Heliguy chalks up plan to educate youngsters using cool DJI robotics

Heliguy, the UK's number one drone expert, is drawing up exciting plans to combine advanced technology with education to teach young people valuable coding and programming skills and make robotics more relevant and exciting.

Using our experience in the industry and understanding how important AI (artificial intelligence) and computing is becoming for students, we are keen to work with schools to promote and develop STEAM - the educational approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics as access points for guiding student inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking.

As the UK's biggest DJI direct retailer in Europe, Heliguy intends to teach these crucial skills and fuel children's interests in these subjects by using DJI's newly-released RoboMaster S1 mini tank and the Tello EDU drone.

The DJI RoboMaster S1. Picture from DJI.

Both of these state-of-the-art machines are perfect for taking learning to the next level in an engaging and captivating way.

The Tello EDU. Picture from DJI.

So, with this in mind, what can the RoboMaster S1 and the Tello EDU offer and how do they make learning that little bit more fun?

Using Advanced Technology For Education - the DJI RoboMaster S1

Unveiled by DJI last week, the RoboMaster S1 is a game-changing educational robot built to unlock the potential in every learner.

Inspired by DJI's annual RoboMaster robotics competition, the S1 provides users with an in-depth understanding of science, maths, physics, programming and more through captivating gameplay modes and intelligent features.

Designed to let users dive into the world of robotics, programming and AI, the S1 supports omnidirectional movement, gel bead launching, and provides an immersive FPV (first person view) driving experience.

Some of its most quirky features include the S1 Blaster, which uses LED lights to outline launch trajectories for its gel beads and infrared beams. Vivid sound effects and recoil action add to the experience for an immersive battle simulation.

Picture from DJI.

The RoboMaster S1 bridges the digital world with the real one, bringing abstract theories to life through practical operations. The S1 supports Scratch and Python programming languages, allowing users to take their abilities to the next level, whether they are new to coding or are already on their way to becoming an expert.

Scratch is the classic visual programming language used in primary and secondary schools worldwide, while Python is widely used in the field of AI.

The S1 also features up to 46 customisable components to give users an unlimited space for innovation, helping them grow and learn in an exciting way.

Picture from DJI.

Thanks to AI technology, the S1 recognises gestures, sounds and even other S1 robots. For instance, the S1 can be programmed to automatically follow a line on the ground. The more maths and physics knowledge that is applied, the more adeptly the S1 will be able to complete this task.

In essence, playing with the RoboMaster S1 opens the doorway to AI learning, giving you a practical introduction to the technologies of tomorrow.

Picture from DJI.

By utilising Vision Markers to create 'traffic lights' and other obstacles, users can write their own programmes that allow the S1 to drive automatically and execute complex tasks. Explore mathematical principles involving robotic control and motion mechanics through the S1's six programmable artificial intelligence modules. Acquire an in-depth understanding of AI as you develop these skills and many more.

Picture from DJI.

Using Advanced Technology For Education - Tello EDU

Tello EDU is an impressive and programmable drone perfect for education. You can easily learn programming languages such as the aforementioned Scratch and Python, as well as Swift.

With an upgraded SDK 2.0, Tello EDU comes with more advanced commands and increased data interfaces. Complete with DJI’s flight control technology, Tello EDU also supports Electronic Image Stabilisation.

Picture from DJI.

Users are able to write code to command multiple Tello EDUs to fly in a swarm. Operators can also increase their programming precision by having the Tello's fly over Mission Pads or perform flips and other acrobatic movements. Put simply, Tello EDU improves your programming skills while pushing the limits of your creativity.

Meanwhile, access to video stream data with Tello EDU creates more possibilities for image processing and AI development. The new SDK 2.0 allows you to develop Tello EDU further, realising more AI functions such as object recognition, tracking, 3D reconstruction through programming, computer vision, and deep learning technologies.

Picture from DJI.

Tello EDU also supports block programming. Simply drag coding blocks on the screen to program Tello EDU and enable certain movements. Additionally, the Tello Space Travel tutorial teaches you how to use the Swift programming language to code on your iPad while following a fun storyline.

Picture from DJI.

Heliguy Has Chalked Up Years Of Educational Support

Having launched more than a decade ago, award-winning Heliguy has developed an industry-leading reputation for drone supply, support and aftercare, thanks to dedicated account managers, an expert training team and highly-skilled technicians and research and development consultancy - not to mention our large stock pool.

Heliguy has a track record of working with universities and research teams, helping to drive forward learning, analysis and scientific study through drone technology. Examples include:

• Integrating a LiDAR system with a DJI M600 Pro for the University of Newcastle. Read more here and pictured below (first image).

• Supplying the University of Newcastle with a DJI Phantom 4 RTK to help with a mapping project. Watch the video

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• Integrating a drone with a Sony A7R, thermal and MAIA multi-spectral camera for the James Hutton Institute for river surveys. Read more here and pictured below (third image).

• Providing equipment and industry advice to Dr Joseph Cook, a glaciologist at the University of Sheffield, who is exploring the impact of global warming on glacier and ice-sheet dynamics in the Arctic. Read more here.

• Supplying a DJI Phantom 4 Pro for the first drone count of Atlantic grey seal pups on the Farne Islands, off the Northumberland coast. Read more here and pictured below (second image).

Now we are working collaboratively with schools and DJI to encourage young people to embrace and understand advanced technology. To find out more about these new and exciting products, contact us by phone or email.