Google's Project Bloks uses LEGO style programmable blocks to help kids learn to code

There are lot of projects designed for kids to help the learn coding, so that they learn the basics of creating their own software at an early stage, instead of using games and app developed by other. Usually this requires a screen and keyboard. But Google's Project Bloks focuses on tangible (physical) programming and aims to help kids learn to code, by joining physical blocks together, just like Lego.

Project Bloks is research collaboration between Google, Stanford University’s Paulo Bilkstein and IDEO, and is made up of three core components – Brain Board, Base Boards and Pucks. Base Boards physically connects to the Brain Board, and Pucks sit on top of the Base Boards.

Brain Board is basically a tiny computer built on Raspberry Pi Zero and supports WiFi, Bluetooth connectivity to connect to other devices. It delivers power to the Base Boards, and Base Boards get instruction from Pucks and deliver them to the Brain Board.

The Pucks can be designed as buttons, knobs, switches or dials and can be programmed with different instructions such as 'turn on or off', 'move left' or 'jump'. Pucks are easy to make since they don't require active electronic components and can be made from a piece of paper or conductive ink. The Puck is placed on the Base Board an it will send information to a capacitive sensor, to be forwarded along to the Brain Board.

Each Brain Board is fitted with haptic motor and LEDs that can be used to give end-users real time feed back. The Base Boards can also trigger audio feedback from the Brain Board’s built-in speaker.

To show how designers and developers can make use of Project Bloks, Google has teamed up with IDEO to create a reference design called Coding Kit. It lets kids learn basic concept of programming by allowing them to join code bricks together to create a set of instruction that can be sent to control connected toys or devices. The project is still in research phase Google says they’re still working to build up the project and get more partners on board. (via)