When you think of robotics, what do you imagine?
Do you imagine a drone flying through the air? A vehicle piloted from a distance? What about a machine that can move on its own, solve problems or answer questions for you? Robots like this are waiting for you in the library’s Innovation Lab, ready for you to test and explore.
Robotics is a great way to learn simple science, coding and engineering. It’s also a way to apply problem-solving skills in new ways. Do you see robots in your future — or in the future of our community? If so, come meet the machines that are helping us build the future.
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What is robotics?
At its simplest, robots are machines that can be programmed to do tasks. Think about a self-driving vacuum, a coffee machine that starts automatically, or even a washing machine: These are everyday robots.
Robotics, then, is creating and using robots. That means anyone who interacts with the robots at the Innovation Lab has taken the first step into learning robotics.
How can I start using the Innovation Lab's robots?
Just stop by during the Innovation Lab’s open hours. We have robots for people of all ages, and no library card is required.
What robots are in the Innovation Lab?
CoDrone Lite
- CoDrone Lite is a small, flyable drone you can program to navigate obstacles, battle other drones, play games and more. Recommended for ages 10 and up.
Cubelets
- Cubelets are robotic cubes that teach engineering, design, collaboration and more. Each cube does something different, and by attaching them to each other in different positions, you can build a bigger, more capable robot. Recommended for ages four and up.
Osmo
- Osmo teaches the basics of coding and more with simple blocks you position in front of an iPad sensor.
Ozobot Evo & Bit
- Ozobot’s Evo and Bit kits teach coding with just markers and a piece of paper. Just draw your code on paper for the bot to follow. In addition, you can program Ozobot with Blockly. Recommended for kindergarten through 12th grade.
RobotLAB Autonomous Cars
- These programmable cars teach STEM and coding skills. They can automatically drive, avoid obstacles, sense temperature and more. Recommended for ages 11 and up.
Sphero SPRK+
- SPRK+ is a robotic ball that sparks creativity and curiosity through coding, using JavaScript and the Blockly app. This robot can roll around, navigate obstacles, play games with you and more. It’s recommended for ages eight to 14.
Wonder Workshop’s Cue
- Cue teaches the basics of coding using JavaScript and the Blockly and WonderCode apps. This robot can wheel through its surroundings, sense obstacles, interact with other robots and more. Recommended for sixth grade and up.
Wonder Workshop’s Dash & Dot
- These robots teach the basics of coding using the app Blockly. Just enter commands in the app, and see how Dash and Dot take directions and interact with their surroundings. Recommended for kindergarten through fifth grade.
- Dash can wheel through its surroundings, sense obstacles, interact with other robots and more.
- Dot is a stationary robot that can control Dash. It also comes with built-in games you can play through the Blockly app.
Can I borrow the robots to use at home?
While you can’t take the robots from the Innovation Lab home, take a look at the STEM section of our Beyond Books Collection for robots you can check out.
How else can I learn engineering at the Racine Public Library?
There’s plenty of other ways we can help you explore engineering, electronics and other STEAM Skills.
In the Innovation Lab
Want to try more tech out in the Innovation Lab? Our littleBits kits are a great way to learn engineering by building something yourself.
In the Comfort of Your Home
Want to learn and practice at home? For more hands-on learning, explore the “tech” section of our Beyond Books Collection. If you prefer to learn by reading, try the engineering books in our physical catalog or among our digital titles in Wisconsin’s Digital Library or hoopla.