The Makeblock mBot Ranger is an entry-level multiform robot from STEM educational company Makeblock. This kit is designed to engage students with many different aspects of robotics, learning about the construction, operation and programming of the Ranger robot. With three pre-set forms to build and explore and an estimated 45-minute build time, the Ranger grants students a wide variety of STEM experience and learning opportunities, including all-terrain exploration and fast-paced racing abilities.
The mBot Ranger can be directed without the need for programming, using either the Makeblock app or through Makeblock's Bluetooth Remote Controller. A simple yet enjoyable introduction to robotic operation, positive experiences obtained through playing with the mBot Ranger can further stimulate an interest in programming and more complex controls. Moving onto the mBlock Blockly App, students are introduced to block-based programming knowledge through fun, educational games that introduce more skills as levels increase. For higher complexity and a more extensive introduction to programming, mBlock 5 can be used via PC to teach either block-based programming or text-based Ardunio code. A Bluetooth dongle can be used to wirelessly connect the Ranger and the computer to speed up the programming process.
The mBot Ranger contains a Me Auriga mainboard, which supports the integration of 12 sets of RGB lights, 10 extension interfaces and 6 different types of sensors in its construction, including: light sensor, temperature sensor, sound sensor, ultrasonic sensor (for detecting distance and to overcome obstacles), a line follower sensor that follows black and white lines, and a gyroscope. This broad range of sensors allows the mBot Ranger to perform a variety of functions, including data collection, course completion by line following, and obstacle avoidance. The mBot Ranger can be employed to work on a wide variety of interesting projects, and has even been used to traverse the...
