Bluetooth Framework together with LEGO WeDo

LEGO WeDo is an educational robotics kit designed for young learners (ages 7 and up) to introduce them to basic engineering, programming, and problem-solving skills. The system combines traditional LEGO bricks with a motor, sensors, and simple programming software, allowing students to build and control interactive models. By blending hands-on construction with coding, LEGO WeDo makes learning science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fun and accessible.

The LEGO WeDo kit includes several key components:

• LEGO Building Elements - Standard bricks, beams, gears, and other parts for constructing models.
• SmartHub (WeDo 2.0) - A Bluetooth-enabled hub that connects to a computer and powers the motor and sensors.
• Motor - A small electric motor that makes models move.
• Sensors - Detect real-world inputs to make models interactive.

LEGO WeDo includes different sensors that allow models to interact with their environment:

Tilt Sensor

The tilt sensor detects six different positions: Tilt left, Tilt right, Tilt forward (up), Tilt backward (down), tilt (level), Any tilt (shaking or movement). Educational Use: Students can build a balance scale that reacts when tilted or a game controller that moves an on-screen character based on sensor input.

Motion Sensor

The motion sensor detects objects within a range of up to 15 cm (6 inches). It works similarly to an ultrasonic sensor, measuring how close an object is. Educational Use: Kids can create an automatic door that opens when someone approaches or a car that stops before hitting an obstacle.

Motor with Built-in Rotation Sensor

The motor not only powers movement but also tracks how many degrees it has rotated. This allows for precise control, such as making a wheel turn exactly 90 degrees. Educational Use: Students can program a crane to lift an object a specific distance or a car to move forward a set number of wheel rotations.

Color Sensor

Some LEGO WeDo kits include a color sensor that can detect different colors (red, green, blue, etc.) or changes in light intensity. Educational Use: Students can build a sorting machine that organizes objects by color or a traffic light system that reacts to different signals.

LEGO WeDo connects to a computer via Bluetooth, eliminating the need for wires and making classroom setup easier. The wireless connection allows students to move their models freely while still controlling them through software.

Programming LEGO WeDo

The standard WeDo software uses a simple drag-and-drop interface, but more advanced students can take control using the Bluetooth Frameworks with our open-source LEGO WeDo protocol implementation and real programming languages like C#. The LEGO WeDo Framework is free and open-source for non-commercial and any education purpose.

LEGO WeDo is widely used in schools to enhance STEM learning through hands-on projects. LEGO WeDo is a powerful educational tool that combines creativity, engineering, and programming in an engaging way. With its easy-to-use sensors, wireless connectivity, and hands-on projects, it helps young students develop essential STEM skills while having fun. For older students, the ability to control WeDo with C# via Bluetooth provides a perfect bridge to real-world programming. Whether used in classrooms or at home, LEGO WeDo provides a strong foundation for future learning in robotics and technology. Here's how it benefits education:

Encourages Problem-Solving

Students must troubleshoot when their models don't work as expected, developing critical thinking skills.

Teaches Engineering Basics

By building mechanisms like gears, levers, and pulleys, students learn how real-world machines function.

Introduces Computational Thinking

Programming the models helps kids understand algorithms, logic, and cause-and-effect relationships.

Promotes Collaboration

Many WeDo projects are team-based, teaching students to communicate and work together.

Connects to Science Curriculum

Teachers use WeDo to demonstrate scientific concepts such as: Forces & Motion (e.g., building a car to study speed and friction); Ecosystems (e.g., creating an animal model with moving parts); Simple Machines (e.g., constructing a crane to learn about pulleys).