WHAT IS PROTOBJECT
Introduction
Protobject uses the concept of physical computing, which allows you to interact with the physical world in a simple and immediate way, enabling the creation of projects that solve real-world problems.
Unlike other physical computing platforms, you don’t need electronics knowledge or expensive devices, as Protobject exclusively utilizes smartphones.
Protobject offers users the opportunity to easily, simply, and enjoyably acquire technological skills through a user-friendly web interface and a wide variety of projects that can be executed without the need for electronic devices.
Devices
Features
Protobject allows you to transform smartphones into 25 different devices that can be programmed as needed.
Lamp
A color-changing on-screen lamp.
Switch
On/Off buttons on the screen.
TouchButton
A touch button on the screen.
Knob
A simple rotary knob (values from 0 to 100).
8x8Draw
Draw on an 8×8 display.
WriteDraw
Write and draw on the screen and add interactive areas.
DataRecorder
Record data to export to Google Sheets or Excel.
AudioPlayer
Play audio from YouTube.
NoiseLevel
Detect noise level using your device’s microphone.
MusicalKeyboard
Play keyboard notes using your device’s speakers.
MusicalDrum
Play drum notes using your device’s speakers.
Motion
Detect device motions using an accelerometer.
Inclination
Detect device inclination using an accelerometer.
Direction
Use your smartphone as an air pointer.
Compass
Use your smartphone as a compass.
Vibrator
Make your device vibrate.
CameraMotion
Detect motion intensity in the environment using a camera.
LightIntensity
Detect light intensity using a camera.
SmartCamera
Detect images after custom training using a camera.
MarkerDetector
Track printable markers in the environment using a camera.
SpeechRecognition
Recognize speech using your device’s microphone.
Text2Speech
Speak using your device’s speakers.
GPSData
Detect position, speed, and altitude using GPS.
ProtoArduino
Extend Protobject to Arduino input and output.
ProtoRobot
A simple 3D-printed robot with Arduino.
Programming
The devices can be programmed with Protobject using Blockly, a visual programming language.
For example, the image above shows the programming of a project that, cyclically:
- Turns on the light in green.
- Waits for one second.
- Turns on the light in yellow.
- Waits for one second.
- Turns on the light in red.
- Waits for one second.
We recommend following the first tutorial to gain confidence with Protobject.
Additionally, you can explore the educational activities designed for Protobject.