Computer Support Blog

Engaging children with engineering concepts at an early age can often be a difficult task.  LightUp looks to solve that problem with specialized hardware kits and an augmented reality mobile app designed to teach kids about the inner workings of electronics.  Using the augmented reality app, kids view their electronic constructions through a mobile device’s camera.  The app will then superimpose virtual electrical currents over the image of the hardware kits to show kids what’s making their constructions work.  The app can also detect if something is wrong with a construction, indicating what that error is, explaining it to the child, and prompting them to fix it.  The kits themselves actually work as electronic circuits and aren’t just models.  However, since they are designed to teach kids, each piece of hardware connects together easily through magnets rather than through soldering.  This creates a “building block” feel to the kit as kids can easily put constructions together, tear them apart, and tinker with them at their whim. 

The project originated when LightUp founders Josh Chan and Tarun Pondicherry both did class projects aimed at making electronics approachable for kids.  They developed their idea over time and went through several versions of their concept.  When Rescuecom spoke with him, Pondicherry said that he believes using augmented reality makes it easier for children to understand concepts about electronic circuitry.  Rather than an abstract diagram, children interact with real components that are easy to construct.  The app’s superimposed graphics show how the components work together and make it easier for children to associate those concepts with the physical hardware.  Pilot tests with kids have gone well, according to Pondicherry, who told us that the act of construction has proven very engaging and that “kids are just happy to build” when playing with LightUp kits.

Pondicherry informed Rescuecom that current plans involve packaging LightUp components as self-contained kits. Right now, such kits are available through the company’s Kickstarter campaign. Purchasing a kit gives you access to the LightUp app, which is currently available on the Google Play Store.  If you purchase a kit but have trouble with the associated app, seek mobile support for help.

Pondicherry told RESCUECOM that the company currently plans to sell the product mainly for home use with parents and their children.  He did say that there are potential plans to put the product in classrooms as well for educational purposes.  Only time will tell how successful the project is, but maybe LightUp will help train the next generation of computer repair technicians and electrical engineers.

About RESCUECOM:

RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

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David Milman
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david@rescuecom.com
1-315-882-1100

Filed under: computer hardware, smartphone, technology