Kitronik MAI-Z the MouseBot for the BBC micro:bit
Say hello to Mai-Z — the clever, fun, and feature-packed robot buggy designed for budding coders aged 8–14! From drawing shapes and tracing paths to reacting to movement, Mai-Z puts your learners firmly in the driver’s seat.
Required products - sold separately
Frequently Bought Together
A hands-on learning robot built for the BBC micro:bit, designed to make coding accessible, engaging, and fun. Whether using MakeCode’s block-based editor or exploring unplugged activities with the exclusive Screen-Free Programming add-on, Mai-Z helps learners step beyond the monitor and into real-world STEM experiences. It’s also fully compatible with MakeCode CreateAI, unlocking gesture-based control and AI-powered coding straight out of the box.
Make full use of your micro:bit’s built-in tech. From accelerometer-based steering to compass-guided driving, robotics becomes interactive and exciting. With MakeCode CreateAI, you can even control the Mousebot through simple gestures. Precision-designed motors ensure smooth, straight-line driving—perfect for activities like line following and obstacle avoidance.
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
- 4x programmable ZIP LEDs.
- Line-following, edge-detecting & distance sensors.
- 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.
- 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.
Contents
- 1x Kitronik Mai-Z the MouseBot for BBC micro:bit
- 1x 20cm USB A to USB Type-C charging cable
- 1 x A6 2-sided fold-out sheet.
- Onboard Sensors:
- 1x Ultrasonic Distance Sensor
- 3x Multifunctional IR Sensors
- 2x Motor Encoders
- 1x Battery Level Monitor
- IR Sensors Functions:
- 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
- 4x User Programmable RGB “ZIP” LEDs
- 1x “System Status” RGB LED
- 1x Bicolour Charging Status LED
- Audio Output: Onboard Electromagnetic Speaker
- Processor: micro:bit V1 | micro:bit V2 | Onboard RP2040
- Battery: 1000mAh Rechargeable Lithium Battery
- Typical battery Life: >6hrs (depending on use)
- Charging Port: Standard USB Type-C Charging Port
- Recommended Charger Specs: 5V, at least 1A over
- USB Type-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)