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Microbit
Microbit

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Aliased from [BbcMicroBit] \\
Aliased from [BbcMicroBit] and [MicroBit] \\
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[{Image src='attach/microbit/microbit.jpg' caption='The micro:bit board' align='right' width='300' class='imgFloatRight'}]
[{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'}]
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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.
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.
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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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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 purchase the rover for use with a Raspberry Pi Zero or a micro:bit (not included).
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.
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! Waveshare Alphabot
! Waveshare Alphabot2
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* [Waveshare AlphaBot2 2WD Platform Kit for BBC micro:bit|https://www.robotshop.com/en/waveshare-alphabot2-2wd-platform-kit-bbc-microbit-no-microbit.html] US$63.99
The __Waveshare AlphaBot2 2WD Platform Kit for BBC micro:bit (no micro:bit)__ is designed to use with the BBC micro:bit. It features rich common robot functions including line tracking, infrared obstacle avoiding, ultrasonic ranging, Bluetooth/2.4G remote control, etc.
* __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
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This robot is not as pretty as some of the others (no rainbow flashing LEDs) 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].
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.
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See also: [AlphaBot2 wiki page|https://www.waveshare.com/wiki/AlphaBot2]
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].
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! micro:Maqueen Plus
[{Image src='attach/microbit/maqueen_plus.jpg' caption='Maqueen Plus' align='right' width='230' class='imgFloatRight'}]
* [micro: Maqueen Plus|https://www.dfrobot.com/product-2029.html] US$49.90, US$78.90 with "Mechanic" option
__micro: Maqueen Plus__ is an advanced version of micro:Maqueen Lite (4.0), which is more powerful and intelligent. Optimized with better power management and larger capacity power supply, it can be perfectly compatible with [HuskyLens AI Vision Sensor |https://www.dfrobot.com/product-1922.html] which makes it an accessible AI robot teaching tool.
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]
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In addition, micro:Maqueen Plus comes with a larger and more stable chassis, more built-in functions and more expansion ports, it is not only suitable for classroom teaching, but also can be suitable for after-school extended exercises and robot competitions.
Because this is the robot we've (locally) chosen to try out, more information may be
found on its own [Waveshare Alphabot2|WaveshareAlphabot2] page.
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There are also expansion kits available which add mechanical actuators (e.g., gripper, loader), a gamepad controller, and a HuskyLens (AI camera). As compared with the Lite version it also has a battery charging circuit (for a 2500mAh LiPo battery), motor encoders with a PID controller, large RGB LEDs up front, a lot more IO ports and even a line tracking map.
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! micro:Maqueen Lite
[{Image src='attach/microbit/maqueen_lite.png' caption='Maqueen Lite' align='right' width='250' class='imgFloatRight'}]
* [micro: Maqueen Lite-micro:bit Educational Programming Robot Platform|https://www.dfrobot.com/product-1783.html] US$24.90, with micro:bit based Gamepad (and 2x micro:bit): US$82.50
* [Introducing Micro:Maqueen micro:bit Robot Platform|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oW8BoMgX-bU] (YouTube) promotional video from DFRobot
* [Smartphone controlled Robot Micro:bit|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSeBfr46hJ0] - (Youtube) promotional video showing robot programmed via iPhone application
* [Best DIY Robot kit for beginners - Micro:Bit|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bBTvs9sjAo] (YouTube) amateur video demonstrating this robot
Maqueen is a graphical programming robot for STEM education, which inherits playability and simple operation of micro:bit. The Maqueen Lite is the smaller sibling to the Maqueen Plus.
Maqueen is accessible to the Mind+ Programming platform now. Mind+ is a Scratch3.0-based graphical programming platform from DFRobot, supporting python, Arduino and other programming platforms. At present, Mind+ has been applied to all kinds of sensors, modules and related educational products.
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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]
This page (revision-50) was last changed on 2021-03-29 07:49 by Murray AltheimTop