Robot & Companion App
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      Testing Companion App and Robot Network Connectivity

      RoboKind services require connections to RoboKind servers to download the latest curriculum, for tracking progress, and reporting.

      How to run a network test from the robot 

      1. Select the Utilities menu found on the robot’s chest.

      2. Select Network
      3. Select Test Network
      4. If you receive test passed, then your robot is successfully connected. 
      5. If you receive test failed, there may be a connectivity problem:

        1. Support Server Test Failed

          1. The support server option refers to a VPN service that RoboKind can utilize to connect to a robot when advanced diagnostics are required. This test is generally expected to fail, and will not cause any lesson issues.

        2. All Tests Failed:

          1. If all test fail, then the robot is not successfully connected to Ethernet or WiFi.

          2. Learn more about your robot's internet connection > 

        3. Internet Test Passes, Server Tests #1, #2, #3 Failed

          1. This situation indicates that an organizations Internet connection firewall is blocking traffic that would allow the robot to connect to RoboKind servers. Please work with your IT department to continue troubleshooting.

        4. Internet & Server 1 Tests Fail, Servers #2 and #3 Passing

          1. The Internet & DNS check attempts to contact a generic URL on Google to verify connectivity. This test is as a general indication of connectivity and does not necessarily indicate that RoboKind lessons will also fail. We recommend using the network test tool of the companion app as a more precise means of verifying firewall & web content filtering configurations.

      How to run a network test from RoboKind Companion on an iPad

      From the initial home screen on the Companion App (which has buttons for Student or Facilitator), access the hidden menu by holding in the lower left hand corner of the iPad screen for 3 - 5 seconds, until the menu appears.

      1. Select Network Test from the hidden menu, and then Test Network.

        1. Scroll down to see all the test results, which should show Success = yes.

        2. If all tests fail, check the iPad’s Internet connection.

        3. If several tests fail, there may be firewall or web content filter rules restricting traffic. Please contact your IT department for assistance with network configurations.

        4. Note the time column in the test results. Generally speaking, a good test would consist of 3 rounds of running the network test, and looking for most of the test results to have response times of .5 seconds or less.

      How to run a network test from RoboKind Web Companion

      From the initial home screen (which has buttons for Student or Facilitator), access the hidden menu by clicking in the lower left hand corner of the window for 3 - 5 seconds, until the menu appears.

      1. Select Network Test from the hidden menu, and then Test Network.


      Checking the Robot's Assigned Network

      Note: It is not necessary for robots & tablets to be on the same network, as long as both have a reliable Internet connection!

      1. Verify robot is on a network by looking at the internet emblem on the top right of his chest. An X will indicate the robot is not connected to WiFi.

      2. Choose Utilities then Network.

      3. If connecting to a new WiFi network, follow our Robot network connectivity instructions to connect to the same network as your tablets.

      4. If your robot is used in multiple locations and you need to connect it to a different network after moving the robot, use the Saved WiFi button to view the list of saved WiFi connections, then Select the correct connection and choose Connect.

      Checking the iPad network settings on facilitator and student tablets:

      1. Open the tablets settings app.

      2. Click "Wi-Fi" on the left side of the screen and reference the name of the network that is connected.

      3. Compare the names of the Wi-Fi to verify all devices are connected to the same network.

      Troubleshooting:

      1. If you do not know the network information for the location, please contact your IT service desk.

      2. The first time you try to connect a tablet to a robot, the iPad may block a connection with a message RoboKind Companion 3 would like to find and connect to devices on your local network.

        1. After clicking OK, you will need to re-attempt the connection.

        2. If you received this message and did not click OK, you will need to go into the iPad settings, locate the RoboKind Companion 3 app, and turn on the Local Network setting.

      1. If the robot has recently moved to a new physical location, it may be necessary to reconnect it to the new network even if the connection was previously saved. (See step 4 under Checking the Robot's Assigned Network)

      2. If the robot has not been powered off since it moved to a new network, a restart is recommended.