In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through how to program the Cutebot using MakeCode, a beginner-friendly graphical programming platform. Whether you’re new to robotics or an experienced coder, MakeCode offers an easy way to control your robot without writing complex code. By the end of this guide, you'll be able to program your Cutebot to respond to different light levels, making it more interactive and fun to use.

We’ll start by setting up MakeCode and adding the necessary extensions for the Cutebot. Then, we’ll go step by step through building a simple program that controls the robot’s LED headlights based on the surrounding light conditions. You’ll also learn how the OnStart and Forever blocks work, ensuring that your robot runs smoothly every time it powers on. This approach makes it easy to understand fundamental robotics concepts while creating an engaging and functional project.

No prior coding experience? No problem! MakeCode's drag-and-drop interface allows anyone to get started quickly. However, if you want to take things a step further, you can also explore Python programming for more advanced control. So, let’s dive in and start coding your Cutebot with MakeCode!

Understanding CuteBot

The Cutebot comes in a compact and neatly arranged box, making it easy to store and transport. Upon opening, you’ll find:

All components are designed for easy plug-and-play assembly, meaning no prior experience is required to get started. Whether you are a young student, a teacher, or a hobbyist, this kit ensures a smooth and enjoyable learning experience.

Main Components of the ELECFREAKS Cutebot

The Cutebot is more than just a simple robot car—it’s packed with advanced features that allow for creative and educational experiments. Here’s what you get:

Assembling and Programming the Cutebot

One of the best things about the ELECFREAKS Cutebot is how easy it is to assemble and program. The plug-and-play components mean you don’t need any additional tools to get started. Simply attach the ultrasonic sensor, insert the battery pack, and you’re good to go!

Programming with MakeCode, MicroPython, and More

The Cutebot supports multiple programming languages, making it accessible to users of all skill levels. Here’s how you can start coding:

• MakeCode (Block-based coding): Perfect for beginners and kids. You can drag and drop blocks to create fun and interactive programs.
• MicroPython (Text-based coding): Ideal for users who want to explore more advanced programming.
• JavaScript and MicroBlock: For those looking to experiment beyond basic coding.

ELECFREAKS WIKI – A Great Learning Resource

ELECFREAKS provides an extensive online WIKI with tutorials, sample codes, and step-by-step guides for setting up the Cutebot. Whether you are a teacher integrating this into a classroom setting or a student learning independently, this resource is invaluable.

MakeCode Programming – A Simple Guide

Guys, now let me show you how easy it is to code this robot! One way to code this robot is by using MakeCode. Simply search for MakeCode on Google, and you should be able to see the official link. Click on that.

If you want, you can create an account, but for now, I’m skipping that step. Simply click on New Project, give your project a name (let’s call it “Cutebot”), and click Create.

On the left side, you’ll see some basic functions. Now, we need to add an extension for Cutebot. In the search bar on top, type “Cutebot” and hit enter. You’ll see two options: Cutebot and Cutebot pro. For now, select Cutebot, as that’s the one we’re using.

Once added, you’ll see a new Cutebot extension in the left menu. Click on it, and you’ll find all the functions supported by our Cutebot.

Now, let’s create some blocks to see how this works. You’ll mainly see two blocks:

On start – This works like the setup()...