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:MOVE Mini Buggy Kit

The :MOVE Mini Buggy Kit from Kitronik provides a fun introduction to robotics using the micro:bit. Specifically, the :MOVE Mini is a two wheeled robot that is suitable for autonomous operation, remote control projects via a Bluetooth application, or being controlled using a second micro:bit as a controller thanks to the micro:bit's radio functionality.

Each buggy is propelled by two continuous rotation servo motors whose speed can be controlled by simply altering the PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal, which is easy to do using the Servo blocks in the Microsoft MakeCode Block editor. The :MOVE Mini also has five RGB individually addressable ZIP LEDs (NeoPixel compatible), which can be used as indicators, reverse lights, and more!

The included Kitronik :MOVE servo:lite board can also be used in conjunction with a micro:bit to build other movement based projects. There are even guides detailing; how to control a third servo, how to code the buggy to draw shapes, how to write code for the on-board ZIP LEDs, how to code the buggy for Bluetooth control, and how to use a second micro:bit as a controller.

Note: The :Move Mini Buggy does NOT include a micro:bit board. The micro:bit board will need to be purchased separately. Additionally, this kit does require an intermediate level of construction, so make sure to read the assembly instructions fully!

  • 1x Set of chassis parts
  • 2x Micro 360 degree continuous rotation Servos with accessories
  • 1x Servo:Lite board
  • 2x Counter sunk M3 6mm screw
  • 5x Counter sunk M3 8mm screw
  • 6x M2 16mm Pan head steel screw
  • 6x M2 Hex Full Width Nut
  • 3x AAA Batteries
  • 1x Pair of ABS White Wheels
  • The kit offers a fun introduction to the world of DIY robotics.
  • Add code for autonomous operation.
  • Use in conjunction with an App and control it over Bluetooth.
  • Use the radio function and a second microbit as a controller.
  • Attach a pen and code the robot to draw shapes.

Tags

:MOVE Mini Buggy Kit Product Help and Resources

Core Skill: Robotics

This skill concerns mechanical and robotics knowledge. You may need to know how mechanical parts interact, how motors work, or how to use motor drivers and controllers.

2 Robotics

Skill Level: Rookie - You will be required to know some basics about motors, basic motor drivers and how simple robotic motion can be accomplished.
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Core Skill: DIY

Whether it's for assembling a kit, hacking an enclosure, or creating your own parts; the DIY skill is all about knowing how to use tools and the techniques associated with them.

3 DIY

Skill Level: Competent - You might need to break out the power tools. Nothing beyond a power drill or rotary tool should be required, but you might have a hard time with just a screwdriver and hammer. Cutting holes into plastic or metal might be required.
See all skill levels

Core Skill: Programming

If a board needs code or communicates somehow, you're going to need to know how to program or interface with it. The programming skill is all about communication and code.

2 Programming

Skill Level: Rookie - You will need a better fundamental understand of what code is, and how it works. You will be using beginner-level software and development tools like Arduino. You will be dealing directly with code, but numerous examples and libraries are available. Sensors or shields will communicate with serial or TTL.
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Core Skill: Electrical Prototyping

If it requires power, you need to know how much, what all the pins do, and how to hook it up. You may need to reference datasheets, schematics, and know the ins and outs of electronics.

2 Electrical Prototyping

Skill Level: Rookie - You may be required to know a bit more about the component, such as orientation, or how to hook it up, in addition to power requirements. You will need to understand polarized components.
See all skill levels

Comments

Looking for answers to technical questions?

We welcome your comments and suggestions below. However, if you are looking for solutions to technical questions please see our Technical Assistance page.

  • Member #134773 / about 5 years ago / 1

    Glad I checked before buying. The cell phone app is only Android -- I've got an iPhone, so this is a deal-killer for me (despite the "Black Friday/Cyber Monday" pricing), at least according to the documentation on controlling the document on controlling it via Bluetooth app.

Customer Reviews

3.5 out of 5

Based on 2 ratings:

Currently viewing all customer reviews.

3 of 3 found this helpful:

Inexpensive, but needs improvement ...

by verified purchaser

I had a couple of Micro:bit boards sitting around, so this looked like a good way to find a use for one of them. The concept is really neat, but there are a few issues that keep it from being "great".

  1. Mechanically, the structure is rather flimsy. When assembling my kit, the upper "pen mounting plate" component is too small and flops back and forth between the two side plates. It kept falling out while assembling the kit. The only mechanical fasteners are the four screw/nut used in the "t-joint" holding the outer panels to the base plate and the screws that hold the "wheels" to the servos. One wheel rubs the outer panel and I am having issues keeping the "wheels" from wobbling.
  2. You can't load the bluetooth and neopixel packages at the same time in the MakeCode IDE. So, you can't both use the Bluetooth LE radio to control the bot and use the neopixels to display something.
  3. Lastly, I followed the procedure for calibrating the servos, but after getting it assembled, one of the servos would creep when commanded to stop. (Doesn't creep when initially powered on.) So, I have to disassemble the bot to get to the pot to calibrate the servo. They could have left a hole in the base plate to allow you to reach the calibration pot without disassembling the whole thing. I will make that mod when I pull it apart to recalibrate it.

Even with these caveats, the kit provides a nice vehicle for teaching some basic concepts for programming, servo controls, Neopixels and Bluetooth. It would have been nice if they had incorporated additional sensors (or had the ability to incorporate 3rd party sensors) to allow for obstacle avoidance or line following.

2 of 2 found this helpful:

OK/Good for inexpensive learning robot

by verified purchaser

Good for teaching CAREFUL mechanical assembly, calibration of servos, use of servos for differential steering, and relatively easy use of neopixels.

Instructions were OK - but not quite detailed enough. The assembled robot is a little flimsy, and the wheels/servos a little wobbly - but generally OK recognizing the low price.

Note that a standard micro-USB plug might be too thick to connect to the micro:bit once it is mounted to the main board unless the screws are loosened. (See the Kitronik website for more info on this.)

It would be nice if Kitroniks had an add-on object sensor, but I did not see one on their website. Would also be nice if they included an extra one of the teensy tiny nuts, as one of mine leaped off my table and hid for hours . . .