ELECFREAKS
Smart Cutebot Pro

Introduction

Students are introduced to the Cutebot Pro platform and write their first motor-control program. This foundational case establishes the connection between code blocks and physical movement — making the car drive forward, backward, and stop on command.

Teaching Objectives

• Connect the Cutebot Pro to the micro:bit and open the MakeCode extension
• Use motor control blocks to drive the car forward, reverse, and stop
• Build confidence writing and downloading programs to a physical robot

Introduction

This lesson introduces graphical programming and encoder motors. Students learn how to write programs that control the exact distance the cart travels — leveraging the Pro's encoder motors for precise, repeatable movement.

Teaching Objectives

• Comprehend fundamental concepts of graphical programming and encoder motors
• Use MakeCode to create programs that control the exact distance travelled by the trolley

Introduction

Students explore motor control and turning techniques by programming the Cutebot Pro to travel along a perfect square path — applying encoder precision to achieve a closed, accurate trajectory using right-angle and arc turns.

Teaching Objectives

• Master controlling the car's forward, backward, and stopping movements
• Understand right-angle and circular arc turning methods
• Program the car to follow a complete square trajectory

Introduction

Students explore motor control and noise sensors by creating a sound-activated smart car. They learn to control the trolley's forward, backward, and stop functions using the micro:bit's sound sensor — applying acoustic principles to vehicle operation.

Teaching Objectives

• Understand motor control principles for managing car movement in multiple directions
• Learn how noise sensors function and their real-world applications
• Control car speed and direction based on detected sound intensity

Introduction

Students explore motor control and RGB light management by constructing a smart racing car with dynamic lighting effects. They integrate driving behaviours with programmable Rainbow LEDs to produce vivid, rainbow-like light displays during operation.

Teaching Objectives

• Understand RGB light principles — colour mixing, brightness, and control methods
• Integrate motor control with RGB lighting to produce rainbow effects while driving

Introduction

Students build an intelligent vehicle lighting system. When ambient light dims, the headlights automatically switch on; when it brightens, they switch off. This project incorporates light detection, RGB lighting control, and the photovoltaic effect.

Teaching Objectives

• Understand how micro:bit detects surrounding light intensity
• Learn about the photovoltaic effect and its practical applications
• Master light-triggered LED control using micro:bit and Cutebot Pro
• Understand RGB primary colour theory and RGB light control techniques

Introduction

Students program the Cutebot Pro to navigate a preset grid pattern. This case applies encoder motor precision to achieve controlled movements with exact step counts and distances — building a foundation for structured path planning and algorithmic thinking.

Teaching Objectives

• Understand the principles and methods of trolley motor control
• Apply encoder distance control to navigate predetermined grid patterns
• Develop algorithmic thinking for sequential movement planning

Introduction

Students learn graphical programming and ultrasonic sensor applications. They program the Cutebot Pro to detect and autonomously avoid obstacles while developing understanding of conditional logic, branching, and Boolean operations — fundamentals of intelligent autonomous systems.

Teaching Objectives

• Comprehend conditional logic, branching, and Boolean programming concepts
• Learn how ultrasonic sensors function and their real-world applications
• Detect obstacles and create corresponding avoidance programs

Introduction

Students program the Cutebot Pro to autonomously trail another object while maintaining consistent spacing. The project integrates graphical programming with ultrasonic sensor technology — a practical introduction to autonomous driving and distance-responsive systems.

Teaching Objectives

• Comprehend how ultrasonic sensors measure distance and their practical applications
• Use graphical programming to implement a fixed-distance car-following behaviour

Introduction

Students are introduced to line-tracking sensor functionality by building a smart vehicle that follows a line on the included map. The lesson demonstrates how the 4-way infrared sensor works and combines it with conditional programming for reliable autonomous navigation.

Teaching Objectives

• Grasp conditional logic and Boolean operators in a practical context
• Learn how line-following sensors operate and their real-world applications
• Construct a Cutebot Pro capable of reliable autonomous line-following

Introduction

Students apply the PID (Proportional, Integral, Derivative) control algorithm to improve the Cutebot Pro's line-following performance. This advanced case bridges basic sensor programming and real-world control theory — developing logical thinking and engineering problem-solving skills.

Teaching Objectives

• Master decision-making, branching, and logical operations in programming
• Understand how line-following sensors function in autonomous navigation
• Comprehend PID control principles and implement them for improved line-following performance

Introduction

Students learn to use the accelerometer feature of one micro:bit to wirelessly control the Cutebot Pro's movement. Both the controller and the car require separate programming to establish communication — giving students hands-on experience with radio protocols and sensor-driven control.

Teaching Objectives

• Utilise micro:bit accelerometer data to generate wireless control signals
• Implement radio communication between two micro:bit devices
• Convert acceleration/tilt values into motor speed and direction commands
• Understand how physical tilt angles translate to directional control and velocity

Introduction

Students build an infrared remote-controlled car using the Cutebot Pro's IR receiver module. This lesson enables learners to understand infrared remote control technology by constructing and programming a car operated through a handheld IR remote — exploring the mechanisms behind wireless control systems.

Teaching Objectives

• Understand how infrared remote control technology transmits and receives signals
• Use an IR remote to command the car's driving directions and speed
• Gain practical skills in implementing wireless control on a mobile robotic platform

Introduction

Students remotely operate the Cutebot Pro using a Joystick:bit game controller. This lesson explores wireless pairing, micro:bit radio communication protocols, and vehicle control mechanics — providing hands-on experience with a dedicated game-style controller for driving a smart car.

Teaching Objectives

• Learn wireless pairing techniques between micro:bit devices and the Joystick:bit controller
• Understand the wireless communication technology used for remote-control car operations
• Master driving control methods — forward, backward, and steering — via the Joystick:bit