A Versatile Low-Cost Kit for Teaching Novice Learners AI Using Robotics Components and a No-Code Development Playground

Abstract

In the fast-growing field of K-12 AI education, there is an urgent need for accessible, hands-on tools that introduce AI concepts and workflows to novice learners. In recent years, a variety of AI education tools have been introduced, ranging from coding environments to physical kits and robots. To provide an alternative to existing AI education tools, this paper presents a low-cost robotics kit (<50 C) designed to teach modern ML concepts through a no-code approach. The kit is grounded in maker pedagogy and designed for easy customizability to different materials commonly found in classrooms, like cardboard, wood, metal, and plastic builder kits without the need for specialized tools. For programming the robot's actions, the kit features an all-in-one development studio that is compatible with most phone, laptop, and tablet platforms and can operate with or without an Internet connection, making it applicable to a wide range of educational contexts, including ICT4D.