Remote Robot Farm for Low-Cost Programming Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for teaching computer programming to children are expensive, require significant storage and maintenance, and have downtime issues due to robot failures, making it challenging for schools to provide equitable access and engagement.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system utilizing a robot farm with multiple robots, remote computing devices, and a server that allows students to program robots remotely, reducing the need for individual robot purchases, simplifying maintenance, and minimizing downtime through centralized monitoring and replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a robot is purchased for each student, then each student can work individually with the robot and practice programming, but the cost becomes prohibitively expensive for schools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of robot functionality through software simulations that run on standard computers. These digital twins replicate robot behaviors and programming interfaces, allowing unlimited student access without additional hardware costs. The virtual robot environment provides the same educational value as physical robots while eliminating per-unit purchase costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent develops a universal programming platform that can simulate multiple different robot types and behaviors within a single software application. This multi-functional system allows students to program various robot scenarios without needing separate physical robots for each type, consolidating what would require multiple expensive devices into one affordable software solution.
2Ease of operation
If physical robots are deployed in schools, then students can engage with hands-on programming, but significant storage space is required when robots are not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical physical robot system with a software-based virtual robot system that runs on standard computer hardware. This substitution eliminates the need for dedicated storage spaces while preserving the programming and engagement functionality. The virtual environment provides the same educational experience without the physical footprint requirements.
3Ease of operation
If physical robots are used in the classroom, then students can practice programming with real devices, but frequent maintenance and battery replacement introduce additional work for staff
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical robots requiring maintenance with software simulations that have no moving parts, batteries, or mechanical components. The virtual robot system eliminates all maintenance activities including battery replacement, mechanical repairs, and calibration, while maintaining full programming educational value. Software updates replace physical maintenance.
4Ease of operation
If physical robots are deployed, then students can learn programming through robot interaction, but if a robot breaks down it must be sent for repair reducing availability time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fragile physical robots with robust software-based virtual robots that cannot break down, lose batteries, or suffer mechanical failure. The virtual system provides 100% availability since software can be restored instantly without shipping delays or manufacturer dependencies, ensuring continuous learning access for all students.
5Quantity of substance
If a small number of robots are purchased for group work, then cost is reduced, but the amount of time each student has to work individually with the robot is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates unlimited virtual robot instances that can be simultaneously accessed by any number of students on their individual devices. This digital replication eliminates the sharing constraint, allowing each student to have dedicated access to their own virtual robot environment without requiring additional hardware purchases, thus preserving both cost efficiency and individual practice time.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a system for teaching computer programming comprising a robot farm, a plurality of remote computing devices and a server. The robot farm comprises a plurality of pods, each housing a robot and having a video camera to capture live video of the robot in the pod. The computing devices are each associated with a robot and transmit control commands to the robot to cause the robot to carry out an action and in return receive live video footage of the robot. The server communicates with the robots, the video cameras and the plurality of remote computing devices to relay control commands from the computing devices to the robots and live video from the video cameras to the computing devices. The computing devices further comprise a user interface having panes, including a programming pane for receipt of control commands, and a video feed pane for displaying video feed of the robot.