A "Hands-on, Thinking, and Interactive" Programmable Robot Car based on BBC micro:bit

The Last:bit robot is a tracked robot car developed based on the BBC micro:bit, specifically designed for programming learning and STEM education. Equipped with a 3DOF robotic arm, it can simulate industrial robots to perform object grasping and transportation. Integrated voice interaction module, the robot can "listen" and "speak." Combined with a wealth of hardware such as ultrasonic sensors, infrared line tracking sensors, sound and temperature sensors, and RGB LED lights, it possesses comprehensive environmental perception capabilities and stunning visual effects. It supports infrared remote control and mobile APP control. Yahboom provide two programming courses: Makecode graphical programming and MicroPython, along with 100+ tutorials. Whether children are beginners or have some programming experience, they can systematically learn and master programming knowledge and logical thinking through hands-on practice and fun activities.

It features a tracked chassis and a 3DOF robotic arm, allowing the robot to not only move but also perform grasping and carrying actions. It also integrates ultrasonic, infrared tracking, sound, and temperature sensors and supports MakeCode graphical programming and MicroPython programming.  

Even more interestingly, the Superior version adds voice interaction functionality, allowing the robot to be woken up, recognized, and read aloud using preset voice commands.  

So, is this robot fun to use? Is it suitable for learning programming? Let's unbox it and find out.

1. Upon opening the packaging, you will see is the main body of the Last:bit robot.

Compared to the common two-wheeled or four-wheeled Micro:bit cars, Last:bit's biggest feature is its combination of a tracked chassis and a robotic arm.

The entire robot looks more like a miniature "engineering robot."

The tracked structure gives it strong mobility, while the 3DOF robotic arm on top transforms it from a simple mobile robot into a robotic platform capable of performing simple tasks.

Robotic arm uses 3PCS 9G metal digital servos, enabling multi-directional movement, and is used in conjunction with EVA blocks for grasping, carrying, and placement experiments.

The first impression can be summarized as: Compact, yet packed with functionality.

2. Tracked Chassis: Making Robots Move More "Robot-like"

Last:bit uses a tracked mobility structure instead of a traditional wheeled chassis.

This design not only gives the robot a unique appearance but also makes it more suitable for programming experiments related to robot movement.

The chassis uses an all-aluminum alloy structure and is equipped with high-reduction-ratio TT motors.

The TT motors provided by Yahboom have a reduction ratio of 1:90, providing ample driving force, especially when carrying a robotic arm and performing grasping and carrying actions, offering greater power reserves.

For programming learning, this means you can progress from the simplest:
Forward → Backward → Left Turn → Right Turn
to:
Speed Control → Path Planning → Line Following → Obstacle Avoidance → Autonomous Movement
The robot is no longer just "following a program a few steps," but can become a true programming experiment platform.

3. The Most Interesting Part: The 3DOF Robotic Arm

If the tracked chassis allows Last:bit to "run," then the robotic arm truly gives it "hands-on ability."

The 3DOF robotic arm is equipped with 3PCS 9G metal digital servos, enabling movement in multiple directions.

With the included EVA blocks, a very intuitive robot experiment can be quickly conducted:

Object detection → Moving the robotic arm → Grasping the object → Transporting → Placing

This process is crucial for STEM education.

Because children no longer see an abstract line of code, but rather:

"The program I wrote actually made the robot perform an action."

This immediate feedback makes learning programming more fun.

Furthermore, as programming skills improve, they can explore:

● Automatic grasping

● Point-to-point transport

● Placement at a designated location

● Multi-step actions

● Cooperative control of the robotic arm and chassis

From a simple servo experiment, gradually upgrade to a complete robot project.

4. Abundant Sensors: Enabling Last:bit to "Perceive"

A robot with only motors and servos is essentially just an execution device.

What truly makes a robot interesting is its ability to perceive its surroundings.

Last:bit's expansion board integrates various commonly used sensors and execution modules, including: ultrasonic sensors, infrared tracking sensors, sound sensors, temperature sensors, RGB LEDs, etc.

These hardware components can be combined to create a wide variety of different robot projects.

For example:

Ultrasonic sensors + motors can create: Intelligent obstacle-avoiding robots
The robot moves forward, automatically stops and turns when it detects an obstacle, and then continues moving.

Infrared tracking + motors can create: Automatic line-following robots
The robot automatically follows a black line.

Sound sensors + robotic arm can create: Sound-interactive robots
Robotic arm or robot movements are triggered by sound.

Temperature sensors can also create: Ambient temperature detection projects
The Micro:bit acquires temperature data and provides feedback through display, sound, or light.

A single chassis, combined with different sensors and programs, can become completely different robots.

5. Voice Interaction: Making Robots More Than Just "Executing Code"

If you choose the Superior version, Last:bit also adds a voice interaction module.

The robot can achieve the following through preset voice phrases:

Voice wake-up → Command recognition → Action execution → Voice broadcast

This changes the way robots interact with humans.

Previously, controlling a robot required:

Writing a program / Pressing a remote control / Controlling via a mobile app

Now, we can add: "Speaking"

For example, we can design interactions like this: "Hi Yahboom, Carry the block" 

The robot reply you: "OK, let me carry them"  and starts carry.

It's important to note that the official documentation explicitly states that the voice module here uses a fixed command recognition method, not free dialogue based on a large language model.

For STEM education, this design is actually more suitable for teaching because the logic of voice commands is clear, easy to understand, and convenient for programming. 

6. MakeCode + MicroPython: From Beginner to Advanced

It supports: MakeCode Graphical Programming and MicroPython Programming

MakeCode Graphical Programming: Suitable for users new to programming.

By dragging and dropping code modules, you can quickly implement: robot movement control, robotic arm control, sensor reading, RGB light control, obstacle avoidance, line following, and interactive game creation.

This method is ideal for programming beginners.

MicroPython Programming: As users become more familiar with program logic, they can move on to MicroPython.

Compared to graphical programming, Python programming allows users to learn about: variables, conditional statements, loops, functions, sensor data reading, motor control, servo control, and comprehensive robot logic.

In other words: MakeCode → MicroPython → Comprehensive Robot Projects

This forms a relatively complete learning path. The official documentation also provides 100+ tutorials and project examples, covering everything from basic control to comprehensive robot applications.

7. A Variety of Control Methods

Besides self-programming control, Last:bit also supports multiple wireless control methods.

These include:

Infrared Remote Control: Suitable for quickly experiencing robot movement.
Mobile App: Allows for wireless control via a mobile phone.
Micro:bit Handle: When used with a Micro:bit controller, even more intuitive wireless control is possible. 

For users new to robotics, it's a good idea to first experience the robot using the remote control or app before gradually moving into programming mode.

This "play first, then learn to program" approach is actually very suitable for STEM education.

8. Support for Block Expansion: More Than Just One Robot Form

Last:bit has another interesting design: support for expanding block structures.

This means the robot doesn't have to stay the same forever.

You can add different block structures to the robot and experiment with changing its shape, mechanical structure, functional modules, and mission scenarios.

For example, you can design it as: an engineering transport vehicle, a patrol robot, an automated transport robot, an exploration robot, or even design a completely different robot shape yourself.

This is an excellent way to cultivate children's hands-on skills and creativity.

9. In actual use, who is it suitable for?

If you consider Last:bit as a regular toy, its functions might seem a bit numerous.

However, if you view it as a Micro:bit STEM programming robot platform, its positioning becomes very clear.

If you are a programming beginner, you can start with MakeCode.

First, get the robot moving, then gradually learn about sensors and logic control.

If you are already familiar with Micro:bit, you can directly challenge yourself with: automatic line following, intelligent obstacle avoidance, robotic arm grasping, automatic transport, multi-sensor linkage, and voice control.

If you are a STEM teacher, Last:bit is also suitable as a classroom project platform.

Because a single robot incorporates: motion control + sensors + servos + robotic arm + lights + voice control + programming.

Multiple courses of varying difficulty can be designed around the same robot.

Summary: A Micro:bit Robot for "Playing, Learning, Modifying, and Creating"

From my experience, Last:bit's biggest feature isn't a single function, but rather its integration of multiple robot learning modules into a single platform.

The tracked chassis handles movement.

The 3DOF robotic arm handles grasping.

Sensors handle perception.

RGB lights provide feedback.

The voice module handles interaction.

The Micro:bit handles control.

MakeCode + MicroPython handles programming.

The block structure handles creation.

More accurately, it's a Micro:bit robot experimental platform that can be continuously developed.

For users new to STEM and robot programming, they can start with simple remote control and movement; as they learn more, they can challenge themselves with line following, obstacle avoidance, robotic arm grasping, and voice interaction.

For users with existing Micro:bit programming experience, it provides ample hardware to allow them to tackle more complex robot projects.

From "making robots move" to "making robots complete tasks," Last:bit offers a very intuitive learning path.

If you're looking for a Micro:bit product that balances programming learning, robotics practice, mechanical structures, and creative expansion, Last:bit is a worthwhile option to try.

Last:bit—more than just robots, it's your programming and creativity lab.