Meet Edison – An exciting new educational robotics system. Classroom ready with loads of free downloadable teacher resources.
Originally designed for the class room environment, Meet Edison also lends himself to becoming a fantastic educational toy that can also be used at home by a building brick enthusiast (Edison is compatible with LEGO® bricks) to build remote controlled or programmed creations. Edison provides a small, user friendly bundle specially designed for introducing beginners to the wide and amazing world of robotics. Edison provides a pathway, stepping the beginner through multiple stages from simple controlling, to programming and then to building. Alkaline batteries are recommended for use with the Edison Robot.
You’re a controller – You’re a programmer – You’re a builder
If you would like to see what Edison can do CLICK on the video below, then head over to the Downloads page and grab one of the free resource books.
- Affordable
- Compatible with LEGO® bricks
- Programmable
- Free Downloadable Resources
- EdBooks – Free Learning Resources
- Lesson Plans
- Robot Programming Software
You’re a controller
Edison is a robot capable of many different functions. Simply print out some barcodes and drive him across them to activate a range of pre-programmed features.
Barcode programmable
Edison performs different functions based on the barcode he reads as he drives over it. Print out barcodes to turn Edison into a line tracker, remote control vehicle or even a sumo wrestler!
Easy 3 button control
Edison is super easy to control. To start a program press Triangle, to stop a program press Square and to read a barcode press Circle twice.
Clap controlled driving
Edison is equipped with a sound sensor and can detect loud sounds like clapping. The program listens for a loud sound like a clap and Edison responds by turning to his right. If you clap twice he drives forward and stops.
Obstacle avoidance
Edison can see in the ‘dark’ using invisible light to detect obstacles and avoid collisions. The program drives Edison forward, when an obstacle is detected he reverses and then turns on the spot away from the obstacle, then continues to drive.
Follow torch
Edison loves light! He will drive towards the brightest light source even if it means falling off the table. Such is love! The program uses Edison’s light sensors and motors to follow a torch.
Line tracking
Meet the holy grail of enthusiast robotics: line tracking. Line tracking is a very popular robotics activity as it’s fun to watch the robot go around and around a track. See how many people ask you “Is that line magnetic?” The program uses Edison’s line tracking sensor and motors to follow the edge of a black line.
Bounce in borders
Ever heard of Dromophobia? Well, it’s a fear of crossing the street and we’re going to give a version of it to Edison! Cue evil laugh…Muahahaha!!! The program uses Edison’s line tracking sensor and motors to stop him from crossing a black line.
Sumo wrestle
Bring on the robot wars! The program brings together bounce in borders to stay with in the ring and obstacle detection to hunt and find the opponent.
Remote control driving
So you really want to control your Edison!? Here’s your chance and you can do it with your TV remote control. This program allows Edison to learn the commands from your TV or DVD remote control.
Control Edison with your TV or DVD remote control!
Edison can scan a barcode that allows it to be controlled by most TV & DVD remote controls. Actions can be mapped to any button on the remote, such as:
- Drive Forwards or Backwards
- Turn Right or Left
- Spin Right or Left
- Play Beep or Tune
Free downloadable resources
Check out our great range of Edison resources, which can be downloaded for free! Resources available include:
- Line Mats
- EdBooks
- Lesson Plans
- Programming Software
- Completion Certificates
You’re a programmer
Edison can be programmed in three different programming environments, with each one designed for learners with a different skill level. For each programming environment, there’s also a bunch of resources including Lesson Plans, Worksheets, Teaching Guides and Curriculum Linking Guides.
Note: The Edison Learning System previously consisted of three core texts, EdBook 1 – You’re a Controller, EdBook 2 – You’re a Programmer and Edbook 3 – You’re a Builder. EdBook 2 was based around the EdWare* Programming Environment and is still available on the You’re a Programmer downloads page under EdWare* Resource Downloads. Other resources are now available for the other programming environments.
*EdWare, while still available, is no longer maintained and has been replaced by EdScratch.
For Beginners
EdBlocks was developed using the Scratch Blocks code base developed by the MIT Media Lab from the Blockly code base developed by Google.
For Intermediate Learners
Version 1 Edison robots are still compatible with EdScratch, however there are a few limitations. Find out more here.
For Advanced Learners
EdComm Cable
Programming & Teaching Resources
Resources include:
- EdBlocks, EdScratch and EdPy online apps
- Teaching Guides
- Lesson Plans
- Australian Curriculum Linking Guides
You’re a builder
The EdCreate Edison robot creator’s kit is a construction system consisting of 115 interlocking building blocks, pegs, gears, and other parts.
- Contains 115 pieces
- Includes components to complete any of the 5 EdBuilds*
- Compatible with Lego® bricks
*Does not include Edison robot/s or remote.
Build instructions are available for each project.
EdCreate allows you to build the following projects:
- EdTank
- EdDigger
- EdRoboClaw
- EdCrane
- EdPrinter
Building & Teaching Resources
Resources include:
- Instructions for each EdBuild
- Teaching Guide
- EdChallenges: free-form student challenges