Microbit based ELECFREAKS Smart Cutebot unboxing and review

Hello and welcome back! In this article, we will introduce a very interesting robot called CuteRobot, which is provided by ELECFREAKS. It’s mainly based on the Microbit, so it is easy for anyone to use. It is powered by two high-speed motors, which enable smooth and efficient movement. The CutieRobot comes equipped with a variety of built-in features. It has an ultrasonic sensor for distance measurement, two RGB LEDs for colorful visual feedback, two line tracking sensors for following paths, and an active buzzer for sound alerts. Also, you can program the CutieRobot using several platforms, including MakeCode, MicroBlocks, and Python. In this project, I used the MakeCode platform, which is intuitive and easy to use for coding beginners. I think this robot is great for learning programming. Additionally, you can control it in different ways and create many more projects with it.

Whether you’re a student, educator, or hobbyist, the CuteRobot provides a fun and educational experience in the world of robotics and programming.

Structure of this Robot

Specifications

• Controller : micro:bit Board
• Programming Methode:  MakeCode/Microblocks/Python
• Power supply:  AAA Battery
• Motor Type:  GA12-N20 DC micro gear deceleration motor(300 RPM)
• Working Voltage:  3.5v~ 5v
• RGB headlights: 2x RGB
• Buzzer: Active buzzer
• Weight: 65.8g
• Size: 85.68mm x 85.34mm x 38.10mm
• Remote control: Bluetooth control / Infrared control / Joystick:bit control
• Rainbow LED: 2 x Neopixel
• Connection:  Servo extension / GVS Lead-out / IIC port / Ultrasonic port

Ok, let’s assemble it step by step. You can buy this Robot using the link below.

• ELECFREAKS Smart Cutebot — Buy

Step 1

Firstly, unbox this Cutebot, and let’s identify the components in this box.

Step 2

Secondly, connect the ultrasonic sensor to the front of this robot.

Step 3

Thirdly, connect the battery holder cable to the power port. Then install the battery holder on the top of this robot. For that, use a piece of double tape.

Step 4

Next, connect the Micro:bit board to the robot and put the batteries into the battery holder. Then connect it to the computer.

Step 5

After that, go to the MakeCode website and create a new project. Then, install the Cutebot extension.

• MakeCode — Click on me

Step 6

Now let’s create example programs for this robot. I have created three projects for that.

Lesson 1

First, copy and paste the following program into the Python tab. Then you can see the automatically created blocks. You can change them as you like.

• Python script — Download

def on_button_pressed_a():
    for index in range(5):
        right.show_color(neopixel.colors(NeoPixelColors.YELLOW))
        basic.pause(500)
        right.show_color(neopixel.colors(NeoPixelColors.BLACK))
        basic.pause(500)
input.on_button_pressed(Button.A, on_button_pressed_a)

def on_button_pressed_b():
    for index2 in range(5):
        left.show_color(neopixel.colors(NeoPixelColors.YELLOW))
        basic.pause(500)
        left.show_color(neopixel.colors(NeoPixelColors.BLACK))
        basic.pause(500)
input.on_button_pressed(Button.B, on_button_pressed_b)

right: neopixel.Strip = None
left: neopixel.Strip = None
basic.show_icon(IconNames.HEART)
strip = neopixel.create(DigitalPin.P15, 2, NeoPixelMode.RGB)
left = strip.range(0, 1)
right = strip.range(1, 1)

def on_forever():
    if input.light_level() < 10:
        cuteBot.singleheadlights(cuteBot.RGBLights.ALL, 255, 255, 255)
    else:
        cuteBot.closeheadlights()
    cuteBot.forward()
    right.show_color(neopixel.colors(NeoPixelColors.BLACK))
    basic.pause(500)
    cuteBot.turnright()
    right.show_color(neopixel.colors(NeoPixelColors.RED))
    basic.pause(300)
    cuteBot.forward()
    right.show_color(neopixel.colors(NeoPixelColors.BLACK))
    basic.pause(500)
    cuteBot.turnright()
    right.show_color(neopixel.colors(NeoPixelColors.RED))
    basic.pause(300)
basic.forever(on_forever)

• Now, click the download button and connect your Micro:bit board to the MakeCode. Then, you can download codes to the robot.

• After that, remove the USB cable and power on this robot. Then you can see the robot’s movements.

Lesson 2 (Line follower)

First, copy and paste the following program into the Python tab. Then you can see the automatically created blocks. You can change them as you like.

• Python script — Download

basic.show_leds("""
    . . . # .
    # . # . #
    # . # . #
    # . # . #
    . # . . .
    """)

def on_forever():
    if cuteBot.tracking(cuteBot.TrackingState.L_UNLINE_R_LINE):
        cuteBot.motors(50, 25)
    if cuteBot.tracking(cuteBot.TrackingState.L_LINE_R_UNLINE):
        cuteBot.motors(25, 50)
    if cuteBot.tracking(cuteBot.TrackingState.L_R_LINE):
        cuteBot.motors(50, 50)
basic.forever(on_forever)

• After, reconnect the Micro:bit board to the computer and download this program to Robot.

• Now, remove the USB cable and power on this robot. Then, place this robot on the track.

Lesson 3 (Obstacle avoidance)

First, copy and paste the following program into the Python tab. Then you can see the automatically created blocks. You can change them as you like.

• Python script — Download

sonar = 0
basic.show_icon(IconNames.ASLEEP)

def on_forever():
    global sonar
    sonar = cuteBot.ultrasonic(cuteBot.SonarUnit.CENTIMETERS)
    basic.pause(5)
    if sonar < 15:
        cuteBot.stopcar()
        basic.show_leds("""
            . . . . .
            . # # # .
            . # # # .
            . # # # .
            . . . . .
            """)
        cuteBot.backforward()
        basic.pause(50)
        cuteBot.motors(0, 0)
        music.play(music.tone_playable(880, music.beat(BeatFraction.QUARTER)),
            music.PlaybackMode.UNTIL_DONE)
        basic.pause(1000)
        cuteBot.motors(randint(-50, -50), 30)
        basic.pause(500)
    else:
        basic.show_icon(IconNames.ASLEEP)
        cuteBot.motors(30, 30)
basic.forever(on_forever)

• After, reconnect the Micro:bit board to the computer and download this program to Robot.

• Now, remove the USB cable and power on this robot. Then, you can test this robot using obstacles. Also, you can change the robot’s speed and obstacle detection range.

OK, enjoy your Cutebot. The full video guide is below. So, we hope to see you in the next project. Have a good day.

Microbit based ELECFREAKS Smart Cutebot unboxing and review