Get Started with the Dash Robot App

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Posted Oct 19, 2024

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Getting started with the Dash Robot App is a breeze. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices, making it accessible to a wide range of users.

First, download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store. Next, create an account by providing a username, password, and email address.

To get the most out of the app, make sure your device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Dash robot. This will enable seamless communication between the app and the robot.

Once connected, you'll be able to control your Dash robot remotely, allowing you to create and execute programs, as well as monitor its movements and activities.

For more insights, see: Dash the Wonder Robot

Getting Started

The Dash Robot App is a user-friendly platform designed for beginners, making it easy to start creating and programming your Dash robot.

First, download the Dash Robot App from the App Store or Google Play Store. This will give you access to a wide range of features and tools to get started.

You might enjoy: Dash Robot Programming

Credit: youtube.com, DASH Robot Discovery Kit Tutorial

To set up your Dash robot, connect it to the app using a Wi-Fi connection, making sure your robot is within range of your device.

The app will then guide you through a series of setup steps, including calibrating the robot's sensors and connecting to the internet.

You can also use the app to explore pre-made projects and tutorials, which will help you learn the basics of programming and robotics.

Dash robots are designed to be beginner-friendly, with a focus on ease of use and accessibility, making it perfect for kids and adults alike.

Technical Details

Dash and Dot are quite portable, measuring around 6.3 x 6.7 x 7.1 inches for Dash and 3.39 x 3.39 x 3.74 inches for Dot.

These robots are relatively lightweight, weighing in at 1.7 pounds or 800 grams. The Dash robot is priced at $149.99, while the Dot Creative Kit is available for $79.99, and the bundle with accessories costs $279.99.

Here's a quick rundown of the technical specs:

Technical Specs

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Dash and Dot are quite the duo when it comes to size, with Dash measuring about 6.3 x 6.7 x 7.1 inches and Dot coming in at 3.39 x 3.39 x 3.74 inches.

These programmable robots are relatively lightweight, weighing in at 1.7 pounds or 800 grams.

Their price points vary, with Dash costing $149.99, the Dot Creative Kit priced at $79.99, and a bundle with accessories coming in at $279.99.

Dash and Dot support block coding and Apple Swift, but only for iOS devices.

The robots are powered by a Lithium Ion battery.

Dash and Dot come equipped with a range of features, including an IR receiver, microphone, accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity and positional sensors.

They're compatible with a variety of devices, including Android, iOS, Chromebook, and Amazon Fire.

The recommended age range for these robots is 5-12 years old, according to the manufacturer, although they claim to be suitable for kids as young as 6.

Check this out: Trail Dash 3

Batteries

Credit: youtube.com, Everything You Need To Know About Lithium-Ion Batteries

Dash and Dot's batteries are long lasting, lasting around 5 hours, and rechargeable in about 90 minutes.

Lithium-Ion batteries are used in Dash and Dot, which is a plus for their durability.

Using the App

Dash and Dot can be controlled through a wide variety of compatible devices, including Android, Amazon Fire, and iOS.

You can use the touchscreen environment in the Go app to control the robots manually, record voices, and make sounds.

The Path app is great for learning to set paths for the robot, and it's easy to use - you can simply pull your finger around and draw paths for Dash to drive.

The Blockly app is a sandbox for kids, where they can drag and drop blocks of code to create their own programs that Dash will follow.

In the Blockly app, kids can program the robot to do just about anything, from driving around to making sounds and changing colors.

With the Blockly app, the basics of coding are all there, labeled nicely for kids to pick up on, making it super easy for them to set up complex routines.

So, What Are Dots?

A robotic vacuum cleaner operating on a wooden floor, viewed in high angle indoor setting.
Credit: pexels.com, A robotic vacuum cleaner operating on a wooden floor, viewed in high angle indoor setting.

So, what are Dash and Dot? They are a pair of programmable robots designed for kids aged 6-12 to learn about robotics and STEM in a playful way.

Dash and Dot are pre-assembled robots, which means you don't have to worry about assembling them yourself. This can be a plus, as it minimizes the chance of making mistakes, but some kids might miss out on the experience of building their own robot.

These robots are designed to be coding platforms, so you can program them to do all sorts of things. They come in a premium, durable design that looks like something out of a Pixar movie - bright, spherical, and very child-friendly.

Dash and Dot can be bought separately or as a pair, giving you flexibility in how you use them. They're perfect for kids who want to learn about robotics and STEM in a fun and easy-to-understand way.

Apps

The Dash robot has a range of apps to choose from, making it easy to interact and program the robot.

Credit: youtube.com, Can You Make Money With Apps?

You can use the Go app to manually control Dash, which includes features like touchscreen control, voice recording, and light control.

Dash's Path app is perfect for kids to learn how to set paths for the robot, all through a simple and intuitive finger-drawing interface.

Blockly is another app that lets kids drag and drop commands to create their own programs for Dash.

The Wonder app offers a story-based, gamified way to learn coding, with kids progressing through a story by completing coding challenges.

Dash and Dot are compatible with a variety of devices, including Android, Amazon Fire, and iOS, making it easy to control the robots on a tablet or smartphone.

The controls are optimized for touch screens and are pretty forgiving, making it easy for younger children to use the robots.

However, it's worth noting that the Bluetooth connection can be a bit finicky at times.

Blockly

The Blockly app is a fantastic way to get kids started with coding. It's free play at its best, letting kids explore and grow their skills with very few constraints.

Credit: youtube.com, Blockly: Using Block Based Coding in your App

With Blockly, kids can code Dash or Dot in whatever way they want, and it's super easy to set up even complicated routines. They can program the robot to drive around, change its speed, look at things, change colors, make sounds, and more.

The app uses a drag-and-drop interface with little colorful blocks of code that kids can arrange to create their desired outcome. This makes it easy for kids to pick up on the basics of coding, even if they have no prior experience.

Kids can program Dash or Dot to perform tasks like moving forward, turning 90 degrees, flashing blue, and barking when a button is pressed. For example, they can set up a routine to make the robot move forward, turn 90 degrees, flash blue, and bark when the top button is pressed 3x.

The variety of sensors and accessories built into Dash and Dot means there are a lot of possibilities for kids to explore and try new things. It's not likely your kids will run out of ideas anytime soon!

Intriguing read: Dash 90

Features and Updates

Credit: youtube.com, Dash Robot and Wonder App Tutorial

The Dash robot app has some really cool features that make it a blast to use. The red lights on your robot mean it wants an update.

You can check if an update is needed by following a few simple steps, making sure your Dash is plugged in first. If your robot is acting funny, an update might be just what it needs.

We've also made some awesome updates to give you more control over your robot. The power button now pulses with light when the robot is charging, and you can see the robot's battery level thanks to the battery indicator in the app.

Updates

If your robot's red lights are on, it's time for an update. This is a clear indication that your robot needs some fresh software to keep it running smoothly.

To check for an update, make sure your Dash is plugged in and follow the steps to see if an update is needed.

A young boy in a red shirt energetically interacts with a futuristic robot toy under colorful lighting.
Credit: pexels.com, A young boy in a red shirt energetically interacts with a futuristic robot toy under colorful lighting.

The Wonder Workshop Team has made some great changes with their latest updates. They've improved the robot's performance and fixed some pesky bugs.

One of the new features is that plugging in a charging cable will no longer cause the robot to power on when it's already turned off. This is a nice change of pace if you're someone who likes to charge your robot at night.

The power button now pulses with light when the robot is charging, giving you a visual cue that it's doing its thing. It's little touches like this that make using your robot a more enjoyable experience.

You can now see the robot's battery level in the app, thanks to the new battery indicator. This is super helpful if you're not sure how much juice your robot has left.

If this caught your attention, see: New Dash

Needs Update

If your Dash robot is acting funny or you just want to check if an update is needed, you'll see red lights. This is a sign that the robot needs an update, and you can follow the steps to check and update it.

Credit: youtube.com, Why You Need to Learn about Software Updates

The update process is straightforward: just make sure the Dash is plugged in and follow the necessary steps. If you're not sure how to update your Dash, you can check the instructions in the user manual or online resources.

You can also manually control Dash like a radio-controlled toy to a range of about 30 feet without entering any code. This feature is great for kids who want to experiment with the robot without worrying about coding.

Dash interacts with the environment around it through various inbuilt sensors, including a gyroscope and accelerometer for moving around and balancing, IR proximity sensors to avoid collisions, and microphones for detecting and moving to noises.

Here are some of the accessories you can connect to Dash:

  • Sketch kit – to draw all sorts of things by programming the robot
  • Building brick connectors – works with mechano, mindstorms, Lego and hero factory
  • Xylophone that attaches to the robot with a little drumming arm and program it to play music
  • Gripper – for gripping activities
  • Blaster– kind of like a nerf cannon you can attach

Unfortunately, these accessories are sold separately and can get expensive quickly if you're not careful. Be sure to check the prices and compatibility before adding any new accessories to your Dash setup.

Related reading: Dash Accessories Robot

Dot and BFFs

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Dot and Dash are designed to interact with each other, making them a unique duo.

You can buy these robots separately, but if you get both, they can detect and "recognize" each other through their IR receivers.

They can be programmed to chirp, beep, flash or talk to each other, adding a fun social element to your robotic friends.

You can even set up Dot to send information to Dash when they come across each other, creating a seamless interaction experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can Dash the robot do?

Dash the robot can respond to voice commands, navigate objects, dance, and sing, making it a fun and interactive companion. With various apps, you can even create new behaviors and expand its capabilities.

How do I connect my Dash robot?

To connect your Dash robot, simply turn it on, enable Bluetooth on your device, and follow the in-app setup instructions. The app will guide you through the process, using the language settings of your mobile device.

Sources

  1. Dash Robots - PVUSD Coding Academy (google.com)
  2. Meet Dash (makewonder.com)
  3. Dash Robot (robotixeducation.ca)
  4. Wonder Workshop Dash and Dot Robot Review (smarterlearningguide.com)
  5. Go for Dash & Dot Robots 4+ - App Store (apple.com)

Samuel Forte

Senior Writer

Samuel Forte is a seasoned writer with a passion for sharing his experiences and knowledge. He has been writing for over 20 years and has covered various topics ranging from technology to personal development. Samuel's work has been featured in several publications, including Forbes and The Huffington Post.

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