Ubstadt-Weiher, April 29, 2021 – For the past eight years, MAKEBLOCK’s mBot robotic tutorial has not only imparted complex STEM concepts to hundreds of thousands of youngsters, students, teachers and aspiring programmers in an engaging way, but also brought joy and a sense of accomplishment as they completed successful missions. With the mBot2’s sleek, newly designed aluminum casing, a wealth of cutting-edge technology lies beneath, featuring advanced programming and software capabilities that unlock a multitude of innovative possibilities. What initially catches the eye are the cutting-edge ultrasonic sensors with their distinctive bright blue hue. With eyes that seem to melt into hers, who wouldn’t succumb to her alluring gaze? The blue “eyestones” are not exclusively designed for precise distance measurement, but also subtly express emotions through the adjustable ambient illumination. As the mBot2 robot engages with young coders, it appears to establish a connection by reading their facial expressions, thanks to AI-powered image recognition that adjusts its speed accordingly, such as responding to smiles or frowns.
The core of the device is a powerful CyberPi microcontroller featuring integrated color display, speaker, microphone, light sensor, gyroscope, RGB display, and more. The integrated WiFi and Bluetooth module enables seamless connectivity to the web, unlocking features like advanced voice recognition, text-to-speech capabilities, local network broadcasting, and effortless data importation into Google Sheets. The mBot2 stands out as the most captivating DIY toy robot to build, requiring only a screwdriver, and boasting versatility, expandability, and creative freedom in programming, allowing users to grasp the inner workings of robotics firsthand. Available now at an RRP of 139 EUR (inclusive). VAT rates will apply to all purchases made within the Sorelectric online store.
A significant enhancement of the mBot2 compared to its predecessor is the integration of community capabilities, facilitated by the CyberPi microcomputer.
The programmable powerhouse, paired with the intuitive mBlock coding editor, provides a highly effective learning tool for computer science and AI education, offering virtually unlimited possibilities for children’s creative exploration. Academics have the flexibility to leverage Google Classroom as a means of delivering engaging and high-quality instruction, enabling students’ real-time digital interactions via the web. Through this approach, data gathered from multiple devices can be aggregated, visualized, and analyzed, enabling the development of foundational AI and IoT capabilities.
“‘Small robots for big learning’: Our innovative instructional robotic solutions make coding a playful experience for young minds, fostering creativity and interactive exploration,” says Alexander Hantke, Head of Solectric Training. For young enthusiasts of electronics, robotics, and programming, the mBot2 makes an excellent gift option. When children see that various family members share their excitement about a particular topic, they’re often swept up in the enthusiasm. While it’s crucial for children to learn from mistakes, it’s equally important to allow them to make their own errors with the mBot2 to maintain the fun factor high over an extended period.
The CyberPi controller features a vibrant 1.44-inch full-color display, enabling it to serve not only as the robotic’s information hub but also as a versatile handheld device akin to a gaming controller or monitoring station. The controller’s built-in architecture allows for seamless multitasking, enabling storage and management of up to eight applications simultaneously.
As multiple mBots2 unite, they form a vibrant robotic community where machines converse, exchange information, and collaborate on tasks. If linked to the web, mBot2 robots will enable advanced capabilities comparable to voice recognition, seamless connectivity to cloud services, and effortless access to real-time climate information. The CyberPi’s internal three-axis gyroscope and accelerometer ensure unparalleled control over wheel rotation, velocity, and positioning through precise integration with the optical encoder motors, boasting a torque of 1.5 kg·cm, maximum velocity of 200 rpm, and exceptional detection accuracy to within 1°.
The programmable robot empowers young learners to develop coding skills through an intuitive, step-by-step process facilitated by interactive and user-friendly drag-and-drop software. Youthful adventurers can launch into graphical programming with ease, utilizing Scratch or Arduino C with a single click, thanks to comprehensive tutorials and bundled mission scenarios. The mBlock software program seamlessly integrates with Windows, macOS, Linux, and Chromebook operating systems, while also supporting Android and iOS devices. With mBlock, the mBot2 transforms into a robust software platform that connects users to cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), and data science. Students transitioning from block-based coding to Python programming gain proficiency through this structured approach. The Python Editor offers intuitive assistance for novice programmers through valuable features, including intelligent auto-complete and syntax highlighting capabilities.
The platform can extend its range of motion by combining more than 60 distinct mBuild modules and integrating up to 10 unique sensors, motors, LEDs or other components simultaneously. A microcontroller unit (MCU) is embedded within each module, enabling seamless linking without requiring prior disconnection or specific ordering. While additional optional packages are available for this programmable robot designed for children, these components are not included in the initial purchase.
The mBot2 is equipped with a 2,500mAh battery, part of its mBot2 Defend offering, which can be easily recharged via a USB-C cable. The mBot2 Defend features a comprehensive interface, including two connectors specifically designed for encoder motors, two for DC motors, and four for servos, providing users with a versatile platform for experimentation and innovation. Among the servo connectors, it’s possible to link LED strips and analog/digital Arduino sensors.
Visit the Solectric online retailer for further details.
