Meet the New Edison V2.0
So what is new with Edison V2.0?
Precision Driving
Edison now has wheel encoders. Wheel encoders allow Edison to travel specific distances at exact speeds – think of it as cruise control. Edison can now also turn to specified angles and drive straight – very straight.
Improved performance
Edison’s obstacle detection is now more precise and can be calibrated for longer range sensing.
Longer battery life – higher quality components and smarter sleep mode that uses less power.
Edison can now be awoken by just pressing the triangle button.
A more sensitive clap sensor – round of applause!
Resilience
Edison’s new clutch system prevents damage to the internal gears even under the most aggressive punishment.
Stepped learning
Our users have spoken… We have listened. Edison will be programmable from three different platforms aimed at: basic, intermediate, and advanced learners.
- For basic learners EdBlocks a ‘scratch- like’ platform for Edison, based on a collection of graphical “programming blocks” children snap together to create programs. This will allow our younger learners to build the knowledge and confidence necessary to start coding (scheduled release November 2016).
- For intermediate learners: EdScratch is a vertical block-based visual programming language based on Scratch. EdScratch combines the ease of drag-and-drop programming with powerful functionality and versatility. The result is a robot programming language that is easy to learn and offers a robust platform for computer science education.
- For advanced learners EdPy. Edison is now programmable in Python – EdPy is designed to extend Edison’s functionality and teach higher level programming concepts. Edpy maximises the use of Edison’s encoders and it gives our users superior control of Edison
There you have it guys... a better, tougher, more functional Edison! And all for the same price!
The super affordable, programmable robot. Your stepping stone into the exciting world of science and technology!
Why Edison?
Have you ever wanted to get into robotics, but found it too difficult or expensive?
Meet Edison…
- Affordable – Under $70 each and class sets available at an incredible bundle price
- Programmable – Free open source graphical programming software
- LEGO® compatible – Modular and easily expandable
- Easy to use – Has many pre-programmed functions activated by barcodes
- Remote control – Learns commands from TV/DVD remote controls
- Suitable for all ages – From 5 to 95
- Built to last – Yes, the car scene in the video is real!
…so what will you invent?
Who is Edison for?
Edison is for students of all ages and also for both beginner and experienced hobbyists. You can buy a single robot for under $70 and learn computer programming just like other robotics systems which can cost much, much more. Edison is a great resource for teachers as classroom sets are now very affordable for schools – it’s now possible to have one robot per student. Edison is modular and LEGO® compatible. He provides a scalable way to build any size robotic invention.
Edison is the perfect teaching and learning robot for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) activities!
What can Edison do?
Edison full of amazing features and functionality.
Edison has:
- infrared obstacle detectors (left and right)
- line tracking sensor
- light sensors (left and right)
- infrared receiver
- infrared transmitter
- piezo sounder
- sound sensor
- two motors with variable speeds
- left and right red LED lights
- and three control buttons
Edison can:
- navigate his way around by detecting obstacles to his left or right
- be controlled by a standard TV/DVD remote
- follow a line or stay within a border
- follow a flashlight
- communicate with another Edison using infrared light – robot swarms anyone?!!
- play beeps and musical tunes
- respond to clapping and other loud sounds
- move in any direction through his differential drive system
Educational robotics programming software
All of our programming languages are completely free to use with your Edison robot!
Edison can be programmed using any of our educational robot programming languages. You can easily use the same Edison robot with different languages – just open the programming software application you want, connect your Edison and get started!
All of the robot programming languages for Edison can be accessed via a browser – no additional software is needed.
EdBlocks is a fully icon-based robot programming language that is super easy to use. A drag-and-drop block-based system, EdBlocks is intuitive and fun, even for younger users. Perfect for introducing anyone to programming, EdBlocks is ideal for students aged 8 to 12 years old.
EdScratch is a vertical block-based visual programming language based on Scratch. EdScratch combines the ease of drag-and-drop programming with powerful functionality and versatility. The result is a robot programming language that is easy to learn and offers a robust platform for computer science education.
EdPy is a highly versatile text-based programming language based on Python. EdPy makes text-based programming fun by letting students see their code come to life in their Edison robot. With EdPy, students are learning the core of a real programming language and are able to take their exploration of robotics and coding to a more advanced level.
To upload your program to Edison, the supplied EdComm data cable is simply connected between your computer’s headphone jack and Edison. Then press PLAY and let Edison do the rest!
EdComm uses audio encoded data to transfer your program to Edison. This happens via your computer’s headphone socket, so no additional driver software is required to be installed.
If you want to learn more about how to control Edison – download the EdWare beta and try for yourself at www.meetedison.com/downloads – it’s really easy to install, but you’ll need an Edison to run the program.
LEGO Compatibility
Edison has been designed, as not only a stand-alone robot but also as a modular robotics system that is easily expandable using LEGO® bricks.
Two or more Edisons can be connected together. For example, you can create a bulldozer, where the bottom Edison becomes the wheel driving mechanism and the top Edison controls the bucket tipper.
Note: We don't recommend using rechargeable batteries with Edison. It needs 4.5-5v and 4x rechargeables provide 4.8v which will cause Edison to switch off after depleting only a small amount of battery power.
New inventions are only limited by your own imagination!
LEGO® is a registered trademark of The LEGO Group.
Firmware update for V2.0 Edison robots
A firmware update which improves barcode reading and line tracking in V2.0 robots is now available.
Use the online firmware checker to check for the latest firmware version for your unit. Latest updates:
- Version 1 Edison robots: June 2017
- V2.0 Edison robots: November 2018
Your Edison requires 4x AAA batteries and these can be found here.