A very simplified description of how robots work is as follows: A robot is controlled by an in-built computer (microcontroller). This must be programmed so that the robot can carry out the desired activities. The latest generation of robots can use their sensors to collect data from their environment and modify the behaviour of their active components themselves.

Sensors are measuring devices that measure physical parameters such as brightness, distance, temperature, humidity, etc. Actuators are the active components of a robot (motors, LEDs). They execute commands that they receive from the microcontroller. The functioning of robots can also be demonstrated using simple robots such as the Callibot.

The Calliope Mini is a pocket-sized programmable computer designed for educational purposes. It consists of a star-shaped circuit board with a 32-bit microcontroller, flash memory, 25 red LEDs, two buttons, several sensors and a USB interface.

Together with Calli:bot, Knotech 'scompact and affordable chassis, it becomes a moving robot that can be used to demonstrate all important robotics concepts.

Our learning programme uses the web-based Python editor WebTigerPython to provide you with many executable sample examples and tasks to solve yourself. We assume that you already know the basic programme structures. Otherwise we recommend that you first work through a few chapters from theTurtlegrafics learning programme. You can also find the most important Python commands at Spickzettel.pdf.

However, the online version does not completely replace the locally installed TigerJython development environment. This also has a robot simulation and some additional tools. However, the programme codes are compatible. The programmes created online can be further processed with TigerJython without any problems. You can find a learning programme on robotics with Callibot using TigerJython at tigerjython4kids.ch/callibot.