Maqueen Plus V3 - STEM Educational micro:bit Robot with Matrix Laser Ranging (18650 Battery) - DFRob

Maqueen Plus V3 is an advanced educational robot designed to revolutionize robotics teaching STEM and competitions for primary and secondary school students. The Maqueen Plus V3 works by integrating a sophisticated set of sensors and control mechanisms. It features a powerful matrix laser sensor for sensing the environment, high-precision motor encoders with PID control for accurate movements, and integrated algorithms for complex tasks such as line-tracking and intersection recognition. These capabilities enable more dynamic and complex applications in educational settings.

Precise navigation with matrix laser sensor

The Maqueen Plus V3 is equipped with a state-of-the-art matrix laser sensor, a significant improvement over traditional ultrasonic sensors. This provides high accuracy (e.g., ±11 mm for white targets at 20-200 mm) and fast response (up to 60 Hz in 4x4 mode) over a 60-degree field of view. This enables the robot not only to detect distances, but also to accurately detect the location of obstacles, facilitating intelligent path planning and advanced obstacle evasion for sophisticated autonomous movements.

Advanced tasks simplified with built-in algorithms

Mastering line-tracking and intersection navigation is made easier with algorithms integrated directly into the robot core. Onboard line-tracking significantly lowers the entry barrier to this fundamental skill, allowing students to focus on higher-level strategies. In addition, innovative built-in junction recognition identifies different types of junctions (cross, T junctions, etc.) in real time, enabling the creation of complex map-based challenges and increasing the variety of competitions. These functions operate independently, freeing up the main controller for other tasks.

Figure: Line-tracking algorithms built into Maqueen Plus V3

Figure: Cross-tracking recognition algorithms built into Maqueen Plus V3

Precise motion with motor encoder and PID control

Unlike many educational robots without precise motion capabilities, the Maqueen Plus V3 integrates high-precision motor encoders with PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) control. This enables accurate control over distance traveled and steering angles without complicated trial and error. Reliable and repeatable performance can be achieved in tasks requiring precise navigation, a key advantage in both educational and competition settings.

Figure: Motor encoders and PID control make the Maqueen Plus V3 more accurate

Enhanced light interaction

Enhanced interaction comes from dual light intensity sensors for applications such as light search or automatic beacons, complemented by programmable RGB beacons and ambient lights, which stimulate creativity and make learning more engaging.

Figure: Maqueen Plus with dual light intensity sensors

Detachable metal motor components

The Maqueen Plus V3 features finely tuned metal motors, selected after rigorous testing and verification of more than 30 motor samples to ensure optimal performance, reliability and speed, ensuring smooth rotation without jams. The motors are fully protected to minimize the risk of debris entering and damaging the transmission. Considering frequent use and potential wear and tear (e.g., brush wear, damage due to accidental drops or compressions) in advanced teaching and competition settings, the robot features a detachable motor design, which allows for quick replacement of damaged motors, avoiding interruptions in educational activities and competitions. In addition, a dedicated motor voltage stabilization chip ensures constant speed unaffected by battery drain, allowing programs to run reliably without parameter changes.

Applications

• Education STEM on robotics
• Robotics competitions

Package contains: 1 x Maqueen Plus V3 - STEM Educational micro:bit Robot with Matrix Laser Ranging (18650 Battery) - DFRobot

Specifically, the kit includes:

• 1 x Maqueen Plus V3 base board.
• 2 x Metal motors with encoder and connecting cable (already installed on the base board)
• 1 x AA battery card
• 1 x Matrix laser sensor
• 1 x PH2.0 - 4P sensor connection cable
• 2 x Wheels
• 1 x Map for line-tracking
• 1 x Screwdriver
• 1 x Metal mounting frame
• 1 x Metal mounting bracket
• 5 x 35 mm copper mounting pillars
• 5 x M3 mounting screws
• 4 x M3 thumb screws