AI Unlocks the Treasure Chest: A Classroom STEM Project

What if students could only open a treasure chest by teaching artificial intelligence to recognize a word?

In this project, I combined a HuskyLens AI camera, a Hummingbird Robotics Bit, and two micro:bits to make that idea come to life.

Here’s how it works:

  1. The HuskyLens is trained to recognize the word “GOLD.”
  2. When it sees the word, it signals the sender micro:bit connected to the Hummingbird Robotics Bit.
  3. The sender transmits a radio signal to the receiver micro:bit attached to a cardboard treasure chest.
  4. If the signal matches, the servo motor unlocks the chest, revealing the prize.

If the recognition isn’t correct? The chest stays locked.

This project shows students how AI, coding, and robotics connect in the real world. They explore:

  • How computer vision works.
  • How devices communicate and validate information.
  • How software and hardware come together to control the physical world.

It’s more than a pirate-themed build. It’s a lesson in critical thinking, system design, and the future of AI in everyday technology.

This project combines:

  • AI literacy – students train the camera themselves.
  • Coding – radio communication between micro:bits.
  • Robotics – servos bring the system to life.

The treasure chest project transforms abstract AI concepts into a tangible, story-driven learning experience. It sparks curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking, all while making AI fun and approachable.

With just cardboard, code, and creativity, students can see how AI connects the digital and physical worlds.

Taught #AI a new trick → it opens treasure. Built with a #HuskyLens AI camera, a #Hummingbird Robotics Bit, and #microbit