RBX - Robotics Brick Extension

RBX (Robotics Brick Extension) is a Lego-compatible robotics kit for young audience. The microcontroller is your standard ESP32 dev board. Programming is done via Javascript (a port of Duktape) in a browser-based IDE served from the ESP32.

The various components (motor, server, sonar etc.) are common Arduino modules housed in 3D-printed brick enclosures. Interconnect is done using 2, 3 and 4-pin JST connectors. The non-motor components can be powered from the ESP32 via micro-USB. Two battery modules (4xAA and 18650) are included for powering the motor and servo (and also if you want your project to be untethered).

There are 2 reasons why I made this project.

1. Most robotics kits for children use block-based programming, which becomes too simple after some time. The next logical step up is Arduino, but the long compile-upload-run cycle is a huge strain on impatient young minds. JavaScript is a good middle ground and is extremely suitable for tinkering and quick prototyping.

2. Hooking up anything beyond the beginner's Arduino blink LED tutorial is pretty daunting for a child. Usually a lot of wires are involved, and if the project involves a motor or servo, a separate power rail is needed, which puts it beyond the capabilities of most kids. RBX solves this problem by using standard JST connectors. A more interested child can drill down into each component later on when they become more experienced.

Project website: https://rbx.randseq.org/

Showcase: https://rbx.randseq.org/tutorials

GitHub repository: https://github.com/victor-chew/rbx