Course Overview

As part of this development track we will explore the world of robotics using the 4Tronix Bit:Bot. As you follow through the tutorials in this development track you will learn how to –

1. Assemble the 4Tronix Bit:Bot robot
2. Play music using the Bit:Bit robot
3. Code the robot and get it to move
4. Write programs to get your Bit:Bot to navigate around a track
5. Learn how to light up your Bit:Bot in different colors
6. Control the Bit:Bot using a second BBC Micro:Bit board
7. Sense light and write programs to perform different actions.

The Bit:Bot is a fully integrated robot from 4tronix based on the BBC Micro:Bit . The Bit:Bot ships in a (an almost) ready-assembled form and requires requires no soldering, no wires and nothing more than a screwdriver to complete it. 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. The basic 4Tronix Bit:Bot robotics kit does not come along with the ability to sense obstacles. Optionally, you could choose to 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.

This development track is based on the tutorials that have been put together by Mark Atkinson (http://multiwingspan.co.uk). All copyrights to the content in this track is owned by Mark Atkinson. The second tutorial of this track also include content from 4Tronix’s website which covers the basics of building the 4Tronix Bit:Bot robot.

With the ultrasonic sensor your 4Tronix Bit:Bot now has the ability to see the world around it and sense obstacles in its path. 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.

You will also need a 4Tronix Bit:Bot to be able to work on this development track. You can pick up the 4Tronix Bit:Bot from OzToyLib.

This is an advanced micro:bit track with a focus on exploring robotics using the 4Tronix Bot:Bot robot. We would highly recommend that you complete the following tracks before you start off with this track.

1. Introduction to coding concepts with Scratch I
2. Introduction to coding concepts with Scratch II
3. Exploring Coding Concepts Using the BBC micro:bit I
4. Exploring Coding Concepts Using the BBC micro:bit II
5. Exploring Coding Concepts Using the BBC micro:bit III
6. Design Interactive Games Using the BBC micro:bit
7. Introduction To Electronics Using The BBC micro:bit – I

Prerequisites –

1. This tutorial makes extensive use of the BBC micro:bit.
2. If you haven’t purchased a BBC micro:bit yet you might want to head over and pick one up now.
3. We would recommend that you pick up the BBC micro:bit, BBC micro:bit breakout board and a breadboard.
4. The BBC micro:bit breakout board and breadboard makes working with the BBC micro:bit a lot easier.
5. You will also need a 4Tronix Bit:Bot to be able to work on this development track. You can pick up the 4Tronix Bit:Bot from OzToyLib.
6. If you are looking to add sensing capability to your 4Tronix Bit:Bot you will need to pick up one of the Ultrasonic sensors for the 4Tronix Bit:Bot also available from OzToyLib.
7. We will be using the official online python editor to write code for all our tutorials.

About the 4Tronix Bit:Bot

The Bit:Bot is a fully integrated robot from 4tronix based on the BBC Micro:Bit . The Bit:Bot ships in a (an almost) ready-assembled form and requires requires no soldering, no wires and nothing more than a screwdriver to complete it. 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. The basic 4Tronix Bit:Bot robotics kit does not come along with the ability to sense obstacles. Optionally, you could choose to 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.

You can read more about the 4Tronix Bit:Bot here – OzToyLib.

This development track is based on the tutorials that have been put together by Mark Atkinson (http://multiwingspan.co.uk).

About BBC micro:bit

The Micro Bit (also referred to as BBC Micro Bit, stylised as micro:bit) is an ARM-based embedded system designed by the BBC for use in computer education in the UK. The board is 4 cm × 5 cm and has an ARM Cortex-M0 processor, accelerometer and magnetometer sensors, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, a display consisting of 25 LEDs, two programmable buttons, and can be powered by either USB or an external battery pack. The device inputs and outputs are through five ring connectors that are part of the 23-pin edge connector at the bottom of the board. The micro:bit can be programmed using the Microsoft Block code program editor which is similar to the block based language Scratch ideal for 7-12 year olds. The micro:bit can also be programmed using the Makecode editor in Javascript and Python which allows for older kids to learn the Javascript and Python programming language using the micro:bit.

You can read more about the BBC micro:bit at the microbit website. Also see Kitronik’s resources here – Parents Complete Guide To The BBC micro:bit.