TETRIX® robotics has been affecting classrooms and competitions around the world since 2008. The TETRIX MAX and TETRIX PRIME building systems have brought simplicity, reliability, and quality to the remote-controlled robotics space – and now Pitsco Education brings those same virtues to autonomous robotics with the introduction of the TETRIX PRIZM™ Robotics Controller.

PITTSBURG, Kan., Oct. 10, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- TETRIX® robotics has been affecting classrooms and competitions around the world since 2008. The TETRIX MAX and TETRIX PRIME building systems have brought simplicity, reliability, and quality to the remote-controlled robotics space - and now Pitsco Education brings those same virtues to autonomous robotics with the introduction of the TETRIX PRIZM™ Robotics Controller.

"When developing the TETRIX PRIZM Robotics Controller, we wanted it to be very easy to use - plug-and-play for the classroom," said Paul Uttley, Pitsco R&D manager. "We also knew that PRIZM had the opportunity to be used in robotics competitions, so it had to be approachable, yet robust enough and with a high enough ceiling that experienced students who are competing could push the limits as well."

For classroom or competition robotics, the PRIZM controller comes packed with features in terms of power and expandability. The device contains six standard servo motor ports, two continuous rotation servo ports, eight sensor ports, a battery port, and two DC motor ports. If that isn't enough, an expansion port offers the option to add motors, sensors, and even another PRIZM controller.

With many studies pointing to the growth of robotics in the workforce, STEM education has never been more important. Robotics integrates all aspects of STEM in a way no other subject can. The capability to teach students about robotics and coding is critical for educators, and PRIZM provides everything students and teachers need for easy entry into the world of coding and engineering real-world robots.

PRIZM is built upon Arduino architecture and is programmed using the Arduino Software (IDE), meaning that PRIZM users have access to the massive Arduino online community and support materials to teach beginners the basics of coding. To make life for budding programmers even easier, Pitsco also provides a free downloadable PRIZM Arduino library, a plug-in to the Arduino Software (IDE) that supplies coding shortcuts for PRIZM. Students may use the code provided as a jumping-off point to learn about the platform prior to scripting their own code.

To make teaching and learning with PRIZM an even greater experience, Pitsco has created a comprehensive programming guide containing 15 activities. Five getting started activities familiarize students with using the Arduino Software (IDE) and PRIZM to control motors and sensors. The other 10 activities teach the basics of building and programming using a robot to perform various tasks. The TETRIX MAX Programmable and Dual-Control Robotics Sets that include the PRIZM controller come with a printed copy of the PRIZM Programming Guide. The free guide also can be downloaded at www.TETRIXrobotics.com/PRIZMdownloads.

"This is a project we've discussed for a long time, and we've had a goal to develop an addition to TETRIX that would be a game changer for Pitsco Education," said Uttley. "We are excited because we have accomplished that goal, and I can't wait to see it in action in the classroom and on the competition floor."

TETRIX PRIZM Robotics Controller is now available at www.TETRIXrobotics.com/PRIZM.
TETRIX Robotics: www.TETRIXrobotics.com
Pitsco Education: http://www.pitsco.com
RoboBench videos: http://video.tetrixrobotics.com/
Pitsco Education is the leading provider of K-12 STEM solutions. STEM Education prepares learners for the future through the integration of science, technology, engineering, and math concepts using relevant hands-on applications to connect school, community, and work. Our various products, activities, curriculum, and solutions promote positive learning experiences and continued classroom success.