Wednesday, April 2, 2025

MAKEBLOCK’s innovative mBot2 robot now allows for facial expression control via AI, giving it emotional expressions.

Over the past eight years, Makeblock’s mBot educational robot has globally impacted millions of children, students, teachers, and aspiring programmers, not only intuitively illustrating complex MINT (Mathematics, Information Technology, Natural Sciences, Technology) connections but also leaving a smile on their faces following successful missions. The success story continues with the new mBot2: Under its carefully refined shell, now crafted from robust aluminum, lies a wealth of modern technology packed tightly together, enabling countless new programming and application possibilities. Most striking at first glance are the advanced ultrasound sensors of the next era, glistening with a radiant blue hue. Who can resist this captivating gaze? The “blue eyes” are not only suited for precise distance measurement; they convey emotions through the adjustable ambient lighting. The mBot2 makes direct eye contact with young programmers, as its AI-powered image recognition enables features such as Regulate speed by facial expression.

The brain behind this innovative device is the powerful CyberPi microcontroller, featuring a built-in color display, speakers, microphone, light sensor, gyroscope, and RGB indicator, among other capabilities. The integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth module enables connection to the web for intelligent features such as voice recognition, speech synthesis, LAN broadcasts, and uploading data to Google Sheets.

The mBot2 is the most exciting DIY robot kit available now, requiring only a screwdriver to assemble, highly expandable, and offering great design flexibility during programming, allowing children to gain insight into the inner workings of a robot: From now on, for an RRP of 139.- EUR (inclusive). The product MwSt.) is available at our online store from Solectric.

One of the most significant upgrades in the mBot2 compared to its predecessor is its networking capability, facilitated by the CyberPi microcomputer’s integration. The programmable power pack, combined with the mBlock coding editor, is an effective learning tool for computer science and AI education, allowing children’s curiosity to know no bounds. Teachers have the opportunity to utilize Google Classroom for instance. To deliver an engaging and progressive lesson, whereby multiple mBot2s communicate with each other via the web? Data from various devices can be collected, visualized, and processed, enabling the learning of initial programming for AI and IoT applications. 

The Little Educational Robot makes programming a child’s play and encourages kids to engage in creative and interactive play, says Alexander Hantke, Head of Solectric Training. Ideal for children with a passion for electronics, robotics, and programming, the mBot2 makes a thoughtful gift. Just when children notice that other family members are passionate about the issue, they’re often swept up in it too? What’s crucial is allowing children to make their own mistakes with the mBot2, thereby sustaining the fun factor over an extended period.

The CyberPi controller, featuring a 1.44-inch full-color display for displaying data, images, and other information, serves not only as the robot’s central processing unit but also as a handheld device capable of functioning like a recreation controller or monitoring device. The integrated storage and operating system enable the controller to store and manage up to eight programs simultaneously. 

As a swarm of interconnected robots forms, the excitement builds when multiple mBots2 converge to create a local network of autonomous entities that communicate, share information, and execute tasks together. Can the mBot2 be connected to the web, allowing it to perform advanced functions such as speech recognition, cloud connectivity, or retrieving weather information? Maximised precision in the control of wheel rotation, speed, and position, as well as that of the robot itself, is promised by the CyberPi-integrated three-axis gyroscope and acceleration sensor working in tandem with the optical encoder motors featuring a torque of 1.5 kg-cm and a maximum Featuring a rotational speed of 200 revolutions per minute and an acquisition accuracy of 1 degree.

The programmable robot empowers children to learn programming step by step through interactive drag-and-drop software, fostering hands-on exploration and creativity. With comprehensive tutorials and accompanying project scenarios, young explorers can start learning graphic programming and click their way into using programming languages like Scratch or Arduino C. The mBlock software is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems, as well as Chromebooks, and also supports Android and iOS devices. With the integration of mBlock, the mBot2 becomes a powerful tool for exploring advanced technologies like AI, IoT, and information science. Students start with blockchain-based coding and transition to Python coding as their experience grows. The Python editor empowers young programmers with innovative features like intelligent auto-completion and syntax highlighting, catering to their learning needs.

He can expand the action radius with more than 60 different mBuild modules and simultaneously switch up to 10 various sensors, motors, LEDs or other components in series. Each module features a built-in Micro-Controller Unit (MCU), enabling seamless connection without prior disassembly or specific ordering. Now packages are available for this programmable robot designed for children, offering additional learning opportunities in programming, robotics, electronics, and construction, allowing students to learn through hands-on practice by programming and executing interactive missions. 

The mBot2 comes with a 2,500mAh battery in the so-called “runtime” The mBot2 is fully equipped and conveniently charges via a USB-C cable. The mBot2 Protect features two connectors for encoder motors, two connectors for DC motors, and four connectors for servos. Some servo connections can be linked with LED strips and analog/digital Arduino sensors.

For more information, please visit Solectric’s online store.

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