Makeblock mBot Arduino Compatible STEM Robot Kits with Bluetooth or 2.4GHz

<P>The <STRONG>mBot from Makeblock</STRONG> is the perfect introduction to robotics for STEM or personal use. It is based around the mCore programmable module with Arduino UNO compatibility which brings with it excellent online educational and tutorial resources. The mCore has a wide range of programming options from novice to expert using free Open Source tools including mBlock, a graphical Scratch-like programming tool, all the way up to C/C++ using the Arduino development tools. You will be able to use the kit's range of sensors including an ultrasonic range finder, LED line follower, and light sensor. It also has a buzzer and an RGB LED so your creation can flash and bleep messages to you. Finally, there's an infrared receiver and transmitter that you can use to control the bot using the remote control included in the kit (requires 1 x CR2025 coin cell, not supplied). The infrared can even be used to talk between mBots if you are feeling ambitious. </P><P>To compliment the electronics, the mBot kit contains all the parts you'll need to build your first bot, down to the last screw. The major parts are made from beautiful anodised aluminium giving your robot a professional, hi-tech look. Using the simple, step by step instructions and tools provided, the kit should be ready for programming in less than 20 minutes.</P><P>Programming your new gadget is where the adventure really begins. Jump into programming using the free mBlock software on your Windows or Mac PC and the supplied USB cable. When you start to feel more confident you can program the Arduino compatible mCore using the Arduino IDE in C/C++. The <STRONG>Bluetooth kit</STRONG> (75-0702) has a range of programming and control options by pairing with Apple or Android smartphones and tablets including an mBot app, Makeblock HD and mBlockly (Apple only). The <STRONG>2.4GHz kit</STRONG> (75-0701) uses a wireless virtual USB connection (like a wireless mouse) so that you can program the mBot from the other side of the room as if it was plugged directly into your computer. </P><P>Once you've mastered the challenge of building and programming your mBot and you want a new adventure it's time to try some of the cool add-ons from Makeblock. Use the <STRONG>6-legged add-on kit</STRONG> (75-0705) with parts from the mBot kit and learn about levers and linkages while building a creepy crawly beetle. Alternatively, enhance the character of your creation with the mBlock compatible <STRONG>Me 8x16 Blue LED Matrix</STRONG> (75-0707) for simple animations or text. Perhaps you could have your mBot scan its environment by mounting its ultrasonic range finder on the <STRONG>Servo Pack add-on</STRONG> (75-0704), or give it a home-made flag to wave. The servo add-on gives you extra options for movement with your mBot.</P><P><STRONG>New to mBlock/Scratch?</STRONG> <A href="http://learn.makeblock.com/en/getting-started-programming-with-mblock/">mBlock is a graphical programming system</A> based on Scratch where you drag and drop functional blocks from a palette onto a work area to create a program. Each shape has a different function and they snap together in logical ways, some even have slots to drop in other blocks. For example, a block might order the robot to run forward at speed 50 where the direction and speed are chosen from simple drop down menus. This drag and drop interface allows quite young children to get creative with the mBot yet is capable of programming complex behaviours. </P><P></P><IFRAME height=315 src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pmsSipper3Y?rel=0" frameBorder=0 width=560 allowfullscreen></IFRAME><P>Supplied with a printed instruction sheet, printed line-follower track, the mBot Arduino compatible controller, 2 x DC motors, Me Line Follower module and cable, Me Ultrasonic sensor, chassis, wheels and all screws, screwdriver, USB cable, battery holder (<A href="/alkaline-batteries?filtersearchscope=0&amp;filtercategorypathroot%2fbatteries=alkaline+batteries&amp;filtercategorypathroot=batteries&amp;filterbattery+size=aa&amp;filterdiscontinued=false&amp;sourcerefkey=yx3udzn4i&amp;keywords=*">requires 4 x AA batteries</A>, not supplied) and an infrared remote control (<A href="/catalogue/search?filtersearchscope=0&amp;filtercategorypathroot=batteries&amp;filterbattery+size=cr2025&amp;filterdiscontinued=false&amp;followsearch=9963&amp;sourcerefkey=el2pkth8p&amp;keywords=cr2025">requires 1 x CR2025 coin cell</A>, not supplied). The Bluetooth and 2.4GHz versions are supplied with their respective modules. The 2mm thick aluminium chassis is attractive and strong, but better yet it's <STRONG>compatible with Lego Technic</STRONG> parts. Whether you have one mBot or an army there's plenty of opportunities to problem solve and learn new skills.</P>