EdScratch vs Open Roberta Lab

EdScratch is a free, browser-based block programming environment for Edison robots. Its vertical drag-and-drop language is based on Scratch and is described as suitable for students aged 10 and up, including those new to coding. It has versions for Edison V2 and V3, with blocks for driving, LEDs, sound, data, events, control, sensing, operators, and comments. Programs can control robot inputs, manipulate data, and use variables. A built-in bug box checks programs and displays warnings. Users can save programs to a computer and load saved EdScratch files into the online app. Edison V3 can receive programs by USB from a computer or by optical flashing from an iPad; V1 and V2 use the EdComm cable. A free lesson set offers 98 student activity options across six units, along with a teacher’s guide. EdScratch runs online on the web, Windows, macOS, iPadOS, and Android, and requires an internet connection. The interface is in English, while lesson resources are available in multiple languages.

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.