We have developed the perfect hands-on learning platform for both students and professional engineers to learn the hardware and software of robotics.

Our team has spent years testing all of the leading robotics kits on the market today. Although many have impressive features, they are either too complicated or overly simplistic... and always much too expensive. Today, a typical Arduino based robot usually costs over $150. Too often we spent money on kits that could not do much or were too costly to be practical. Not to mention, many of these kits used proprietary components that limited the scope of real-world usage.

We wanted to change this.

We are a team of engineers who are passionate about teaching robotics. We run hands-on robotics programs to excite students about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education. We founded "STEM Center USA" which offers engaging programs at our "Robotics Creativity Center", in- and after-school classes at local schools, and seasonal camps. Our program is for K-16 students who work on cross-platform robotics integrating all the STEM fields. We started with just a few students and in the last year alone have been able to reach thousands - and we hope this is just the beginning!

 We are so excited to present our Pi-Bot!

We engineered the Pi-Bot from the ground up through several design cycles to optimize function while staying affordable. We continue to work with students to make our designs appealing, and work with experts in the area of robotics to improve our designs.

We field tested our Pi-Bots with a small group of high school and college students. The response has been remarkable. This is the kit we wish we had growing up! 

Pi-Bot is unique:

• Modular platform for interchangeable sensors
• Standardized Arduino C programming
• Novel chassis design minimizes weight while maintaining strength
• Fully accessible microprocessor for easy connections
• Slide in battery pack
• Additional microprocessors can be used simply replacing the support plate
• Develops practical knowledge by using real electronic components
• All for a low cost!

Our laser-cut chassis ensures high precision and durability. The unique "Pi" shape is optimized to minimize weight with high strength.

We give you the flexibility to design your own projects with included line following and ultrasonic distance sensors. The modular chassis allows sensors to be moved and positioned for your convenience. No soldering is needed to fully construct your Pi-Bot!

We are currently developing an assortment of new sensors and motors for even more capabilities in the future. The Pi-Bot kit is flexible and can be used for years.

Just as humans rely on skeletons, robots need a solid chassis to move around. Our Pi-Bot shape was not born overnight. In fact, we didn't even set out to design a “Pi” shaped robot! We explored various shapes and sizes, experimented with multiple CAD models and tried out numerous laser-cutting test cycles. We considered everything from a boring, but easy to make, rectangular chassis all the way to a circular “Pie" Bot (where sensors would be added on like toppings). Here’s a look at some of our original designs and prototypes!

After reviewing many, many options, we discovered the Pi shape was the most functional, practical and elegant. Who knew a “π” could be the most efficient robot chassis possible!?

Even within the Pi shape itself, we had numerous iterations. Our final design was subjected to finite element analysis and optimization. Our original Pi-Bot was about 2 times the height and had 4 DC motors with wheels. Our Pi-Bot today has evolved into a much more aerodynamic and speedier version with a gearbox.

To thank contributors of $75 or more, we will send you the latest design of our Pi-Bot. You will be given detailed step-by-step instructions for easy robot assembly, wiring, and programming. The latest library of sample codes will be accessible to all contributors, which you can build upon for your personalized robot.

Please note that our Pi-Bot uses Arduino technology and does not involve Raspberry Pi.

Our kit includes:

• Pi-shaped acrylic chassis (made locally in the US)
• STEM board - Arduino compatible microcontroller
• USB cable
• Motor controller
• Gearbox
• Wheels
• Ball-bearing castor
• Ultrasonic distance sensor
• Line tracking sensor
• Mini-breadboard
• LEDs and resistors
• Wireset and jumpers
• Power switch
• Mounting brackets
• 4-AA battery holder
• Spacers and fasteners
• Easy to follow instructions
• No soldering required

 

To successfully reach out to robot builders everywhere, we need to scale up our production. This is where you can help us make this happen! Thank you for helping us bring the Pi-Bot to life!

Learn more about what we do at our STEM Center here and watch some students in action below: