Experiential Robotics Platform (XRP) Moves Out of Beta Phase!
Expanding on the wide-ranging success of the beta version, the Experiential Robotics Platform gets a host of feature upgrades to support the next generation of STEM leaders.
Hello and happy Friday, everyone! We are here with an exciting new announcement coming off the heels for our Teensy news yesterday. Our incredibly popular XRP has moved out of its Beta phase and is now fully released! It's hard to understate just how much we love this educational robotics platform and we are unbelievably happy with it moving to the next step of its next step.
$119.95
The Experiential Robotics Platform (XRP) is a hands-on, comprehensive robotics platform. It includes everything needed to build and program a robot to perform beginner through advanced tasks - building the foundation for innovative thinking, science, engineering, and problem-solving. The platform focuses on four pillars:
Hardware Kit: Easily assemble a robust and expandable robot platform with tool-free construction and versatile integration for sensors and actuators.
Programming Environment: Utilize a multi-language coding experience with Blockly, Python, and WPILib, providing a user-friendly interface for all skill levels.
Online Modules and Projects: To master robotics concepts, follow a structured learning path with engaging challenges and comprehensive resources.
Technical Forum: Access community-driven support, expert assistance, and collaborative opportunities within a dedicated technical forum.
The plastics and chassis have been significantly enhanced over the Beta XRP! Improved snap-fit components and optimized 3D-printing compatibility make assembling the XRP remarkably easier. Thanks to improved durability, a redesigned battery holder, and versatile mounting options, the XRP has also become more robust and user-friendly.
This kit is also offered as a set of 10 option!
The SparkFun XRP Controller has been significantly improved over the Beta XRP Controller! It features a Raspberry Pi® RP2350B dual-core processor; 16MB of flash and 8MB of PSRAM; low-power accelerometer + gyroscope 6-DoF IMU (LSM6DSOX from STMicroelectronics®); two Qwiic® connectors for easy integration of sensors and accessories; two dual-channel motor drivers for four motors total; four servo headers; a user button; a full-color RGB LED; 0.1in. headers for electrical expansion possibilities, and more. Wireless connectivity is available via a Raspberry Pi® RM2 radio module, enabling 2.4GHz WiFi and Bluetooth for remote control and IoT projects.
This more economical DIY version of the XRP Kit does NOT come with a chassis. Encouraging you to print and use your own. The DIY XRP Kit still provides the rest of the essential hardware to build and program your robot, though!
This kit is also offered in sets of 10 and sets of 30 options!
With this new and improved XRP Chassis, you can unleash your robotic creativity and use the 3D-printed foundation used in the popular XRP Kit. This standalone kit is the perfect option if you can't 3D-print your chassis, as it provides a sturdy and versatile platform for building your bot!
The kit's core is a single-piece frame with all other parts conveniently attached. Dedicated clips for sensors ensure an easy starting point for users, while a lifter mechanism with a hook and clip assembly opens doors for diverse manipulation tasks for advanced robots.
Anyone familiar with the Raspberry Pi Pico development boards has likely seen the various HAT (Hardware Attached on Top) accessory boards. If you are like us, you've likely encountered a simple design limitation: The HATs can only be connected in a single orientation!
Whether a HAT is attached above or below a Raspberry Pi Pico, they all have a fixed orientation. At SparkFun, we have devised a simple solution to this problem: the SparkFun Pico Add-On Flipper for XRP. Our Pico Add-On Flipper takes the standard pin out for any Raspberry Pi Pico development board and flips it over as if you had physically rotated it over (facing down).
In case you missed yesterday's announcement, SparkFun Electronics is now the sole manufacturer and sales channel partner for PJRC's beloved Teensy® line! This exciting partnership solidifies our long-standing collaboration with PJRC and brings the production of these powerful little boards right here to our headquarters in Boulder, Colorado.
Ready to dive into the world of Teensy®? Visit our dedicated ecosystem page to learn more about the available boards and resources.
Phew... That's it for this week. As always, we can't wait to see what you make! Shoot us a tweet @sparkfun, or let us know on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn. Please be safe out there, be kind to one another! Happy hacking!
