Multithreading Finch Robots

Yes, you can multithread Finch robots, but how you do it — and how well it works — depends on:

Which Finch version you're using (Finch 1, Finch 2, or Finch 3.0).
The programming language you're using.
Whether you're controlling multiple robots or multitasking with a single robot.

✅ Best Use Cases for Multithreading Finch Robots

Concurrent control of multiple Finch robots (e.g., two Finches moving at the same time).
Handling sensors and movement simultaneously (e.g., reading distance sensors while playing music or changing lights).

🏆 Best Languages for Multithreading Finch Robots

Language	Multithreading Support	Finch API Support	Notes
Java	Excellent (`Thread`, `ExecutorService`)	Official BirdBrain Java Library	Great for schools; ideal for AP CS courses
Python	Good (`threading`, `asyncio`)	`birdbrainrobotics` Python library	More accessible, but timing can be trickier
C# (.NET)	Excellent (`Task`, `Thread`)	Supported in Finch 3 via MakeCode	Windows-centric, less common in classrooms
Scratch / MakeCode	Limited	Supported for Finch 3	Visual programming; not for real multithreading
C++	Powerful but complex	No official API	Not recommended for students; low-level work needed

⚙️ Example (Java): Two Threads Controlling Finch Simultaneously

import edu.cmu.ri.createlab.terk.robot.finch.Finch;

public class MultiThreadFinch {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        Finch myFinch = new Finch();

        // Thread 1: Move
        Thread moveThread = new Thread(() -> {
            myFinch.setWheelVelocities(100, 100, 2000);
        });

        // Thread 2: Lights
        Thread lightThread = new Thread(() -> {
            myFinch.setLED(255, 0, 0, 1000);
            myFinch.setLED(0, 255, 0, 1000);
            myFinch.setLED(0, 0, 255, 1000);
        });

        moveThread.start();
        lightThread.start();
    }
}

🧠 Tips for Using Multithreading with Finch

Avoid race conditions by managing shared state carefully.
Use sleep or delay methods to synchronize timing.
Be aware of blocking functions in the Finch API (e.g., move methods with duration).

🔍 Want Help?

Let me know:

Which Finch model you're using?
Which language/environment your students are using (Java, Python, etc.)?
Whether you're trying to control multiple robots or multitask with one robot?

I can give you custom sample code or templates for your class.