Close menu

Resources


PIPER COMPUTER

Everything you need to teach STEAM effectivly using the Piper Computer Kit.

Educator Guides StoryMode Project Guides PiperCode Project Guides
PIPER MAKE

Teach fundamental STEM skills while providing a bridge to career connected learning.

Educator Guides
Best Practices Standards Glossary FAQ Educator Forum
Back to playpiper.com

EDUCATOR PORTAL

Close menu

ALL MAKE GUIDES


  1. Walker Race
  2. Walker Dance
  3. Walker Detect
  4. DJ Piperbot
  5. Walker Controller
  6. Canyon Slide
  7. Runaway Rover
  8. Rover Controller
  9. Self-Driving Rover

  1. Lighthouse
  2. Frog Frenzy
  3. Game Controller
  4. Minecraft Controller
  5. Retro Racer

  1. Security Zone
  2. Ultrasonic Drum
  3. Resistor Piano
  4. Ther-Mood-Stat
  5. Color Coded
  6. Pulse

  1. Beam Break
  2. Car Race
  3. Motion Ball

  1. Solar House
  2. Soil Sensor
  3. Air Guitar

  1. Light Show
  2. Light Show Animation

Make-A-Thon

PIPER MAKE

EDUCATOR GUIDES


YOU ARE HERE

Robotics expedition

Mission 9 of 9

Robotics expedition: Mission 9 of 9

Self-Driving Rover


Advanced

1 hour

Grades 3 - 8

MISSION OBJECTIVE

Learn to use sensors as a variable input to steer the Robotic Rover.

Piperbot is too scared to look! Instead of using code to steer our Rover, you will use the Ultrasonic Range Finder as a distance measurement tool to drive the robot.

View student interface at make.playpiper.com
MISSION CHARACTERS

Piperbot

Pip

Adult Zomar
MISSION MATERIALS

Computer with USB port and Chrome or Edge browser
Piper Make Base Station or Starter Kit
Piper Make Rover

MISSION RESOURCES

Learning Goals

  1. Students will develop an autonomous Rover that uses sensor data from a range finder to detect obstacles and navigate independently.
  2. Students will write conditional logic that adjusts direction based on sensor input, creating a fully automated driving system.
  3. Students will apply their understanding of variables by using them as inputs.
  4. Students will strengthen their knowledge of how to manipulate a robot with wheels to turn accurately.
  5. Students will create conditionals that execute commands based on a sensor input, also known as a variable input.
  6. Students will learn to map the values from a sensor to an output like the servo.
  7. Students will combine hardware and software components to collect and exchange data.
I WILL BE ABLE TO...
  • Use a range finder sensor to measure how far objects are in front of my Rover
  • Write conditional code that makes my Rover turn when it detects obstacles
  • Create an autonomous Rover that drives and steers itself without using a controller
  • Adjust sensor distance thresholds to fine-tune how my Rover avoids obstacles

Career Connections

Robotics Engineer: Salary $104,600/yr
Automotive Engineer: Salary $95,300/yr
Civil Engineer: Salary $88,050/yr
Electro-Mechanical and Mechtronics Technicians: Salary $60,570/yr

Hardware Diagram




Code Diagram




Tutorial Steps

Self-Driving Rover

Blueprint

DOWNLOAD BLUEPRINT

Have an different version? Look for more information on the Support Page.

Troubleshooting Tips

  • When do I calibrate my servos?
    • Calibrate your servos before you assemble the Rover. If it is already assembled, you can easily remove the servos by taking out the bottom 2 screws on the Rover.
  • Are your servos failing to turn or move?
    • Verify all your electrical connections, including that your Pico is connected to your computer.
    • It is common to be off by 1 or 2 holes in the connections. We recommend going through each build to make sure the connections are correct.
  • Are the servos moving or not moving in the way you expect?
    • If so, then adjust the screw on the back by tiny amounts until they stop moving.
  • Do you have fewer Jumper Wires of the same color than is presented in the diagram?
    • This is okay. Jumper Wires can all be used interchangeably.
  • Does the Rover move backward compared to the desired outcome?
    • Ensure the wires plugged into GP0 and GP1 are not swapped.
  • Are you unable to find pin 22 when using the range finder block?
    • Be sure you’ve scrolled to the bottom of the dropdown menu.

Our customer support specialists are on hand to ensure your implementation of Piper runs seamlessly.
View Support Docs or Contact Support
EXPANDED RESOURCES

Term Glossary


Robot A device that can execute a task independently of direct human control or activity.

Feedback Sensors Instruments that robots can use to make adjustments based on their readings.

Servo Motor Self-contained electric devices that precisely rotate or push machine parts.

Autonomous Vehicle A vehicle that can operate without direct human control, usually through a built-in autopilot system.

Bionics When we use biological systems (e.g., dogs, humans) to develop and design new robots.

View Full Glossary

Standards Alignment