BluPants vs Open Roberta Lab

BluPants is a free, web-based coding environment for programming robots. It is designed for children of all ages, including pre-readers, and supports block-based visual programming that can progress to Python. One environment supports BeagleBone, LEGO EV3, Raspberry Pi, and AlphaBot2-Pi, with robot-building tutorials and SD card images listed for several builds. Lessons move from basic commands to more complex computer-science challenges. Activities include moving a robot, picking up or dropping objects, transporting items, and using repetition loops. BluPants describes learning with a real robot in person or remotely, including a remote lesson using a distance sensor and loops. Lessons are compatible with online classes, and activities are linked to Hour of Code. The curriculum library runs in a browser, but there is no robot simulator.

Open Roberta Lab is a free online programming environment for learning with robots and microcontrollers. Its NEPO language uses graphical blocks assembled by drag and drop. The Lab supports hardware including Arduino boards, Calliope mini, LEGO Mindstorms EV3, micro:bit, NAO, LEGO SPIKE Prime and many other listed systems. Open Roberta Sim provides virtual robots for users without physical equipment. An integration also lets NEPO programs create and use artificial neural networks. The service runs in a standard browser on a PC, Mac or tablet without installation, and iOS and Android apps are listed. Programming works without an account; an account saves programs and settings, while sharing or gallery publication requires a verified email account. The site is hosted on Fraunhofer IAIS servers in Germany, with personal data kept within the EU. Visitor IP addresses are deleted from server logs after 30 days. The initiative targets children, young people, trainees and employees exploring STEM.