In this blog, we would like to introduce you to one of the robots on our programming journey. Meet Rugged Robot!
Click here to watch a short video about Rugged Robot
This blog contains everything you need to know about Rugged Robot. From switching it on and frequently asked questions, to lesson ideas and customer experiences. So, let’s get started!
What is a Rugged Robot and how can I use it in my setting?
Rugged Robot is our award-winning outdoor, versatile programming robot. It can help you take programming and computing into the great outdoors.
Close your eyes and picture a fearless explorer. A true adventurer! Something that is ready to conquer rugged terrains and take on exciting challenges in the great outdoors . No, it’s not Bear Grylls! Meet Rugged Robot!
With its robust design and hardy features, Rugged Robot is the Bear Grylls of the TTS robot range, equipped to tackle rough paths and different gradients. Whether it’s navigating through muddy trails, long grass, or through sand, this tough little robot takes it all in its stride, making learning an adventure. However, when you have had enough outside, it is equally happy indoors.
So, let’s have a look where Rugged Robot fits into our programming journey.
To learn more about the TTS programming journey and how Rugged Robot fits in, watch our TTS Programming Journey Practitioner video.
As you can see, Rugged Robot sits in the middle of the other robots. It plays an important role, especially for learners transitioning from beginner to more advanced concepts. What makes Rugged special is its incredible versatility. Younger children will find the directional buttons on Rugged Robot familiar, similar to the ones on beginner robots like Bee-Bot.
In the early years, children can enjoy playing with Rugged Robot. They can use their creativity to take it on outdoor adventures and develop their problem-solving skills through play.
As they progress through Key Stage 1 and into the early stages of Key Stage 2, Rugged Robot helps introduce key concepts in computational thinking and coding, including skills like sequencing, debugging, basic algorithmic design and looping. Its flexibility ensures that learning is not only fun but also builds a strong foundation for understanding more complex programming ideas.
The story behind Rugged Robot?
As mentioned earlier, Rugged Robot is an outdoor programmable robot that can tackle different terrains. These include shallow puddles, sand, mud, paint and even snow! Click here to read the story behind why we developed Rugged Robot and the journey so far.
How does Rugged Robot work?
Easy-to-use and designed with children in mind, the robot is rechargeable and does not require batteries. You charge Rugged using a USB cable.
The robot can be operated screen-free either by using the buttons on the device itself or with a TTS TacTile Code Reader. You can also operate it via a tablet or PC, using the free downloadable Rugged Robot App.
Below are some useful guides to explain more about Rugged Robot and how it works.
Rugged Robot’s User Guide
Ever get excited about a new resource and want to test it out straight away to suddenly find out that you can’t find the ‘on’ button or that it needs charging for a few hours before use? Remove the disappointment of this situation by reading more in our Quick Start Guide. Here, we will guide you through the basics sharing the important information like how to switch the robot on, how to look after it, and explaining some of the main features and functions. Click here for the Quick Start Guide.
Rugged Robot App
You can program Rugged Robot directly onto the device, through the TacTile Reader or by using the free downloadable Rugged Robot App. To find out more about the app, click here. Takes you to the Rugged Robot App information sheet.
Rugged Robot Accessories
To make your Rugged Robot adventures even more exciting, don’t forget to check out our range of Rugged Robot accessories. From the data logger to the TacTile Reader, these accessories are designed to enhance your programming experience, whether you’re in the classroom or exploring the great outdoors. Click here to find out more about our Rugged Robot accessories, TacTile Reader Guide and Data logging Backpack Guide.
How can I use Rugged Robot to teach the Computing Curriculum?
Rugged Robot is a great resource for bringing the computing curriculum to life, offering a hands-on way to teach key programming concepts in a fun and engaging manner. With Rugged Robot, Children can learn the basics of algorithms, sequencing, and debugging as they plan and test their robot’s movements. The directional controls on the robot help younger learners grasp foundational concepts, while the ability to tackle more complex tasks, such as using loops, allows for deeper exploration as they progress.
Rugged Robot’s adaptability to outdoor environments also encourages creative problem solving and critical thinking, as children navigate real world challenges. Whether it’s introducing coding for the first time or reinforcing move advanced computational thinking skills, Rugged Robot supports the computing curriculum and makes learning interactive and memorable.
Click here for twelve computing lessons (unplugged to plugged) that can be used from Key Stage 1 to the early stages of Key Stage 2.
How can I use Rugged Robot across the Primary Curriculum?
Rugged Robot isn’t just for computing lessons. It’s a versatile resource that can be used across the entire primary curriculum making it good value for money. In maths, for instance, children can program Rugged Robot to explore direction and shape.
In literacy, Rugged Robot can be part of storytelling, with children directing it to act out sections from their favourite stories and bringing them to life through movement.
Science lessons can be enriched by using Rugged Robot to explore and gather data from different environments, while in geography it can be used to help children learn about the eight points of a compass. Even in art, Rugged Robot can be a creative partner as it assists in the creation of large-scale designs or patterns.
For more ideas on how Rugged Robot can be used across the wider curriculum, click here.
Rugged Robot in action
If you’re curious to see how Rugged Robot is being used in classrooms, we invite you to explore our case studies and testimonials from schools and educational settings just like yours. These stories highlight the different ways teachers and practitioners have used Rugged Robot in their teaching, showing the impact it’s had on children’s engagement and learning outcomes.
Why not place some of our activity ideas or challenge cards around your teaching environments? Children can explore their learning further independently or in small groups.
Here is a link to a video clip to show you what Mr Hunt and the TTS Terrific Testing Squad thought about Rugged Robot.
If you have any fun adventures with Rugged Robot please share your experiences with us. We’d love to hear from you.
Frequently asked questions
This blog includes many important guides to help you get started on your Rugged Robot journey. We hope you find everything you need in the information provided. However, if you would like to see some of the questions that customers have previously asked, here is a Frequently Asked Questions sheet with the answers included.
If you require any further information, then please do not hesitate to contact us.
Did you know?
- On Rugged Robot’s travels he crossed the Arctic Circle and adventured to the Mount Everest Base Camp!
- Other stamps in his passport are visiting Tanzania, the Red Square in Moscow and China.
- Rugged Robot’s challenge in China was to travel through grass that was denser than our developer Andy had ever seen! He worried whether Rugged would stand up to the test? Of course he did….and with ease!
- One snowy day our developers (being big kids at heart) took Rugged outside to play in the deep snow. Fun was had by all.
- Rugged Robot was very proud of the BETT award won in 2019. However, this little robot was rather disappointed when he couldn’t attend the award ceremony because it was past bedtime! But don’t worry the TTS team attended for him.
How do I progress children beyond Rugged Robot?
Rugged Robot is our first programmable robot designed for outdoor use! Boosting Bluetooth functionality Rugged is built for robust challenges.
With similar controls to Bee-Bot and Blue-Bot, children will be familiar with the layout and functions. Rugged Robot can support so many aspects of the programming curriculum.
Loti-Bot is the next step on our programming journey. With Loti-Bot you can develop:
- A deeper understanding of working with sensors and variables
- More complex programming such as being able to draw and create shapes
To learn more about Loti-Bot, watch our Introducing Loti-Bot video.
