How to Create a Sound-Sensitive Dancing Panda: A Step-by-Step Guide

Dancing Panda - Sound-Sensitive Micro:Bit Project DIY

In this project, I will walk you through how to build a sound-sensitive dancing panda. It’s both a fun and educational experience, especially for families looking to explore robotics together.

We will use MicroV2, Keyestudio expansion board, and servo motors to create a panda figure that dances according to the volume of surrounding sounds. As the sound gets louder, the panda’s arms move faster, and when the sound is low, the panda stops altogether.

Let’s dive into the materials and steps!

Materials Needed

1. MicroV2

MicroV2 will be the main control unit for the project. This small computer has a built-in microphone to detect sound levels in the environment. As the sound increases, the Microsends commands to the servo motors to control the panda’s movements.

2. Keyestudio Expansion Board

The Keyestudio Expansion Board allows multiple devices to be connected to the Micro. We use this to easily connect the servo motors and other components to the Micro. The expansion board simplifies wiring and ensures smooth control of the servos.

3. 2 Servo Motors

These motors control the movement of the panda’s arms. They respond to the commands sent by the Microand make the panda’s arms move up and down. We control the motors through the Keyestudio expansion board.

4. Cardboard and Scissors

We will use cardboard to create the panda figure. Cut out the body, arms, and other parts of the panda using scissors and a marker. These parts will be attached to the servo motors to create the dancing effect.

5. Glue

Use strong glue to assemble the panda and secure the servo motors to the cardboard. The arms need to be firmly attached so they can move effectively.

6. Jumper Wires

Jumper wires will connect the servo motors to the Micro. These wires ensure a reliable connection between the expansion board and the motors, allowing them to function properly.

Why These Materials?

The MicroV2’s built-in microphone makes it perfect for sound detection, and the Keyestudio expansion board simplifies the setup, allowing easy connections to the servo motors. The simple cardboard panda design is creative, practical, and adds a mechanical element that responds dynamically to sound levels.

How to Explain This Project to Your Child

This project is a fun way to spark your child’s interest in technology and coding. Here’s how you can explain it to them step by step:

1. Introduce the Project’s Purpose

Start by explaining what the project is all about:

Today, we’re going to make a panda that dances when it hears music! The panda will listen to the sounds around it, and when it hears music, it will move its arms up and down like it’s dancing!”

This simple explanation helps them see the project as fun and playful.

2. Show the Materials

Introduce the materials and explain them in an easy-to-understand way:

Micro:bit: “This tiny device is like the panda’s brain! It listens to the music and tells the panda’s arms when and how to move.”
Servo Motors: “These are small motors that will make the panda’s arms move up and down.”
Cardboard Panda Figure: “We’re going to make the panda’s body out of cardboard. The motors will be connected to its arms so that they can really move!”
Microphone (on Micro): “There’s a microphone on the Micro, just like our ears. It hears the music and tells the panda when to dance.”

3. Explain How It Works

Use simple language to explain how the project functions:

“When the panda hears music, these little motors make its arms move. If the music is loud, the panda will dance fast, but if it’s quiet, the panda will move more slowly. If there’s no sound at all, the panda will stop and rest.”

This explanation helps them understand the link between sound and movement.

4. Make It Interactive and Fun

Keep your child engaged by asking questions and involving them in each step:

“How do you think the panda will dance when it hears the music?”
“Are you ready to make our panda dance?”

Give them small tasks, like cutting out the panda from cardboard or helping attach the motors.

5. Test and Observe

After the project is complete, watch how the panda responds to sound together:

“Look, the louder the music, the faster the panda dances!”
“Why do you think the panda stops when it’s quiet?”

This observation phase helps reinforce the concepts they’ve learned, while also keeping the experience fun and educational.

The Code for the Project

The code is the most important part of the project. It uses the Micro’s microphone to detect sound levels, controlling the servo motors to move the panda’s arms based on the volume. Below is the MakeCode JavaScript code we’ll be using, along with an explanation.

let soundLevel = 0
let speed = 500 // Initial speed (in milliseconds)

// Set the servos to the starting 90-degree position
pins.servoWritePin(AnalogPin.P0, 90)  // Left arm
pins.servoWritePin(AnalogPin.P1, 90)  // Right arm

basic.forever(function () {
    // Detect sound level
    soundLevel = input.soundLevel()

    // Adjust speed based on sound level
    if (soundLevel > 200) {
        // High sound: very fast movement
        speed = 100
    } else if (soundLevel > 150) {
        // Medium sound: fast movement
        speed = 200
    } else if (soundLevel > 100) {
        // Low sound: medium speed
        speed = 400
    } else {
        // Stop motors if sound is low
        pins.servoWritePin(AnalogPin.P0, 90)  // Left arm stop
        pins.servoWritePin(AnalogPin.P1, 90)  // Right arm stop
        basic.pause(100)
        return
    }

    // Move the arms
    pins.servoWritePin(AnalogPin.P0, 45)  // Left arm up
    pins.servoWritePin(AnalogPin.P1, 135) // Right arm up
    basic.pause(speed)  // Pause according to the speed
    pins.servoWritePin(AnalogPin.P0, 135) // Left arm down
    pins.servoWritePin(AnalogPin.P1, 45)  // Right arm down
    basic.pause(speed)  // Pause according to the speed
})

Explanation of the Code

1. Variables and Initial Settings:

let soundLevel = 0
let speed = 500

soundLevel: Measures the sound level detected by the Micro’s microphone.
speed: Controls how fast the servo motors move the arms. The initial speed is set to 500 milliseconds.

2. Setting Servo Motors to Starting Position:

pins.servoWritePin(AnalogPin.P0, 90)  // Left arm
pins.servoWritePin(AnalogPin.P1, 90)  // Right arm

This sets the servos to the 90-degree position, which is the starting position for the panda’s arms.

3. Detect Sound Level and Adjust Speed:

soundLevel = input.soundLevel()

The input.soundLevel() function measures the surrounding sound. Based on this value, we adjust the speed of the arm movement.

4. Moving the Arms:

pins.servoWritePin(AnalogPin.P0, 45)  // Left arm up
pins.servoWritePin(AnalogPin.P1, 135) // Right arm up
basic.pause(speed)
pins.servoWritePin(AnalogPin.P0, 135) // Left arm down
pins.servoWritePin(AnalogPin.P1, 45)  // Right arm down

The arms move up and down, and the speed is adjusted based on the sound level detected by the Micro.

The Sound-Sensitive Dancing Panda project is a fun and educational experience for kids. It combines coding, mechanics, and creativity to make a panda that dances to the rhythm of sounds. It’s a fantastic way to introduce your child to the world of technology while enjoying quality time together!