WHAT IS PROTOBJECT

Discover what Protobject is and how to start programming.

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.