BugBot

BugBot is a compact robot built for learning, prototyping, and classroom use.

• Omnidirectional drive — the robot can move in any direction without turning first
• Computer vision — the robot can see and identify objects around it
• Depth sensing — the robot can sense the surrounding space to build a map and avoid obstacles
• Motion tracking — know where the robot has been and where it is now
• Wireless — control the robot from your PC with no cables

All controllable from Python with a few lines of code.

from bugbot import Robot

with Robot(0) as bot:
    bot.led("green")
    bot.forward(50)          # drive forward at 50% speed
    import time; time.sleep(2)
    bot.stop()

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• Getting Started

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  Install the library, pair your robot, and run your first program in about ten minutes.

  Getting Started

• Lessons

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  Self-guided coding activities — run the code, see what happens, then tackle the challenges.

  Lessons

• Hardware

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  Components, pin assignments, I2C bus, sensors, and memory layout.

  Hardware

• Python Library

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  Full API reference for the Robot and Dongle classes, motion commands, sensors, and exceptions.

  Python Library

• Protocol

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  ESP-NOW wire protocol, COBS framing, packet formats, and firmware internals.

  Protocol Reference

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What's inside the box

Drive	4× DC motors via TB6612FNG drivers
Depth	VL53L5CX 8 × 8 ToF, 30 Hz, up to ~4 m
Vision	OV5640 camera with AprilTag detection for absolute position
IMU	BMI270 (primary) + BNO055 (9-axis), 200 Hz odometry
Optical flow	PMW3360 motion sensor breakout
Wireless	ESP-NOW over 2.4 GHz, via BugBot USB dongle
CPU	XIAO ESP32-S3 Sense — 240 MHz, 8 MB Flash, 8 MB PSRAM