What is Raspberry Pi and can you Program Robots with It?

Have you ever pondered about creating your own robotic creation? Now it could become a reality with the Raspberry Pi!

The name may sound unusual in technology. But, this tiny computer can help you create exciting robots and gain a better understanding of coding.

Raspberry Pi started life as a teaching tool for schools, in a bid to encourage computer science. Designed by creator Eben Upton, he aimed to create a device that would improve skills in programming in pre-university ages.

In modern times, education recognises the importance of technology to the younger generation. To avoid causing confusion and difficulty, schools look for new, simple aids to help children with coding.

Upton’s creation acts as one of the ideal solutions, giving way to creativity. Over time, the device grew popularity outside of education. With its low cost, versatility and simple ease of use, many want to try out Raspberry Pi for themselves.

What can the Raspberry Pi do?

This credit card-sized computer can help create Internet of Things (IoT) projects. This term means a connection of multiple devices over the internet, which can become embedded in everyday objects.

In IoT, the connection means objects can ‘talk’ to each other, making them become ‘smart’. They can then help you complete a particular task, becoming more efficient and saving you time.

The Raspberry Pi enables these projects to be created, with the basic model costing only $25 (approx. £19). As the device works for Linux operating systems, there are many alternative OS’ you can use, such as Raspbian.

All you need then is a mobile phone USB lead to power it, along with a mouse, keyboard and monitor. Simply hook everything up and you can start your creation!

How can it benefit me?

As mentioned before, the extraordinary computer has grown popular to all age groups, especially children. But you may wonder what exact benefits it can provide for them. First of all, it allows the younger generation to become first-hand exposed with programming.

Technology and even robotics have become commonplace in everyday life. Self-service tills in supermarkets, computers in every office and school, and even ‘smart home‘ devices to assist with menial tasks. Society grows more and more dependent on technology.

In years to come, this demand will only increase. Along with the need to understand coding and how it works. Children then should learn the principles behind it, creating their own projects. Raspberry Pi helps immensely with this.

In addition, it can reinvigorate their imagination. By using the Raspberry Pi to make projects with toys such as LEGO, it brings an element of fun into programming. Branding it as a time of enjoyment and creativity, rather than a mundane chore.

This computer also helps in encouraging women to learn more about coding. As women choose jobs that have once been associated with men, they will feel the need to prove themselves and their capability.

Raspberry Pi allows women to gain a great understanding of technology and how it works. This means they can make a good contribution to solving problems in the industry, making them excellent candidates.

The device also in-hand builds their confidence with programming. With the computer’s great ease of use, they can create projects to help tackle any issues. For example, American student Sonia Uppal first grew a dislike of coding during a three-year course in Bangalore, India.

However, after tinkering with Raspberry Pi, she discovered a new passion. One in which she wanted to flourish in children in rural India. With the help of a fundraiser, she set up a project called Pi á la Code in July 2013.

Now she helps children in both India and the US learn about programming and gain new opportunities. Speaking to Raspberry Pi Foundation she said:

“I believe that every child, no matter what circumstances, deserves the chance to get to play with some really cool technology.”

Making Robots with Raspberry Pi

As the single-board computer can create impressive IoT projects, it can accomplish your dream of creating a robot. The Raspberry Pi will act as the main driving force behind your robot, connecting all the materials used to build it.

While this may seem a daunting task for any novice, there are courses online to support you. These will teach you on creating code to enable your robot to complete a specific task, advancing your skills of programming.

In universities, keen students are also creating robots on a grander scale. Take, for instance, the Sleepbuddy, created by student Bert Vuylsteke and powered by Raspberry Pi. Described as a ‘social robot’, it can help you check on your children while they sleep.

With the ability to connect your smartphone or tablet, its hidden camera allows you to check if they are sleeping or awake. Removing the need to go to them yourself. Vuylsteke has even provided video walk-throughs and detailed instructions on how to create the Sleepbuddy.

The Raspberry Pi looks set as a true game-changer to the world of technology. Its simplistic design and creative potential mean both children and adults can gain a better understanding of programming.

With the need for such knowledge increasing, the single-board computer serves as a vital tool. Not just for children, but all members of our technology-driven society.

Interested in purchasing one to build your own creations? Check out the Raspberry Pi Foundation’s website where you can learn about the different models available.