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Fresh Hobby Sharing App powered by AI (improved)

· 2 min read
Daniel Fang
AI, Robotics & LEGO Enthusiast

We are thrilled to share some exciting updates about Fresh, our AI-powered hobby-sharing app. Over the past few months, we've been working tirelessly to enhance your experience by incorporating valuable feedback from tech experts and our vibrant community.

One of the significant improvements is the expansion of our hobby directory. We've added a plethora of new hobbies to ensure that everyone finds something that resonates with their interests. Whether you're into pottery, urban gardening, or drone racing, Fresh has got you covered.

Our chatbot has also received a significant upgrade. It now suggests nearby events based on your current location, making it easier for you to connect with like-minded enthusiasts in your area. Simply tell the chatbot what you're interested in, and it will provide personalized recommendations for events and meetups happening near you.

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We've also produced new tutorial videos to help you get the most out of Fresh. These guide you through the app's features and show you how to make the most of our platform.

Moreover, we've made significant strides in enhancing the app's accessibility. Fresh is now fully functional on both desktop and mobile devices, ensuring you can stay connected to your hobbies anytime, anywhere.

We couldn't have achieved these improvements without your invaluable feedback. Thank you for being a part of our journey. The girls are committed to continually enhancing Fresh to make it the best platform for hobby enthusiasts worldwide.

FLL Masterpiece Regional

· 2 min read
Daniel Fang
AI, Robotics & LEGO Enthusiast

Here we go! It's finally time for the Masterpiece Season's regional competition in Abbotsleigh! The school is sending three teams, and we're proud to be one of them. The anticipation has been building, and the day has finally arrived.

The journey to the venue was smooth, with an easy ride on the train. When we arrived, we were greeted by over 15 teams, all ready to compete. The energy in the room was incredible! You could feel the excitement buzzing as everyone prepared for the big day.

Our team absolutely nailed the Innovation Project presentation. The judges were fully engaged, asking insightful questions, and the girls did a fantastic job presenting their idea: the Fresh: Hobby Sharing AI App. It's designed to help people connect over shared interests, and they explained it with such confidence and passion. I could see how impressed the judges were, and it felt like all our hard work in the weeks leading up to this moment really paid off.

When it came to the Robot Game, we had an incredible start! In the first round, we scored an impressive 285 points, which put us in second place right out of the gate. The kids were ecstatic, and the excitement only grew as the day went on. The robot performed consistently well, and our strategies were really coming together. Throughout the day, we maintained a strong performance, and it felt like everything was clicking into place.

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By the end of the competition, we had reason to celebrate big time! We were awarded the Innovation Project Award, a recognition of the team's creativity and hard work on the Fresh app. On top of that, we finished in third place in the Robot Game, a huge accomplishment considering the level of competition we faced.

And the best part? We're going to the national competition again this year! It's such an incredible feeling to see all the dedication and teamwork paying off. The kids are thrilled, and so am I. We're already talking about how to take our ideas to the next level as we prepare for nationals.

It's been an amazing day, and we couldn't be more excited for what's next. National competition, here we come! Stay tuned, this journey is far from over!

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Robot Game Plan for the FLL Masterpiece

· 2 min read
Daniel Fang
AI, Robotics & LEGO Enthusiast

We have a plan of attack for our robot game this time! We're aiming to score 300 points if everything works out. But as we know, things just don't always go as planned.

To improve our robot's performance, we've focused a lot on engineering control and handling misalignments during movement. We've prepared code that can handle big errors in movements caused by attachments. By writing robot code that anticipates unexpected situations, we can make on-the-fly adjustments during the game.

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Our first template of Python code started to work with lots of help from our coach. We used functions to simplify our robot's movements in coding, which made it easier to manage and debug. Incorporating the gyro sensor has been a game-changer for us, assisting with precise turning and moving.

We've spent countless hours practicing to make every action accurate. Sometimes, we have to redo all the coding just to improve by a few seconds. It's a tedious process, but those few seconds can make a significant difference in the competition.

By focusing on precision and reliability, we're hoping to make our robot more consistent during the game. It's been a challenging process, but we're excited to see how our efforts pay off. Fingers crossed for a successful run!

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Attempt to ask ChatGPT to write python

· 2 min read
Daniel Fang
AI, Robotics & LEGO Enthusiast

The team is struggling with writing Python for the first time! It's so hard, and we don't know where to start. Drag-and-drop coding in the code blocks was so easy, but now we need to learn Python and figure out what to do. The Spike Prime has some examples, but they're not so easy to understand for us.

We turned to ChatGPT for help. It does output lots of code, but it doesn't run on the app. Why? We asked our coach for help and learned that the Spike Prime only uses a specific set of Python, and the robot only knows some of the functions but not all.

It turns out that Spike Prime uses MicroPython, which is a simplified version of Python designed for microcontrollers and embedded systems. This means that not all standard Python libraries and functions are available. Some of the code that ChatGPT provides uses functions that the Spike Prime doesn't support.

This was a bit disheartening at first. We thought that learning Python would open up new possibilities, but instead, we hit a wall. However, we realized that this is just another challenge to overcome. We're now focusing on learning the specific commands and functions that are available in Spike Prime's MicroPython environment.

It's still tough, but we're making progress. We're finding tutorials and resources specifically for Spike Prime's Python coding. We're also experimenting with small bits of code to see what works and what doesn't. It's a learning process, and while it's frustrating at times, it's also exciting to see our robot respond to the code we've written.

In the end, we're hopeful that with perseverance and a better understanding of Spike Prime's Python capabilities, we'll be able to code like pros. For anyone else struggling with this, know that you're not alone, and don't hesitate to seek help and keep experimenting!

Fresh Hobby Sharing App powered by AI

· 2 min read
Daniel Fang
AI, Robotics & LEGO Enthusiast

We've decided to bring our idea to life by building an AI app for hobby sharing called FRESH. The inspiration behind FRESH is to create a platform that helps people find nearby hobbies and workshops where they can learn new things and connect with others who share similar interests.

FRESH isn't just a directory; it's a comprehensive resource with a vast database of hobbies available to assist people in exploring new activities. Whether you're interested in pottery, coding, photography, or any other hobby, FRESH aims to make the search easy and engaging.

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What sets FRESH apart is its clever chatbot assistant. Powered by AI technologies like ChatGPT and enriched with a collection of documents we've assembled, the chatbot can communicate with users to understand their likes and preferences. Based on this interaction, it offers personalized hobby suggestions drawn from our extensive backend knowledge base.

The chatbot doesn't just list options; it engages in a conversation to help users discover hobbies they might not have considered. It's like having a friendly guide who's always ready to inspire and inform.

We can't wait to see the potential of FRESH to help people discover new passions and build a community around shared interests. By combining arts, technology, and AI, we're creating an innovative way for people to enrich their lives and connect with others.

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Exploring DallE

· 2 min read
Daniel Fang
AI, Robotics & LEGO Enthusiast

We are interested in exploring how AI can help with our research, brainstorming, and feedback. We tried using ChatGPT and DALL·E to generate answers to our questions and to understand the best ways to use these new tools. We also had a lot of fun creating AI-generated images to help us visualize our innovation project.

Using ChatGPT, we were able to brainstorm ideas more efficiently. Whenever we hit a roadblock, we asked ChatGPT for suggestions, and it provided us with fresh perspectives we hadn't considered before. It was like having a collaborative partner available 24/7, ready to help us think through complex problems.

DALL-E, on the other hand, allowed us to bring our ideas to life visually. By inputting descriptions of concepts and scenarios related to our project, DALL-E generated images that captured the essence of our thoughts. This was incredibly helpful during team meetings, as visual aids made it easier for everyone to understand and contribute to the discussion.

One of the most enjoyable parts was creating AI-generated images for our innovation project. Seeing our ideas transformed into visuals not only made the project more tangible but also sparked new ideas and directions to explore. It was fascinating to see how the AI interpreted our descriptions and turned them into creative imagery.

Integrating AI tools like ChatGPT and DALL-E into our learning has significantly enhanced the way we approach education. They've enhanced our research process, made brainstorming sessions more productive, and provided valuable feedback on our ideas. Plus, experimenting with these tools has been both educational and fun.

Masterpiece Innovation Project

· 2 min read
Daniel Fang
AI, Robotics & LEGO Enthusiast

The FIRST LEGO League (FLL) MASTERPIECE season is upon us, and our team is buzzing with excitement. We're diving into the Innovation Project, where creativity meets technology, and we're eager to explore new ideas that share our hobbies through arts, tech, and AI to create innovative experiences.

This year's theme challenges us to think outside the box and find ways to enhance how people engage with the arts. We've been brainstorming how we can combine our love for robotics, programming, and the arts to make something truly unique.

One idea we're exploring is developing an interactive platform that uses artificial intelligence to connect artists and hobbyists from around the world. Imagine a space where painters, musicians, writers, and tech enthusiasts collaborate on projects, using AI tools to overcome language barriers and distance. AI could assist in translating artistic styles or suggesting creative collaborations based on users' interests.

We're also considering creating a robotic art installation that responds to audience input. Using sensors and AI algorithms, the robot could interpret emotions or movements from viewers and translate them into visual art or music in real-time. This would not only be a captivating experience but also demonstrate the harmony between human expression and technology.

Another concept is an educational app that uses augmented reality to teach art techniques. Users could point their device at a canvas or workspace, and the app would overlay guides, tips, and even demonstrate strokes or notes for instruments. Incorporating AI would personalize the learning experience, adjusting to the user's skill level and providing feedback.

Our goal is to develop a project that not only fulfills the FLL criteria but also brings people together through shared hobbies and artistic expression. By leveraging arts, technology, and AI, we hope to create an innovative solution that inspires creativity and makes the arts more accessible to everyone.

The journey of exploration and innovation is just beginning, and the possibilities are endless.

Exploring LEGO Spike Prime for Education

· 2 min read
Daniel Fang
AI, Robotics & LEGO Enthusiast

We've been eagerly awaiting the latest release of the LEGO Spike Prime apps, and it's finally here! The most exciting part? It now officially supports writing code in Python. We can't wait to dive in and start coding like pros. However, our journey hasn't been without its challenges.

The introduction of Python support opens up a whole new world of possibilities for the Spike Prime. Unlike block-based coding, Python allows for more complex and efficient programming, enabling us to tackle advanced projects and fine-tune our robot's performance.

One of the first obstacles we encountered was the scarcity of comprehensive documentation. While the new Python feature is fantastic, the resources available to learn and troubleshoot are somewhat lacking. Some of the official examples even contain errors, which can be frustrating when you're trying to learn.

This is where ChatGPT comes into play. By asking ChatGPT for help, we hope to bridge the gap in documentation and get accurate code snippets that work with Spike Prime. We found that ChatGPT can provide explanations of Python concepts, help debug code, and even generate sample programs tailored to our needs.

Controlling the robot involves not just programming but also understanding real-world physics and calculations. For instance, making the robot move a certain distance requires calculations involving wheel circumference and motor rotations. ChatGPT has been instrumental in helping us understand these concepts by breaking down the calculations and explaining the physics behind them.

While there's still a learning curve, combining the new Python capabilities of Spike Prime with the support of ChatGPT has made the process much more manageable.

Get ready for FLL Masterpriece season

· 2 min read
Daniel Fang
AI, Robotics & LEGO Enthusiast

The new FIRST LEGO League MASTERPIECE season is just around the corner, and we couldn't be more thrilled! The anticipation is building as we eagerly await the release of all the mission and project details. Each new season brings a fresh set of challenges, and this one promises to be a masterpiece indeed.

We've been immersing ourselves in all the YouTube analyses based on the sneak peek videos, and they've been incredibly helpful. These insights offer glimpses into what we might expect from the upcoming missions. Discussing theories and potential strategies has not only fueled our excitement but also sharpened our analytical skills.

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To prepare, we've been building various similar missions at home to test out our robot designs and coding skills. This hands-on experience has allowed us to fine-tune gear ratios, optimize sensors, and perfect our code. It's amazing to see how much progress we've made, and it's bringing us closer together as a team.

Reflecting on last year's competition, we've identified areas where we stumbled and are determined to get it right this time. Whether it was a coding error or a mechanical flaw, each mistake was a valuable lesson. We're channeling those lessons into our preparations now, ensuring we won't repeat them in the upcoming season.

One of the things we love most about the FIRST LEGO League is the excitement of the robot game. The thrill of seeing our robot successfully complete a mission is unmatched. Each new mission is not just a task but an adventure that challenges us to think creatively and work collaboratively. The adrenaline rush during the competition motivates us to push our boundaries and strive for excellence.

We know that each new mission will bring its own set of challenges, and we can't wait to tackle them head-on. The combination of problem-solving, engineering, and teamwork makes the experience both fun and rewarding. Challenges await, but we're ready to face them with enthusiasm and determination.

As we count down the days to the season launch, our team is buzzing with energy. We're fine-tuning our robot, practicing our coding, and strengthening our teamwork skills. The MASTERPIECE season is not just a competition; it's an opportunity to learn, grow, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

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Embarking on a Coding Journey with LEGO Spike Prime

· 2 min read
Daniel Fang
AI, Robotics & LEGO Enthusiast

We've officially started exploring robot tutorials with the LEGO Spike Prime kit, and it's been quite the learning adventure! While Spike Prime is designed to be educational and user-friendly, getting started with coding was a bit trickier than I anticipated, especially for my young daughter.

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As someone who's fairly comfortable with technology, I was surprised to find myself facing some hurdles, particularly when figuring out how to get the motor up and running. The block-based coding interface appears simple at first glance, but once we delved deeper, we realized there are quite a few features that aren't immediately visible. It turns out you have to enable extension blocks to unlock all the coding options, which definitely took us a moment to discover.

For my daughter, the experience was a bit overwhelming at first. Coding, even in a visual format like this, can be intimidating for a beginner, especially when you're still learning how different blocks function and interact with the hardware. But we're taking it slow, working through tutorials together, and focusing on breaking down each task step by step. Once we activated the extension blocks, it opened up a whole new set of possibilities. Suddenly, we had more control over the motors, sensors, and all the cool features we hadn't noticed before.

The good news is that Spike Prime 3 offers a lot of flexibility for different skill levels. As we continue exploring, I can already see my daughter gaining confidence. She's becoming more curious and asking questions like, "What happens if we change this block?" or "How do we make the robot move faster?" That's the beauty of this kit, it sparks curiosity and creativity, even if there are a few challenges along the way.

We're still in the early stages, but I'm excited to continue our coding journey. With every tutorial we tackle, we're learning something new, and it's a fantastic opportunity for both of us to grow together. Stay tuned for more updates as we get the hang of coding and start building some really fun projects!

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