INTRO AND LEARNING GOALS

You can get your robot turning in lots of different ways. Find out how.

In this lesson we’ll explore how we can program our basic robot.

• Understand how to use the MOVE TANK programming block – it’s our favourite for turning
• Explore the different turns that can be made with the MOVE TANK block
• Recognise that there are other options for ‘steering’ your robot

EV3 LAB: LET’S PROGRAM THE ROBOT TO TURN

We prefer to use the MOVE TANK block to get our robots turning. The video on the right, based on the Tablet version, demonstrates how to program your robot to turn. Get spinning – don’t hold back! 😉

EV3 CLASSROOM: PROGRAM THE ROBOT TO TURN

Here Stuart demonstrates how to program your robot to turn. Get spinning – don’t hold back! 😉

SOME TEACHING THOUGHTS… from John

• Getting your robot to turn in exactly the way you want can be about trial and error – it all depends on how you’ve built your robot – and most importantly, where your wheels are positioned. You can work the number of rotations required mathematically but when you start out – go for trial and error…
• You’ll need to experiment with both the motor power values and the amount of motor rotation value to get the turning action you really want.
• Sometimes turning slowly can be a good thing!
• Think about the impact of the surface that you are turning on.

ROBOT WORKOUT (WHERE NEXT?)

• Explore how to get your robot to turn on the spot and how to do a nice wide arc.
• Build up a sequence of turns, using a series of MOVE TANK blocks, so that your robot moves in a square, navigates a particular route, performs a dance routine, and so much more!
• Investigate the MOVE STEERING block to find out how it works – you might find there are times when it is the most efficient block to use.
• The gyro sensor can be used to accurately control how your robot turns – but it is a little more complex. You can find out how in our Gyro sensor tutorial.