Bit:Bot Fully Integrated Robot for the BBC Micro:Bit
This (almost) ready-assembled robot requires no soldering, no wires and nothing more than a screwdriver to complete it.
NB. BBC Micro:Bit is NOT included. You can buy it HERE
The Bit:Bot fully engages children and adults alike, allowing you to explore and code the BBC Micro:Bit using any of the languages available (not all features are supported in all languages)
Learn here how to control the Bit:Bot with your Bluetooth phone
*NEW* There is now a Microsoft PXT package for Bit:Bot (thanks to Sten Roger Sandvik, @stenrs on Twitter). Go to the Advanced tab or the Tools gear icon and select Add Package, then search for BitBot
Check out these features:
- 2 micro-metal gear motors. Both fully controllable in software, for both speed (0 to 100%) and direction (forward or reverse)
- Wheels with rubber tyres for maximum grip
- Really smooth nylon ball front caster
- 12 mini neopixels in 2 sets of 6 along the arms either side. Select any colour for any pixel, produce stunning lighting effects as your Bit:Bot moves around
- 2 digital line following sensors. Code your own line-following robots and race them to see whose code produces the fastest lap time!
- 2 analog light sensors (front left and front right) so your Bit:Bot can be programmed to follow a light source such as a torch, or you could code it to go and hide in the darkest place it can find
- Buzzer, so you can make beeping sounds whenever you want
- Powered from integrated 3xAA battery holder with on/off switch and blue indicator LED
- Easily plug your BBC micro:bit in and out using the edge connector
- Extension port for addition neopixels (such as McRoboFace)
- Expansion connections at the front for additional sensors (Ultrasonic rangefinder available now, more in development)
Optionally, you can add an Ultrasonic Distance Sensor (rangefinder) module. The sensor can be either soldered to the module, or connected via a socket. No soldering is required for either version. The socketed version makes it easier to connect a straight micro-USB lead to the Micro:Bit, but the soldered version is more robust. Consider using a right-angled USB cable with this option
We also have an option for a pen holder that is fitted at the back. This can be plain, or have LEDs on to create a glow ring effect around the pen
See our detailed blog entry for example code snippets and application ideas
The brochure included in the package gives tutorials on how to use the Bit:Bot with MakeCode, however for more advanced users, the Bit:Bot does support Python! You can download the included tutorials in Python below:
Example Micropython Programs
- Simple PWM motor test
- Neopixel colour test
- Light follower
- Larson Scanner example
- Line follower
- Ultrasonic Obstacle Avoider
- POST – Power On Self Test. This test is run on each Bit:Bot before shipping
