The Experiential Robotics Platform combines an accessible hardware kit, multiple programming environments and educational resources for learning robotics.
SparkFun Electronics has opened pre-orders for the Experiential Robotics Platform (XRP) Kit, an open-source robotics platform developed through a collaboration between DEKA, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Raspberry Pi, STMicroelectronics, Digi-Key and Dagurobot. The platform combines a hardware kit, coding environment and online educational modules, designed for users across different ages and experience levels.
The hardware is designed around an XRP Controller Board featuring a Raspberry Pi Pico W as its main controller, along with a Qwiic connector for sensors and add-ons, motor drivers and expansion ports. The kit includes an ultrasonic distance sensor, wheels, a servo motor and a battery holder. It can operate using four AA batteries or an external power source of up to 11 V.
The hardware can be programmed using several development environments. The beginner-friendly Blockly provides a graphical programming option, while developers can use MicroPython or Arduino-based development with the Raspberry Pi Pico W. The project also provides access to online courses developed by Worcester Polytechnic Institute through its OpenSTEM initiative.
The hardware is designed as a no-screwdriver, no-soldering kit, making the system easy to assemble without specialised tools. The consortium launched the XRP Kit as a beta platform when pre-orders opened and plans to use feedback from early users to improve the platform.
SparkFun is accepting pre-orders for the XRP Kit at $114.95, while educators and FIRST teams can receive discounts of up to 43 per cent. The combination of open-source hardware, accessible programming options and educational resources provides a platform for exploring robotics and embedded systems.
