Ultrasonic sensors to measure distance

Computing

Introduction to physical computing

Working with motors

Chassis design and build

Optical sensors for navigation

Creating an autonomous vehicle

Adding additional features to your buggy

Presenting a physical computing project

This unit introduces pupils to physical computing by building a robotic buggy. They will use a Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller to explore inputs and outputs, and utilise a range of hardware components, including motors, reflective optical sensors, LEDs, and an ultrasonic sensor.

Using physical computing to create a robot buggy

The time taken for the echo to return is measured.

Place these steps in the correct order for how an ultrasonic sensor measures distance:

What type of waves do ultrasonic sensors use to detect objects?

What formula is used to calculate distance with an ultrasonic sensor?

device that detects or measures properties

Match each keyword to its correct description:

Order these actions for how the buggy uses sensor data:

What happens after the ultrasonic sensor gathers data?

What is the main purpose of a buggy chassis?

When should you perform a visual inspection?

Place these steps in order for checking a buggy before use:

changing motor direction using instructions

Match each scenario to the correct keyword:

What is the small computer on a circuit board that controls the actions of devices like a programmable buggy?

Starter Quiz