Make your stuffed animal interactive using the Microbit!

PlushPal is an app that lets you design interactive toys that make sounds based on movement. You'll be able to record custom gestures for your toy and learn about how to interpret sensor data from the Microbit using machine learning.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxuJdSChDM4&ab_channel=scientiffic

<aside> ⚠️ Note that the PlushPal app is being actively developed and is subject to change!

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Things You'll Need

<aside> 🧸 Items

• 1 stuffed animal
• Rubber band or elastic hair band

</aside>

• Optional materials for making your own Microbit backpack

<aside> 🖥️ Technology - 1 Microbit

• USB programming cable (> 1ft) OR battery pack

• Internet-connected device (Laptop or desktop computer)
• Chrome browser

• Note that you must use Chrome as the Microbit connects to the app via Web Bluetooth

</aside>

Step 1: Load Hex File on Microbit

<aside> ⤴️ The hex file will enable your Microbit to send sensor data to the programming interface over Bluetooth

</aside>

• Download this hex file: https://github.com/ttseng/plushpal/blob/main/firmware/plushpal.hex and load it onto your Microbit.

  (right click on the Raw button and click Save Link As to save the file)

Once your hex file is loaded, you should see this face on your Microbit.

• Full video instructions

Step 2: Attach Microbit to stuffed animal

It's important that the Microbit is securely attached to your stuffed animal so that the sensor readings are consistent!

You can use a hair tie to attach the Microbit directly, or if you have a bit more time, we recommend constructing a backpack to hold it in place.

Quick Method (fast but least secure)

Use a hair tie or rubber band to attach the Microbit directly

Paper Backpack (15 min)

Build a paper-based backpack from a cereal box

Paper Guide

Felt Backpack (25 min)

A backpack you can sew using felt and thread - the most secure (and cute!)

Felt Guide

Step 3: Connect Microbit to PlushPal App

<aside> 🌐 You can find the PlushPal app at https://www.plushpal.app/.

Because the app connects to the Microbit using Web Bluetooth, you must use Chrome on desktop (Web BLE is not currently supported in other browsers or on table devices).

</aside>

[Microbit Pairing Process on PlushPal: Power on your Microbit, open the PlushPal Website, and click the Pair Your Microbit button. Select your Microbit from the dropdown list - once you're connected, you should see a smiley face on your Microbit.](https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/secure.notion-static.com/1bc5543a-3f3c-4e69-96d7-c696c4e5e28b/pair.mp4)

Microbit Pairing Process on PlushPal: Power on your Microbit, open the PlushPal Website, and click the Pair Your Microbit button. Select your Microbit from the dropdown list - once you're connected, you should see a smiley face on your Microbit.