Remix and Robo: sampling, sequencing and real-time control of a tangible robotic construction system

Hayes Raffle, Laura Yip* (MIT) and Hiroshi Ishii
MIT Media Laboratory
20 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
{hayes, ishii} @media.mit.edu, yipla@mit.edu

ABSTRACT

A major problem in introducing computing (and embedded computing in particular) to kids stems from the disconnect between the physical and computational realms, or the "layers of abstraction" that separate them. We present a system that has eliminated the distance between computation and the "real world" while providing possibilities for sophisticated activities - intellectual, playful and physical.

Remix and Robo are controllers children use to sample and sequence the movements of a Topobo creation. They are designed to support children's narratives and improvisational performances with Topobo.