General Tips for Cubelets

As we work with our new products, it’s not uncommon for us to find possible issues that we don’t see documented elsewhere on the internet. When that happens, we work hard to find a solution or workaround, and post it to this blog!

I Keep Experiencing Errors on Pepper Even After Restart

How to Move Pepper Robot Around

Before moving Pepper around, make sure that:
1. The floor is flat, dry and there is no rug or a thick carper on the way that could cause the robot to fall.
2. There is at least 120 cm of free space around the robot.
3. You keep Pepper away from steps.

Ozobot Color Coding Doesn't Work Properly

Here are some things to try if your Ozobot robot ignores the color coded instructions:
1. Make sure your lines are the right size.
   In order to make the Ozobot recognize the line,
   it should be about 5 mm wide.
2. Make sure your lines are consistent.
   If the line gets wider or thinner,
   Ozobot may loose the line and stop its motion.
3. Make sure your turns are curved gracefully.
    If the continuation of the line is in parallel and too close,
    the Ozobot robot may see it as the same line
    and won't be able to make the turn.
4. Make sure you don't have sharp curves.
5. Make sure your color coded sequence is positioned correctly.
    The sequence should be surrounded by
    Black lines longer than 2 cm in length.
    All colored components of the sequence should be
    the same size and length,
    without any white space in between or overlapping colors.
6. Make sure the coded sequence colors you are using are not too dark or light.
7. Make sure the sequence is at least 5mm wide
    and no longer than 6 mm in length for a single color.
8. Make sure your color coded sequence is well seen by the robot.
   Keep codes on straight lines away from the corners, 
   away from intersections,
   and at least 2.5 cm apart from each other.
9. Make sure you are using the correct markers 
10. Make sure your robot is fully charged.
     If Ozobot blinks red, then the battery needs to be charged.
11. Make sure your Ozobot robot is calibrated.
12. Make sure your Ozobot robot is clean to allow his sensors a good visibility.

How to Charge Ozobot

Ozobot motor is fueled by a tiny battery.

How to Clean Ozobot

Dust or grease can get into Ozobot Bit’s drive train and affect its movement.

What Markers Should I Use To Color Code Ozobot Robot

Many lessons require black, red, light blue, and light green markers.
It is recommended to use Ozobot markers to ensure that your robot reads the colors reliably.
Crayons, dry erase markers colored pencils, water colors and highlighters should not be used with Ozobot.
You can also use Sharpie wide chisel tips (in pastel colors for blue and green) or Crayola classic markers.
If you are using permanent markers, place an extra sheet of paper underneath to avoid marks on the table surface.
Please note that Ozobot markers should only be used when drawing lines and OzoCodes.
If the markers are used to color in pictures and images then the ink will not last as long.

How to Calibrate Ozobot

It is extremely important to calibrate the Ozobot robot every time you begin playing, when light conditions change and whenever you change your playing surface.
Ozobot’s infrared sensors (also known as its "eyes") are highly sensitive to surrounding light.
As a result, changing paper or moving closer to a window affects Ozobot’s ability to follow lines and read color codes.
Calibration orients Ozobot to the surrounding light and surface.

There are two methods to calibrate the Ozobot robot.

How to Create Your Own Ozobot Playground

In order to create your own playground for Ozobot, you will need:
* A white sheet of paper;
* Thick markers: Black, Blue, Red and Green.

Dobot Discovery: removing attachments safely

One of the advantages of Dobot over other robotic arms is the diverse array of attachments that come included in the system. This robot can manipulate objects with a gripper or suction cup,  draw beautiful designs with robotic precision, 3D print, and even laser engrave! Best of all, switching between the functionalities is as simple as replacing the end attachment.

But don’t forget! The Dobot Magician has an internal computer, and just like your laptop, it doesn’t respond well when you suddenly unplug devices.