Kitronik Mai-Z the MouseBot for BBC micro:bit

Smart, playful, and packed with potential: Meet the Mai-Z, the ultimate programmable robot buggy for young programmers aged 8 to 14! Whether it's drawing shapes, following paths, or responding to movements, anything is possible with this robot buggy!

Introduction

Designed for hands-on learning, the Kitronik Mai-Z is a versatile educational robot built for the BBC micro:bit. Whether you're getting started with coding using the MakeCode editor or exploring a world beyond the screen with Kitronik's exclusive Screen-Free Programming add-on pack, Mai-Z makes STEM learning intuitive and fun. It's even fully compatible with MakeCode CreateAI, enabling gesture-based control and AI-powered coding right out of the box.

Mai-Z aligns with various curricula and enables both students and teachers to master the core concepts of computer science through interactive, project-based activities. Mai-Z has an impressive array of features, each offering a new and exciting learning opportunity. Features include: line-following sensors, distance sensors, edge detection sensors,

4 x programmable ZIP LEDs, a pen holder, scoop, access to micro:bit's A/B buttons, BBC micro:bit edge connector, a rechargeable LiPo battery, speaker, USB-C charging port, on/off switch, and a status LED.

Make the most of your micro:bit's built-in technology. From steering based on an accelerometer to driving using a compass, Mai-Z makes robotics interactive and exciting. You can even control the Mousebot with gestures via MakeCode CreateAI. The motors that drive Mai-Z's wheels are specially designed for stable driving in a straight line, making tasks such as line following and obstacle avoidance a smooth experience.

Mai-Z is a feature-rich robot mouse buggy designed to make coding and robotics accessible, practical, and engaging for students aged 8 to 14. Developed for use with the BBC micro:bit, Mai-Z supports both MakeCode block programming and screen-free coding via the innovative Screen-Free Programming Pack, perfect for flexible learning environments. Whether you teach in a classroom, run a STEM club, or are looking for inclusive, forward-thinking technology tools, Mai-Z offers a low entry point to computer science and robotics, with room to grow into more complex challenges, including AI integration via MakeCode CreateAI.

Mai-Z is designed to drive straight, take precise corners, and travel specific controlled distances (unlike many other programmable buggies). This is done by continuously monitoring the motor encoder data, allowing Mai-Z to automatically adjust for any deviations in position or rotation speed, ensuring accurate and consistent movements. The result? Exceptionally smooth, precise movements that feel effortless and refined.

Power supply: Mai-Z has a standard USB-C charging port. Mai-Z charges regardless of the status of the power switch and can be used safely while charging. The charger must be capable of supplying 5V, minimum 1A via a USB-C connection.

Features:

• Mai-Z, the ultimate programmable robot buggy for young programmers aged 8 to 14!
• Code Mai-Z with MakeCode drag-and-drop block-based coding
• Code Mai Z with Screen-Free Coding add-on pack: No screens? No problem. Use the code blocks and recorder board for hands-on, unplugged programming, perfect for younger learners
• Line-following, edge detection, and distance sensors
• 4 x programmable ZIP LEDs
• Built-in speaker
• USB-C rechargeable LiPo battery
• Pen holder and ball scoop for creative and competitive tasks
• Edge connector for attaching the BBC micro:bit to Mai-Z
• Easy access to micro:bit's A/B buttons
• Status LED, on/off switch, and smooth control
• Smooth and accurate motor control
• Ideal for programming clubs, STEM lessons, and home schooling
• Make the most of your micro:bit's built-in technology; from steering based on an accelerometer to driving using a compass, Mai-Z makes robotics interactive and exciting

Contents:

• 1 x Kitronik Mai-Z
• 1 x 20cm USB-A to USB-C charging cable
• 1 x double-sided fold-out sheet (A6 size)
  • Side 1: Complete set of instructions
  • Side 2: Line-following track

Dimensions:

• Length: 117 mm.
• Width: 105 mm.
• Height: 45 mm.