olympiad held in South Korea last December.

'Start Gallery' to learn about the benefits of learning robotics and how to introduce your kids to this futuristic field.

Set your children up for success

Introducing your child to robots at a young age makes science and math fun and less intimidating. For younger children, putting the parts together develops their fine motor skills. It is also a great way to stretch their problem solving muscles. In order to build a robot, they have to practice being both logical and creative. The process involves trial-and-error, making "failure" just a normal part of learning. If you want to set your children up for success, this is a fun way to do it!

Convinced? Click Next for a few ways to get started.

1. Try a robotics class (free or P750)

The easiest way to get off to a quick start is to join a robotics class. Children as young as 4 years old are allowed to enroll although the programming lessons start when they are a bit older.

FIRST Robotics Learning Center offers 3 programs or levels depending on your child's age (4-6 year olds, 7-8 year olds, 9+ year olds). They have a branch in Greenhills, San Juan and another in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig. Contact them at (02) 696-3333 or (02) 705-1255 to schedule a free 1-hour trial class.

Engineering for Kids PH offers a robotics program (2 levels: 4-6 year olds and 7-14 year olds) and electronic game design (for 7-14 year olds only). They have a branch in Katipunan, Quezon City and BGC, Taguig; pop-up events are scheduled in different locations too. One trial class lasts 2 hours and costs P750. Reach them at (02) 975 4867.

Photo credit: Facebook page of Engingeering for Kids PH and First Robotics Learning Center

2. Introduce Ubooly (P1,899)

Not all robots are made of cold hard metal! This stuffed toy robot is the perfect introduction to robotics for toddlers and pre-schoolers. It is voice-activated, interactive, and the best part: new free material is developed every month. If that's not enough, Special Packs are available as in-app purchases. Allow your children to figure out how to instruct it and observe it get "smarter." Requires a smart phone or tablet. Available at Hobbes & Landes.

Photo credit: Facebook page of Ubooly and Friends

3. Roll with Sphero (P8,899)

From the creators of Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens' BB-8, Sphero looks like a simple white ball. This simplicity is what makes it so amazing. It is an app-controlled robot that can change color, detect movement and go where directed.

The best part? It's programmable. This little sphere is not a one-trick pony. A lot of apps have already been developed for it, many more are being released, and you can make it do what you want it to do using SPRK Lightning Lab (free)! It's not surprising that schools have already welcomed Sphero into their classrooms.

Available at Hobbes & Landes.

Photo credit: Facebook page of Sphero Philippines

4. Build a basic Arduino robot (P2,500)

ALP Electronics is a Philippine-based company that came up with its own Basic Robot Kit. It uses Arduino technology, which is one of the most popular microcontrollers - boards that make controllable devices possible. They claim that no prior experience in engineering or robotics is necessary. Buy the kit from their online store.

Photo credit: innovationph.com

5. Create and command with Lego Mindstorms (P35,099.75)

If you think that Lego is just about bricks, think again. Now, you can "create and command robots that walk, talk, think and do anything you can imagine." The set is more pricey than the others but the educational value more than makes up for it (and remember it was recently reported that Lego sets are a better investment than gold). The EV3 Programmer App is free.

Available from the Lego Store at BGC.

READ: How a hands-on mom allows her kids to use gadgets

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Written by

Daphne

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