Smart, playful, and packed with potential, meet Mai-Z, the ultimate programmable robot buggy for young coders aged 8–14! Whether it’s drawing shapes, following paths, or responding to motion, your young learners are in the driver’s seat, literally!
Designed for hands-on learning, the Kitronik Mai-Z is a versatile educational robot built for the BBC micro:bit. Whether you’re diving into coding with MakeCode’s block-based editor or exploring a world beyond monitor screens with our exclusive Screen-Free Programming add-on pack, Mai-Z makes STEM learning intuitive and fun. It’s even fully compatible with MakeCode CreateAI, allowing for gesture-based control and AI-powered coding right out of the box. Aligned with UK and US curricula, Mai-Z empowers both learners and teachers to master core computing concepts through interactive, project-based activities.
Mai-Z has an impressive array of features, and each feature provides a new and exciting learning opportunity. Features include: Line following sensors, distance sensors, edge detecting sensors, 4 x programmable ZIP LEDs, a pen holder, scoop, button holes for micro:bit A/B button access, BBC micro:bit edge connector, rechargeable LiPo battery, speaker, USB-C charging port, on/off switch, and status LED.
Some examples of Mai-Z the Mousebot in use.
Make full use of your micro:bit’s built-in tech. From accelerometer-based steering to compass-guided driving, Mai-Z makes robotics interactive and exciting. You can even control the Mousebot with gestures via MakeCode CreateAI. The motors driving Mai-Z’s wheels are specifically designed for steady straight-line driving, which makes things 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, hands-on, and engaging for students aged 8–14. Developed for use with the BBC micro:bit, Mai-Z supports both MakeCode block-based programming and screen-free coding via our innovative Screen-Free Programming Pack, perfect for flexible learning environments. Whether you’re teaching in a classroom, running a STEM club, or looking for inclusive, progressive tech tools, Mai-Z offers a low-barrier of entry into computing and robotics, with room to grow into more complex challenges, including AI integration via MakeCode CreateAI.
Mai-Z has been engineered to drive straight, turn precise angles and travel specific controlled distances (unlike many other programmable buggies). We have done this by continuously monitoring motor encoder data, enabling Mai-Z to automatically adjust for any deviations in position or turning speed, ensuring precise and consistent movement. The result? Exceptionally smooth, precise movement that feels effortless and refined.
Power: Mai-Z features a Standard USB-C Charging Port. Mai-Z will charge regardless of the status of the power switch, and can be safely used whilst it is being charged. The charger must be capable of providing 5V, at least 1A over a USB-C Connection.
Features:
- Mai-Z, the ultimate programmable robot buggy for young coders aged 8–14!
- 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-detecting & distance sensors.
- 4 x programmable ZIP LEDs.
- Onboard speaker + USB-C rechargeable LiPo battery.
- Pen holder & ball scoop for creative and competitive tasks.
- Edge connector for attaching the BBC micro:bit to Mai-z.
- Easy access to micro:bit A/B buttons.
- Status LED, on/off switch & smooth.
- Smooth and accurate motor control.
- Teaching resources are aligned for both US & UK teaching.
- Great for coding clubs, STEM lessons, and home learning.
- Make full use of your micro:bit’s built-in tech. From accelerometer-based steering to compass-guided driving, Mai-Z makes robotics interactive and exciting.
Contents:
- 1 x Kitronik Mai-Z the MouseBot for BBC micro:bit.
- 1 x 20cm USB A to USB C charging cable.
- 1 x A6 2-sided fold-out sheet.
- Side 1: Full set of Instructions.
- Side 2: Line following track.
Dimensions:
- Length: 117mm.
- Width: 105mm.
- Height: 45mm.
Video:
Requires:
- 1 x BBC micro:bit
- 1 x 5V, 1A Charger and 1 x USB-C cable.
Resources:
Documents & Downloads
Technical Information
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Onboard Sensors | 1 x Ultrasonic Distance Sensor, 3 x Multifunctional IR sensor, 2 x Motor Encoder, 1 x Battery Level Monitor |
| IR Sensors Function | Line Following, Cliff Detection, Screen Free Bar Code Reading |
| Electromechanical Features | N20 Motors with Encoders, 33mm [outer diameter] wheels with treaded rubber tyres |
| System LEDs | 4 x User Programmable RGB “ZIP” LEDs, 1x “System Status” RGB LED, 1x Bicolour Charging Status LED |
| Audio Output | Onboard Electromagnetic Speaker |
| Chassis Features | ABS Plastic Chassis, Front "scoop", Pen holder, transparent window, micro:bit fully enclosed, A/B button openings, rear opening for access |
| Processor | micro:bit V1 or V2, Onboard RP2040 |
| Battery | 1000mAh Rechargeable Lithium Battery |
| Typical Battery Life | >6hrs (depending on use) |
| Charging Port | Standard USB-C Charging Port |
| Recommended Charger Specs | 5V, at least 1A over |
| USB-C Power Switch | Rugged, inset on/off toggle switch – with 4mm switch lever |
| Programming Support | Custom Extension for Makecode (blocks, javascript or python) or Screen Free Programming |
| Charge Time | 1hr (Maximum - depending on battery status) |
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