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Microbit
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Aliased from [BbcMicroBit] and [MicroBit] \\
This page also aliased as [https://tinyurl.com/microbit-robot]
Aliased from [BbcMicroBit]
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This page is devoted to robots based on the __BBC Micro:Bit__ board, a pocket-sized computer that you can code, customise and control. Now, the Micro:Bit can be used for things beyond robotics, but we're here exploring robots based on the board...
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[{Image src='attach/microbit/microbit.jpg' link='attach/microbit/microbit.jpg' caption='The micro:bit board (click to enlarge)' align='right' width='300' class='imgFloatRight'}]
[{Image src='attach/microbit/microbit.jpg' caption='The micro:bit board' align='right' width='300' class='imgFloatRight'}]
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The __Micro Bit__ (also referred to as __BBC Micro Bit__, stylized as __micro:bit__ AKA microbit) is an open source hardware ARM-based embedded system designed by the [BBC|https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BBC] for use in computer education in the UK.
The __Micro Bit__ (also referred to as __BBC Micro Bit__, stylized as __micro:bit__) is an open source hardware ARM-based embedded system designed by the [BBC|https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BBC] for use in computer education in the UK.
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The micro:bit can be programmed in [Microsoft MakeCode|https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/makecode] (a graphical language), [Python], and [Scratch|https://scratch.mit.edu/].
The micro:bit can be programmed in Microsoft MakeCode (a graphical language), Python, and Scratch.
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The micro:bit is available from many vendors, and it clearly makes sense to shop for the best value (and the best value based on currency). Some options:
* [micro:bit|https://shop.pimoroni.com/products/microbit] £13.50 from Pimoroni
* [BBC micro:bit|https://www.adafruit.com/product/3530] US$14.95 from Adafruit
* [BBC micro:bit Go Bundle|https://www.adafruit.com/product/3362] US$17.50 (with USB cable, battery pack and 2x batteries) also from Adafruit
* [BBC Micro:Bit in Gift Box (Microbit)|https://shop.4tronix.co.uk/collections/bbc-micro-bit/products/bbc-micro-bit-in-gift-box-microbit] £11.75 from 4Tronix
This page lists many of the micro:bit based robots available.
[{TableOfContents title='Contents'}]
!! Recommendation
Choosing which of the many robotic [microcomputer/microcontroller|microcontroller] platforms ([Raspberry Pi], [Arduino], [micro:bit|microbit], etc.), which of the various programming environments (graphical, [Python], MicroPython, C++, assembly language), and then which specific robot has as much to do with a sense of one's goals and requirements as with which robot is most appealing to the eye. There's also the question as to whether to purchase a ready-made robot, a kit, or design-your-own from either an existing system or an entirely bespoke robot from available parts (truly "on your own"). And also whether to purchase something that grows with one's experience or is limited to the specifics of the chosen robot. Having the flexibility of multiple programming environments is a factor in any robot's favour.
That's a lot to think about.
The [mini-Zumo robots|Zumo Robot] are appealing if competition within a group is a requirement. These are generally Arduino-based, so they'd be programmed in C++. But very popular but they're somewhat limited beyond line following and knocking each other out of the ring.
I'm a bit of a fan of the 4Tronics products, having used their PiconZero Raspberry Pi controller. Their robots are visually appealing but less expandable and likely a bit more fragile than the aforementioned choices. They typically have a marker holder to let the robot draw on a piece of paper, but frankly I'd be concerned with having a marker-laden robot running over my wood floors. Line following and exploration are probably more interesting and educational endeavours.
[{Image src='attach/microbit/microbit-anime.gif' align='left' class='imgFloatLeft'}]
For a "club robot", i.e., something that a group of people can cooperatively work on together, sharing ideas and designs, something that has a wide range of programming opportunities, and something that is very well-documented and used by a ''huge'' number of people, well, the __BBC micro:bit__ platform is hard to beat.
Among the many micro:bit based robots the major factors were: durability, expandability, features-vs-cost, and lastly, aesthetics. While appearance may be considered important to children, my guess is that it's the ''parents'' who believe that cuteness counts. It probably does for the first ten minutes. After the cuteness wears off a child probably wants a robot that is something they can learn with and be intrigued by, one with a bit of depth. A Lego kit that can only be built one way is less interesting over the long haul than a set of Lego blocks that can continue to spur the imagination over many years.
[{Image src='attach/microbit/kitronik-halo.jpg' caption='Kiktronic Halo (see below)' align='right' width='200' class='imgFloatRight'}]
The micro:bit can be used as a learning tool outside of robotic applications, and because of its edge connector needn't be soldered or permanently connected to a robot.
How old does someone have to be to use a micro:bit? That's not an easy question to answer, but "age level" is not so much a factor since it's pretty clear that a 10 year old and a 70 year old may share the same level of previous experience, interest, and ingenuity. Success is more about enthusiasm, curiosity, and how much time one devotes to learning than anything else.
With that said, our first choice for a micro:bit robot is the __Waveshare Alphabot__, as it has a lot of features for the money, and is probably the most durable of the micro:bit robots listed below.
While this may seem a bit advanced for beginners, the availability of motor encoders and a [PID controller] (in order to perform [odometry]) has been __strongly recommended__ by members of the [DPRG|http://dprg.org/] as a very valuable learning opportunity. The only robot that provides this functionality is the __micro:Maqueen Plus__, so if you're interested in learning the basics of odometry that'd be the first choice.
It'd be possible to add motor encoders to the Waveshare Alphabot, but that would entail swapping out the existing micro metal gear motors for ones with an __extended motor shaft__ and one of the three motor encoder options (all available from [Pololu|https://www.pololu.com/category/60/micro-metal-gearmotors]). Not trivial, but certainly doable.
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!! Available micro:bit Robots
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Generally, unless stated otherwise the micro:bit board is __not included__ with the robot kits.
! M.A.R.S. Rover Robot for Microbit or Pi Zero
[{Image src='attach/microbit/MARS-robot.png' link='attach/microbit/MARS-robot.png' caption='The M.A.R.S. Rover (click to enlarge)' width='300' align='right' class='imgFloatRight'}]
* [M.A.R.S. Rover Robot for Microbit or Pi Zero|https://shop.4tronix.co.uk/collections/bbc-micro-bit/products/marsrover] £100.00
The 4tronix M.A.R.S. Rover is loosely based on the Curiosity and Mars 2020 rovers from NASA/JPL. It uses the same rocker arm, bogey and differential arm mechanism.
This is by far the most complicated micro:bit based robot available, and is certainly
not an entry-level robot. This uses six micro metal gear motors and four servos.
It's included in the list here so you can see that a micro:bit robot need not be limited by any notion of the simplicity of its controller. You can also purchase a version of the Rover that uses a Raspberry Pi Zero W.
! Waveshare Alphabot2
[{Image src='attach/microbit/waveshare-alphabot2.jpg' link='attach/microbit/waveshare-alphabot2.jpg' caption='The Waveshare AlphaBot2 (click to enlarge)' width='250' align='right' class='imgFloatRight'}]
* __Waveshare AlphaBot2 2WD Platform Kit for BBC micro:bit__. [US$63.99 without micro:bit|https://www.robotshop.com/en/waveshare-alphabot2-2wd-platform-kit-bbc-microbit-no-microbit.html] from RobotShop, or [US$81.99 including micro:bit|https://www.waveshare.com/product/micro-bit-catalog/robots/alphabot2-for-micro-bit.htm] directly from Waveshare
The __Waveshare AlphaBot2 2WD Platform Kit for BBC micro:bit__ is designed to use with the BBC micro:bit (there are also versions of the Alphabot2 for Raspberry Pi and Arduino). It features rich common robot functions including line tracking, infrared obstacle avoiding, ultrasonic ranging, Bluetooth/2.4G remote control, etc.
This robot is perhaps not as pretty as some of the others (no rows of rainbow flashing LEDs, though it does have four RGB LEDs underneath its chassis) but is probably one of the more advanced, durable and better-designed of the micro:bit robots. It is also available for [Arduino] and [Raspberry Pi].
See also:
* [AlphaBot2 product page|https://www.waveshare.com/product/micro-bit-catalog/robots/alphabot2-for-micro-bit.htm] from Waveshare
* [AlphaBot2 wiki page|https://www.waveshare.com/wiki/AlphaBot2]
* [Alphabot2 for micro:bit User Manual |https://www.waveshare.com/w/upload/b/b0/Alphabot2_for_microbit_User_Manual_EN.pdf]
Because this is the robot we've (locally) chosen to try out, more information may be
found on its own [Waveshare Alphabot2|WaveshareAlphabot2] page.
! Bit:Bot
[{Image src='attach/microbit/bitbot..jpg' caption='Bit:Bot' align='right' width='250' class='imgFloatRight'}]
* [4Tronix Bit:Bot|https://shop.pimoroni.com/products/bit-bot] £39.90
This (almost) ready-assembled robot requires no soldering, no wires and nothing more than a screwdriver to complete it.
The Bit:Bot fully engages children and adults alike, allowing you to explore and code the micro:bit using any of the languages available (not all features are supported in all languages).
It appears the Bit:Bot may be replaced by the Bit:Bot XL, as the former no longer appears on the 4Tronix website (though it is still available from some vendors).
! Bit:Bot XL
[{Image src='attach/microbit/bitbot_xl.jpg' caption='Bit:Bot XL' align='right' width='250' class='imgFloatRight'}]
* [4tronix Bit:Bot XL Robot for BBC Micro:Bit|https://shop.4tronix.co.uk/collections/bbc-micro-bit/products/bitbotxl] £35.00
Introducing BitBot XL, taking the much-loved BitBot to the next level. We have made several changes, some subtle, some not so subtle, to give a much-improved experience of using and working with the BitBot.
The Microsoft Makecode Extension for Bit:Bot also works for BitBot XL. It can automatically detect while running which version you have, or you can force it to be the Classic BitBot or the new XL.
! MiniBit
[{Image src='attach/microbit/minibit.jpg' caption='minibit' align='right' width='250' class='imgFloatRight'}]
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The Minibit is the younger sibling of the popular and well-loved Bit:Bot. It comes ready-built (wheels need pushing on).
A Makecode extension is available. Blocks available for driving the motors, LEDs and optional ultrasonic sensor and line follower module as well as the other plugin breakouts.
! :MOVE Mini
[{Image src='attach/microbit/move-mini-mk-2.jpg' caption=':MOVE Mini MK2' align='right' width='250' class='imgFloatRight'}]
* [:MOVE mini MK2 buggy kit|https://shop.pimoroni.com/products/move-mini-mk2-buggy-kit] £27.60
The Kitronik :MOVE mini MK 2 buggy robot kit for the BBC micro:bit is the latest version of the ever popular :MOVE mini that provides a fun introduction to robotics.
! Robot:bit MK3
[{Image src='attach/microbit/robotbitmk3_buggy..jpg' caption='Robot:bit MK3' align='right' width='250' class='imgFloatRight'}]
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Version 1.3 of this popular kit now uses a removable ultrasonic sensor, that uses the same connector as used on the Minibit and BitBot XL. This allows the use of alternative addons, such as the new BitFace, 5x5 FireLed Matrix and OLED.
! Adafruit CRICKET for micro:bit
[{Image src='attach/microbit/adafruit_crickit.jpg' link='attach/microbit/adafruit_crickit.jpg' caption='Adafruit CRICKET for micro:bit (click to enlarge)' width='250' align='right' class='imgFloatRight'}]
* [Adafruit CRICKIT for micro:bit|https://www.adafruit.com/product/3928] US$29.95
This isn't a robot in itself, but provides a powerful platform for building your own robot. You would choose your own chassis, motors (e.g., micro metal gear motors) and wheels.
Plug your micro:bit into the 40 pin edge connector and start controlling motors, servos, solenoids. You also get signal pins, capacitive touch sensors, a NeoPixel driver and amplified speaker output. It complements & extends micro:bit so you can still use all the goodies on the micro:bit, but now you have a robotics playground as well.
This is similar to the Adafruit Crickit used on the [KC01] robot (which uses a [Raspberry Pi] rather than a micro:bit).
!! Related Products
! Kitronik ZIP Halo HD for micro:bit
[{Image src='attach/microbit/kitronik-halo.jpg' caption='Kiktronic Halo' align='right' width='200' class='imgFloatRight'}]
* [4tronix Bit:Bot XL Robot for BBC Micro:Bit|https://shop.4tronix.co.uk/collections/bbc-micro-bit/products/bitbotxl] £35.00
* [BBC Micro:Bit in Gift Box (Microbit)|https://shop.4tronix.co.uk/collections/bbc-micro-bit/products/bbc-micro-bit-in-gift-box-microbit] £11.75
* [BitFace Robot Face Breakout|https://shop.4tronix.co.uk/collections/bit-bot/products/bitface-robot-face-breakout] £6.25
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Not a robot at all, the Kitronik Halo HD board for the micro:bit incorporates 60 individually addressable full colour ZIP LEDs, a MEMS mic, piezo buzzer, RTC and onboard battery holder!
! Ultrasonic Sensor Module
[{Image src='attach/microbit/ultrasonic_sensor.jpg' caption='Ultrasonic Sensor Module' align='right' width='200' class='imgFloatRight'}]
* [:MOVE mini MK2 buggy kit|https://shop.pimoroni.com/products/move-mini-mk2-buggy-kit] £27.60
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* [micro: Maqueen Lite-micro:bit Educational Programming Robot Platform|https://www.dfrobot.com/product-1783.html] $24.90, with micro:bit based Gamepad (and 2x micro:bit): US$82.50
* [BBC micro:bit|https://www.adafruit.com/product/3530] US$14.95
* [micro:bit|https://shop.pimoroni.com/products/microbit] £13.50
* [BBC micro:bit Go Bundle|https://www.adafruit.com/product/3362] US$17.50 (with USB cable, battery pack and 2x batteries)
* [Plum Geek Ringo2|http://www.plumgeek.com/ringo.html], from RobotShop|https://www.robotshop.com/en/ringo2-educational-programmable-robot.html] US$119.99
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This breakout is a simple and robust way to add ultrasonic distance sensing to your robot. Supported on BitBot XL, Pi2Go Mk2, Pi-Bug (v1.1 and later), Minibit and other 4tronix robots released from July 2019 onwards (including the Robobit Mk3, v1.3 onwards).
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Available in standard and tall versions. The Tall version is intended for the BitBot XL with a Talon attachment. We recommend using the standard version for all other use cases.
! BitFace Robot Face Breakout
[{Image src='attach/microbit/bitface.jpg' caption='Bit:Face' align='right' width='200' class='imgFloatRight'}]
* [BitFace Robot Face Breakout|https://shop.4tronix.co.uk/collections/bit-bot/products/bitface-robot-face-breakout] £6.25
This breakout is designed to fit on BitBot XL, MiniBit and the latest (v1.3) version of Robobit Mk3. Brighten up your robot, animate its personality and provide status indications!
(Note that you can't use a BitFace and an Ultrasonic sensor at the same time, as they
both plugin into the same socket.)
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** [micro:bit developer community|https://tech.microbit.org/]
** [micro:bit developer community - where to find|https://tech.microbit.org/get-involved/where-to-find/]
** [micro:bit support|https://support.microbit.org/support/home]
* [Adafruit micro:bit blog|https://blog.adafruit.com/category/microbit/]
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This page (revision-50) was last changed on 2021-03-29 07:49 by Murray AltheimTop