RoboCreators have developed an open-source adapter board that makes the Callibot 2 compatible with an ESP32.
RoboCreators have developed a new adapter board for the Callibot 2, thereby significantly expanding the range of applications for this popular robotic mobile platform. The Callibot 2, which was originally designed for use with the Calliope mini, can now also be operated with an ESP32 microcontroller thanks to this new addition.
The integration of the ESP32 opens up numerous new possibilities for education, training and research. In future, the platform can be used not only with block-based programming languages, but also with modern high-level languages such as Python or C++. At the same time, it enables the integration of professional development environments such as Visual Studio Code.
Another important step is the ability to use ROS (Robot Operating System) on the platform. This makes the Callibot 2 attractive for applications in higher education as well as in technical vocational training. Students, trainees and learners can thus work in a practical setting with technologies that are also used in industry and research.
With the new adapter board, RoboCreators aim to create a seamless educational pathway in robotics and computer science – from school through to university and vocational training. The platform is therefore suitable both for initial programming experiences and for challenging development projects in the field of robotics and automation.
The open-source philosophy is particularly important to the RoboCreators. The developed platform is being released as an open-source project and can therefore be freely replicated, adapted and further developed by anyone interested. The aim is to make robotics and modern technologies accessible to as many people as possible at low cost and to encourage an easy introduction to technical subjects.
“We wanted to create a solution that makes it easy to get started in robotics whilst offering sufficient performance and openness for professional applications,” explain the RoboCreators. “Thanks to the ESP32, support for modern engineering tools and the open approach, the platform can be used flexibly across a wide range of educational fields.”
In addition to the technical benefits, the project also focuses on nurturing the next generation of skilled workers. The combination of hands-on robotics, modern software development and open hardware is designed to inspire young people at an early age to take an interest in computer science, engineering and technical professions.
The new adapter board will be used in future workshops, school projects and at RoboCreators events, and is also set to be made available to partners from schools, training institutions and universities.
Funding
This is a project run by the Skilled Workers Alliance of Leipzig, Northern Saxony and the Leipzig Region.
