Kitronik Mai-Z The MouseBot

Smart, playful, and packed with potential, meet Mai-Z, the ultimate programmable robot buggy for young coders aged 8-14! Whether it?s drawing shapes, following paths, or responding to motion, your young learners are in the driver?s seat, literally! Designed for hands-on learning, the Kitronik Mai-Z is a versatile educational robot built for the BBC micro:bit

Designed for hands-on learning, the Kitronik Mai-Z is a versatile educational robot built for the BBC micro:bit. Whether you're diving into coding with MakeCode’s block-based editor or exploring a world beyond monitor screens with Kitronik's exclusive Screen-Free Programming add-on pack, Mai-Z makes STEM learning intuitive and fun. It’s even fully compatible with MakeCode CreateAI, allowing for gesture-based control and AI-powered coding right out of the box. Aligned with UK and US curricula, Mai-Z empowers both learners and teachers to master core computing concepts through interactive, project-based activities.

Mai-Z has an impressive array of features, and each feature provides a new and exciting learning opportunity. Features include:

• Line-Following Sensors: Have Mai-Z follow a line to a destination using the three (3) on-board line following sensors
• Central Pen Holder: Give Mai-Z a pen and create masterpieces with your code
• Distance Sensors: Ultrasonic sensors make it easy to code collisions avoidance and use distance measurements
• Cliff Edge Detection: Use the line following sensors to sense the edge of a table before Mai-Z falls off
• Onboard Speaker: Have Mai-Z give you audible feedback, beep a horn, or even sing a song!
• Sturdy Chassis: The enclosed design that even covers the inserted micro:bit is well-tested and sturdy
• USB-C Rechargeable: No batteries required! Every Mai-Z comes with a USB-A to USB-C Charging Cable

Make full use of your micro:bit’s built-in tech. From accelerometer-based steering to compass-guided driving, Mai-Z makes robotics interactive and exciting. You can even control the Mousebot with gestures via MakeCode CreateAI. The motors driving Mai-Z's wheels are specifically designed for steady straight-line driving, which makes things such as line following and obstacle avoidance a smooth experience.

Mai-Z is a feature-rich, robot Mouse buggy designed to make coding and robotics accessible, hands-on, and engaging for students aged 8–14. Developed for use with the BBC micro:bit, Mai-Z supports both MakeCode block-based programming and screen-free coding via our innovative Screen-Free Programming Pack, perfect for flexible learning environments. Whether you’re teaching in a classroom, running a STEM club, or looking for inclusive, progressive tech tools, Mai-Z offers a low-barrier of entry into computing and robotics, with room to grow into more complex challenges, including AI integration via MakeCode CreateAI.

Mai-Z has been engineered to drive straight, turn precise angles and travel specific controlled distances (unlike many other programmable buggies). We have done this by continuously monitoring motor encoder data, enabling Mai-Z to automatically adjust for any deviations in position or turning speed, ensuring precise and consistent movement. The result? Exceptionally smooth, precise movement that feels effortless and refined.

Power: Mai-Z features a Standard USB-C Charging Port. Mai-Z will charge regardless of the status of the power switch, and can be safely used whilst it is being charged. The charger must be capable of providing 5V, at least 1A over a USB-C Connection.

Highlights:

• Mai-Z, the ultimate programmable robot buggy for young coders aged 8–14!
• Code Mai-Z with MakeCode drag-and-drop block-based coding.
• Code Mai Z with Screen-Free Coding add-on pack: No screens? No problem. Use the code blocks and recorder board for hands-on, unplugged programming, perfect for younger learners.
• Line-following, edge-detecting & distance sensors.
• 4 x programmable ZIP LEDs.
• Onboard speaker + USB-C rechargeable LiPo battery.
• Pen holder & ball scoop for creative and competitive tasks.
• Edge connector for attaching the BBC micro:bit to Mai-z.
• Easy access to micro:bit A/B buttons.
• Status LED, on/off switch & smooth.
• Smooth and accurate motor control.
• Teaching resources are aligned for both US & UK teaching.
• Great for coding clubs, STEM lessons, and home learning.
• Make full use of your micro:bit’s built-in tech. From accelerometer-based steering to compass-guided driving, Mai-Z makes robotics interactive and exciting.

Contents:

• 1 x Kitronik Mai-Z the MouseBot for BBC micro:bit.
• 1 x 20cm USB A to USB C charging cable.
• 1 x A6 2-sided fold-out sheet
  • Side 1: Full set of Instructions.
  • Side 2: Line following track.

Physical Specifications:

• Length: 117mm.
• Width: 105mm.
• Height: 45mm.