Robots

Learn how they work, how you can program and control them, so they will not control YOU!

Open-Cube

Simple, relatively cheap to build but powerful tool to learn/teach robotics.

Open-Cube at a Glance

Based on RP2040 the Raspberry PICO ARM microcontroller, programming in Micropython via USB-B.
ESP32 for WiFi/Bluetooth serial interface (fully user programmable, eg. in Arduino, via USB-mini)
Four sensor ports – with analog inputs and UART link to support EV3 or custom digital sensors
One dedicated I2C port – supports NXT Ultrasonic rangefinder, can be used to SYNCHRONIZE/CONTROL multiple Open-Cubes (at up to 100kHz I2C clock)
Four motor ports – each with a dedicated motor driver (DRV8833RTY) and incremental encoder inputs
Two internal Li-ion 18650 accu 3000+mAh, in-socket, user replaceable, with over current and under-voltage protection. Charger: 12V@2A DC barrel jack
OLED display and PIEZO buzzer, HW based on/off button, other buttons for program selection etc…
New sensors developed for Open-Cube (custom RGB sensor, LIDAR based distance sensor)
Nice documentation, with examples how to use all the features

Concept

You can use the Open-Cube as a replacement for NXT or EV3 control units (when using sensors, motors and brics from the original sets, e.g. 9797, 9648-1, 45544 EV3) or you can create your own set: Open-Cube + Open-Cube Sensors + Motors (we are testing EV3 motors made in China available on Aliexpress) + for example LEGO® Education 45400 BricQ Motion Prime + 2000480 Prime + 2000470 BricQ Motion Prime (a LEGO set that seems to contain a lot of useful parts)…