Frequently Asked Questions

What is Robotic Core School?

Robotic Core School (RCS) is an educational robotics platform that enables students to learn programming through block-based coding with physical robots. It's built on OpenRoberta technology and supports multiple robot platforms including NanoDiffBot, Arduino, and mBot.

Is it free to use?

Yes! Robotic Core School is completely free and open source. You can use it for educational purposes, modify it, and contribute to its development.

What age group is this suitable for?

RCS is designed for students ages 8 and up. The block-based programming interface makes it accessible for beginners, while advanced features support more experienced students.

Do I need programming experience?

No programming experience is required! The drag-and-drop block interface makes it easy to start creating programs immediately. As you progress, you can learn programming concepts naturally.

What do I need to get started?

You need:

• A computer (Windows, Mac, or Linux)
• An internet connection (for initial setup)
• A compatible robot (NanoDiffBot, Arduino, or mBot)
• RCS Connector (download from our Download page)

How do I install the software?

Visit our Download page to get the RCS Connector for your operating system. For detailed instructions, check the Wiki.

Can I use it offline?

Yes! Once you've set up the platform, you can program robots offline. You only need internet for initial setup and updates.

Which robots are supported?

RCS supports:

• NanoDiffBot - Arduino Nano differential drive robot
• Arduino Boards - Nano, Uno, and Mega
• mBot & mBot2 - Makeblock educational robots

Where can I buy a NanoDiffBot?

NanoDiffBot is an open-source robot design. You can either purchase a kit from educational robotics suppliers or build one yourself using the assembly guide in our Wiki.

Can I use my Arduino Uno?

Yes! RCS supports Arduino Uno, Nano, and Mega boards. You can program them directly using our platform.

Do I need special cables?

You need a standard USB cable to connect your robot to the computer. Most robots use USB Type-A to Mini-USB or Micro-USB cables.

My robot isn't detected. What should I do?

Try these steps:

1. Make sure the RCS Connector is running
2. Check that the USB cable is properly connected
3. Install USB drivers (especially CH340 for Arduino clones)
4. Try a different USB port or cable
5. Check our Wiki for detailed troubleshooting

What programming language does it use?

RCS uses block-based visual programming (similar to Scratch). Behind the scenes, it generates Arduino C++ code for Arduino-based robots and MicroPython for mBot2.

Can I see the generated code?

Yes! You can view the generated code in the platform, which is helpful for learning how block programming translates to actual code.

Does it work on Chromebook?

RCS is web-based and can be accessed from a Chromebook browser. However, the RCS Connector (needed for USB connection) requires Windows, Mac, or Linux.

Can I use this in my classroom?

Absolutely! RCS is designed for educational use. We provide lesson plans, activities, and teacher resources. Check the Download page for teacher materials.

How many students can use it at once?

Multiple students can connect to the same RCS server. Each student can work on their own program and upload to their robot independently.

Are there lesson plans available?

Yes! Download our Teacher Resources PDF from the Download page for complete lesson plans, activities, and assessment ideas.

Where can I get help?

Resources for help:

• Wiki - Comprehensive documentation
• GitHub Issues - Report bugs or ask questions
• Community forums (check our Wiki for links)

How can I contribute?

We welcome contributions! You can:

• Report bugs or suggest features on GitHub
• Contribute code or documentation
• Share lesson plans and projects
• Help translate to other languages

Is there a user manual?

Yes! Download the User Guide PDF from our Download page, or visit the Wiki for online documentation.