VRES: A Web-based Education System for NXT Robot

Abstract

In this paper, we introduce a web-based development environment called Virtual Robot Education System (VRES). VRES is designed to assist students to learn programming with the Lego Mindstorms NXT Robot. In this development environment, students can write codes online through a web browser. They can also remotely compile, download, and run their program, then monitor the behaviors of the robot. Students can use this system to learn robot programming during or after regular classes with Internet and a web browser. We also design a new simple programming language and a corresponding compiler to facilitate programming. With that language and compiler, middle and primary school students can also easily create a program for NXT robot.