How to Use Graphical Programming Software to Program Arduino and Robots?

by martinHe

23K3417

Intro: How to Use Graphical Programming Software to Program Arduino and Robots?

Hi everyone, last time I saw a funny robot to teach kids robotics(you can get more information on their Kickstarter page). But I am more interested in the graphical programming language mBlock. It is said to be a free graphical programming environment (based on Scratch 2.0) with new features of allowing you to program Arduino and robotics. Users can download from here http://mblock.cc/download/.

For now, 15+ improvements and 50+ hardware-related script blocks have been made for kids to program easily. Here are some features may interest you:

  • Based on scratch 2.0 developed by MIT Media Lab, beautiful interface and easy for everyone.
  • Free & source code: the software is free and support Window & Mac system. We will also open the source code later.
  • Support wireless communication: Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless serial and WIFI are supported.
  • Easy to use: No extension file! No plug-in! The easiest way to program your Arduino and robots.
  • Arduino mode: perfect for every beginner to transition from graphical programming to text-based programming.

STEP 1: Install the Software MBlock

You can download from http://mblock.cc/download/. The software is supported Mac&Windows system.

STEP 2: Prepare Your Robots

mBlock is said to support standard Arduino board. If you have Arduino boards or robots, I think you can try referring to http://mblock.cc/gettingstarted/. But for me, I think I am lucky to receive a closed beta mBot in advance.

STEP 3: Write Scripts(use Remote Controller to Control MBot)

It may be complex for beginner, but I think it is more easier for text-based coding.

STEP 4: Generate Arduino Code

I love this function very much! It is perfect for every beginner to transition from graphical programming to text-based programming.

8 Comments

sshanley 9 years ago

Thanks I tried today - nice !
Be good if could get the serial monitor feature but easy to add I guess in Arduino window
I managed to get it to control 2 servos on a small Cnc pen plotter
Any chance it will sync with the scratch area as be nice to show pen motion graphically also as well as the variables status

sshanley 9 years ago

Thanks I tried today - nice !
Be good if could get the serial monitor feature but easy to add I guess in Arduino window
I managed to get it to control 2 servos on a small Cnc pen plotter
Any chance it will sync with the scratch area as be nice to show pen motion graphically also as well as the variables status

cswin 9 years ago

Check out this:
Python programming P:1

coolpandaturtle 9 years ago

Thank You For Sharing this it is s useful for me as i have recently bought a arduino uno and adafruit motor shield but have had a lot of trouble with coding the device so i thank you for sharing this

Eric Brouwer 9 years ago

Thanks for sharing. I will give mBlock a go.

seamster 9 years ago

Very interesting stuff!

I've always wondered if there was a more accessible route for terrified newbies (like me) to get into microcontrollers. Thank you for sharing this!

martinHe 9 years ago

Thank you for your praise, seamster. If you have any problem, please tell me.