KEYESTUDIO BBC Micro:bit Robot Kit Compatible with Microbit V1, V2 (Excluding Microbit Board), Obstacle Avoidance, Light-tracing, Line-tracking, Blocks and Python Code, for Beginner Programmable

Been looking for a micro processor robot for a while, trying to find one that is easy enough for my 8yr old to block code as well as challenging enough for me to keep one step ahead of him. This MicroBit car really does have the best of both worlds. Only took 20 minutes to build, instructions were very comprehensive and they do have a video online but my son wasn't able to build alone with some of the small screws.Once built we downloaded copies of all the code from KeyeStudio wiki pages, these are great to get started using all the features of the car. Wasn't long before my son was combining and editing the block code to create his own robot features.We've had it running obstacle courses by code, as well as creating our own routines with the remote.If you looking to start or support code learning or even just for a bit of fun, then this car along with MicroBit makecode is definitely recommended. Very easy to start with but a very capable car costing less than all the components would separately at time of writing this.

Can't use it as it was not supplied with a battery trying to source a battery.but going round in circles. So it might be going back.

We have done this kind of thing before, having had a "bit bot" which is one of the older of these kinds of robots for the micro bit, but that one came assembled. This one was a total kit.I left it in the capable hands of our 8 year old who managed to build it mostly without help, although there was a bit of an issue with the wiring, which I will make a suggestion to the manufacturer to use keyed plugs for the ultrasonic sensor and led ring, because the manual was really not that clear on how to wire it and he'd got it completely the wrong way round leading to some smoke being let out on the ultrasonic module - luckily its a standard part and I have some spare if it doesn't work, the rest of the robot seems to have survived, he hasn't tested that bit yet, honestly I think he's avoiding it!The main reason I'm on 4 stars instead of 5 was because when I plugged it in to charge the 18650, there had been an issue with the solder on the rear micro USB, I guess, because it just came straight off the board. Looked like it had been corroded so the solder hadn't stuck or something. This means you can't charge the 18650 battery on the board, you have to disassemble and remove it and charge it externally in a charger. This isn't a show stopper but it definitely is an issue. I don't know how widespread or whether it's a one off. The rest of the board and the general build quality was very high.For clarity, without the battery in, or with the battery power off (theres a switch at the back of the unit), you can program and use the bot, but it lacks the power to run the motors well, and the LEDs can be a bit dim if trying to do much. I guess the micro bit has current limiting devices on board. The battery is included and we got an "ultrafire" branded one.Programming it is pretty easy once you find the *wiki*, the linked page in the manual goes to a product page and not the wiki, and no instructions as to programming are given. A QR code is in the manual but none of us have our phones set up to read QR codes, is it common in the UK for people to have this? I really don't use QR apps. The QR code may send you to the right URL but it would be useful to have the wiki linked either in the manual or clearly on the product pages, we got lost. However when we did find the wiki, it has a great tutorial that guides you through programming every sensor on the bot.I think it's fairly clear at time of review that you don't get a micro bit with the set. This is pretty normal actually.The robot is well kitted out with way more sensors and outputs than usual, even a buzzer and the on board sonar, with the line following IR on the bottom, you can't really need any more than this. Theres the ring of LEDs as well as the two LEDs on the front. All easy to use in the normal micro bit block coding environment.Overall, even with the technical issues we faced with the plugs and the usb connector, I am still happy with the robot, these glitches don't in the end affect usability and although it would have been better not to have to deal with a part falling off the board, it still in the end functions fine and does what it ought to. Just be sure that if you give it to a child to assemble then before they plug it in or power it up make sure they have wired the two accessory parts the right way round.

Unfortunately this product is totally useless as the V2 board is not supplied with the kit and, I guess due to worldwide chip shortage, it is impossible to buy one.

It's easy to build, it look to be capable hardware. But the instructions that come with it, provide QR codes for the product wiki. This wiki does not exist - it's an empty page. There is no software support and this thing is useless.

As you can see product received does not have black pans as in photo, instead brown unfinished parts ( 0n both sides) very disappointed.

This is a work in progress...!! Firstly, this is much more complex than your average robot or toy you usually assemble, this is aimed at children but involves a bit more than following instructions for a quick build.My sons initially grabbed this and started to build then realised it involved circuit board and battery etc and got a bit stuck with it and I’m currently trying to get my head around it too, so we have it basically assembled but not currently working and waiting for their techie uncle to come and visit to complete this for us and show us where we’re going wrong!Will update when completed but if you’re looking for a simple robot build toy this is more complex than we realised! Great fun so far and will be even more fun when built.A great educational tool for learning about computers etc and if you’re experienced in this too then it’s even better.