Experiential Robotics Platform (XRP) Kit - Beta

The Experiential Robotics Platform (XRP) is a comprehensive robotics package that provides everything necessary to construct and program a robot. The platform offers a progression from fundamental robotics to advanced tasks such as driving, line following, sensor usage, and robotic arm manipulation. It even allows for the construction of an autonomous delivery robot.

The XRP's coding environment includes Blockly tools/libraries, Python, and the FIRST ® Robotics coding development tool, WPILib. The hardware kit is easy to assemble and requires no tools. The platform also includes online activities and modules that build upon each other, making it a suitable learning tool for middle and high school students and beginners. It also acts as a starting point for customizing the robot in numerous ways.

The XRP hardware kit includes the XRP Controller Board, which has an on-board Raspberry Pi® Pico W featuring the RP2040 microcontroller, a 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 in total, two servo headers, a momentary button switch, and more. Additionally, the kit includes an ultrasonic rangefinder, line follower, two motors with encoders, a servo motor, Qwiic cables, chassis and plastic parts, two wheels, two casters, and a battery holder. The robot can be powered by 4xAA batteries (not included in the kit) or any supply up to 11V 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 to solve real-world robotics challenges.

The 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.

The kit includes: 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, and 1x XRP Sticker Sheet.

For more information, refer to the XRP Robotics Platform Home Page for online modules, coding environment, and more detailed information. You can also refer to the XRP Hardware Overview and the XRP Controller GitHub Repository. If you need the XRP Chassis 3D Printing Files, they are available as well.