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- Experiential Robotics Platform (XRP) Kit - Beta
The Experiential Robotics Platform (XRP) is a hands-on, comprehensive robotics platform and includes everything needed to build and program a robot to perform beginning through advanced tasks - building the foundation for innovative thinking, science, engineering, and problem solving. The platform provides:
- Progression from fundamental robotics to driving, line following, using sensors, using a robotic arm, and culminates in building an autonomous delivery robot
- Coding environment includes Blockly tools/libraries, Python, and the FIRST ® Robotics coding development tool, WPILib
- Easy-to-assemble hardware kit that can be assembled completely tool free (no soldering, no screws)
- Online activities and modules that build on one another
- Content designed for middle and high-school students and beginners
- Jumping off point for customizing the robot in countless ways
This kit is the hardware arm of the XRP. At the heart of it is the XRP Controller Board, which includes an on-board Raspberry Pi® Pico W featuring the RP2040 microcontroller; low-power accelerometer + gyroscope 6-DoF IMU (LSM6DSOX from STMicroelectronics®); a Qwiic® connector for easy integration of sensors and accessories; two dual-channel motor drivers for four motors total; two servo headers; a momentary button switch; and more. The kit also includes an ultrasonic rangefinder, line follower, two motors with encoders, servo motor, Qwiic cables, chassis and plastic parts, two wheels, two casters, and battery holder. The robot is normally powered by 4xAA batteries (not included in kit), but any supply up to 11V is supported via the barrel connector.
The online modules, accessible at experientialrobotics.org, were developed by Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) through its OpenSTEM platform and serve as a comprehensive introduction to robotics. The modules and progression of content have been tested with hundreds of users and have been refined to the current form, still in beta. The content offers a fun, engaging experience and asks users in solving real-world robotics challenges.
This kit and the online tools are in beta form – by using the kits now, you will not only be an early adopter, but you will be able to provide feedback to make the platform better.
- 1x XRP Controller Board
- 1x XRP Chassis Set
- 1x Ultrasonic Distance Sensor
- 1x Servo (Sub-Micro Size)
- 2x Hobby Motor with Encoder
- 2x Caster
- 2x O-Ring
- 2x Flexible Qwiic Cable - Female Jumper (4-pin) with Heat Shrink
- 1x Battery Holder - 4xAA to Barrel Jack Connector
- 1x Custom Line Follower Board
- 1x XRP Sticker Sheet
- XRP Robotics Platform Home Page (Online Modules, Coding Environment, and More Detailed Information)
- XRP Hardware Overview
- XRP Controller GitHub Repository
- XRP Chassis 3D Printing Files
Experiential Robotics Platform (XRP) Kit - Beta Product Help and Resources
Core Skill: Robotics
This skill concerns mechanical and robotics knowledge. You may need to know how mechanical parts interact, how motors work, or how to use motor drivers and controllers.
Skill Level: Rookie - You will be required to know some basics about motors, basic motor drivers and how simple robotic motion can be accomplished.
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Core Skill: DIY
Whether it's for assembling a kit, hacking an enclosure, or creating your own parts; the DIY skill is all about knowing how to use tools and the techniques associated with them.
Skill Level: Rookie - Basic hand tools are required and instructions will allow more freedom. You may need to make your own decisions on design. If sewing is required, it will be free-form.
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Core Skill: Programming
If a board needs code or communicates somehow, you're going to need to know how to program or interface with it. The programming skill is all about communication and code.
Skill Level: Rookie - You will need a better fundamental understand of what code is, and how it works. You will be using beginner-level software and development tools like Arduino. You will be dealing directly with code, but numerous examples and libraries are available. Sensors or shields will communicate with serial or TTL.
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Core Skill: Electrical Prototyping
If it requires power, you need to know how much, what all the pins do, and how to hook it up. You may need to reference datasheets, schematics, and know the ins and outs of electronics.
Skill Level: Rookie - You may be required to know a bit more about the component, such as orientation, or how to hook it up, in addition to power requirements. You will need to understand polarized components.
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Customer Reviews
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So... FIRST pushes this as a platform, yet there are not enough for FIRST teams to purchase.
I had preordered XRP for class and just received my robots. One thing is I have built a few and some of the chassis for the motors hold the red motors too loosely. Quick solution, use 2 zip ties to lock them in place. Need 2 short zip ties as one is not long enough. Otherwise quite happy with the initial tests of software and hardware and very TRUE - no tools for assembly.
When will this product ship?
Hey, #64145!
We are still on track to ship these later this month. We'll let you know in case anything prevents us from shipping in our planned time frame. Thanks for looking out!
Looks like you cannot access the debug pins