Cubelets

Groups of the robotic cubes form a variety of shapes. — Reconfigurable robots. Photo: Modular Robotics

Cubelets are magnetic blocks that you can snap together to make an endless variety of robots with no programming and no wires. Cubelet-based robots can drive around on a tabletop, respond to light, sound, and temperature, and have surprisingly lifelike behavior.

Creator

Modular Robotics

Year

2012

Country

United States 🇺🇸

Categories

Features

Meet the Cubelets Discovery Set. Video: Modular Robotics

Did you know?

Each Cubelet is an 8-bit computer, which means that when they are snapped together in a robot construction, they form a computer network.

Four robotic cubes in hard casing with connecting pieces visible. — Each brick has a specific function. Photo: Modular Robotics

History

Cubelets were first introduced in 2010. They were created by startup Modular Robotics, a spin-off from Carnegie Mellon University, where founder Eric Schweikardt invented Cubelets while working on a PhD. Designed as easy-to-use snap-together blocks, Cubelets have found wide adoption in schools and STEM programs. In 2019, Modular Robotics acquired Dexter Industries, another educational robotics company. In addition to Cubelets, the company now offers several different robotics kits.

Two robotic cubes with a yellow piece attached to connect to Lego. — Cubelets can connect to Lego bricks. Photo: Modular Robotics

Specs

Overview: Modular design with magnetic faces for easy building. Each Cubelet is pre-programmed for a specific function that enables sensing, thinking, or acting. Powered by a single rechargeable Cubelet battery. Programming via Blockly or C. Features free educator resources online. Discovery Kit includes a Bluetooth Hat, which pairs robot creations with mobile devices.
Status: Ongoing
Year: 2012
Website: modrobotics.com
Width: 4.6 cm
Height: 4.6 cm (single Cubelet)
Length: 4.6 cm
Speed: 1.1 km/h (with Drive Cubelet)
Sensors: Custom sensors including infrared (IR) proximity sensor, thermistor temperature sensor, phototransistor light sensor, and potentiometer. Optional Bluetooth Hat (Discovery Kit).
Actuators: ET-SGM12 style dc gear motors
Materials: ABS plastic casings, stamped metal electrical contacts, neodymium magnets
Compute: PIC16 microcontroller (one per Cubelet)
Software: Cubelets pre-programmed with code. Modifications can be made using Blockly and C.
Power: 1050-mAh lithium-ion battery, up to 8 hours of operation
Cost: $140 (Discovery Set). Individual cubelets, educational packs, expansions, and accessories are also available.