Overview Xiaomi Mitu Builder DIY - Chinese competitor LEGO, which teach programming
Devices / / December 19, 2019
Xiaomi Company has decided to try their hand at creating an ecosystem for learning robotics and programming. The result had been an interesting multi-designer for all age groups, in no way inferior to LEGO.
It seems, Xiaomi produces almost everything. Now the company has introduced its own version of LEGO. In contrast to the usual Chinese sets, Mitu Builder DIY is not a copy, and in-house development with a variety of non-standard solutions.
What is Xiaomi Mitu Builder DIY
Set includes 978 pieces made in discreet and pleasant colors. The manufacturer claims that the parts are made from environmentally friendly and hypoallergenic material. Check it at home is difficult, but subjectively they do not smell, have good strength and does not scratch.
Most of the parts - and a copy of LEGO LEGO Creator. Excellent compatibility, accuracy is not worse than the original.
The kit includes a mass of mechanical elements, including fasteners, gears, bridges, wheels.
In addition, the kit includes two servo (chassis) with different holes and pads for mounting parts designer. Each motor has a torque of 24 N ยท cm and a rotation speed of 133 rpm.
All this is going to work, and by the control unit.
The main element of the set - the control unit
The trim body hides a processor, speakers and battery designer. In Mitu Builder DIY installed processor ARM Cortex-M3 with a clock frequency of 72 MHz and 32MB RAM. The fundamental difference from the majority of the mobile processor at a basic level is not noticeable.
On the front of the unit is a power button and a status indicator.
On the back part there are four ports USB Type-C. Each can be used both for charging and for connecting external devices from a set of standard and optional infrared and ultrasonic sensors.
There is also a gyroscope built into the control unit, which is needed for the construction of the main figures.
Battery capacity of 1650 mAh rigidly fixed in a separate compartment. Her charge will last for a few days of active play.
The assembly, which can handle even a child
Assembly instructions visual, colorful and very detailed. Despite the enormous amount of detail, if desired by the paper guide constructor can even raise a child 7-8 years old.
The lack of a set - excessive precision of details. After their compounds parse becomes a difficult construction with each other. Here the child can not handle, though Mitu Builder DIY positioned as a designer for children 10-14 years.
On the other hand, the assembly of such a toy - a great way to spend time with children.
What can Xiaomi Mitu Builder DIY
Xiaomi Mitu Builder DIY assembly involves four options:
- Mech;
- dinosaur;
- motorcycle;
- starship.
Only fighting robot can be collected on paper instructions. To assemble the rest of the toys you need to install a special application on the smartphone.
We were limited to the basic version and have decided to collect the robot. It took almost half a day. Delays because adults love LEGO nothing less than children.
To ready the robot stood up and began to move, just press the button on the front of the control unit. Built gyroscope allows the robot to compensate for variations in the motion and always remain in the vertical position.
When driving in spinning toy guns associated with belt-drive chassis. Break it just will not work - construction designed for shipping up to three kilograms.
Programming and control via smartphone
Control set collected is carried via the smartphone and the preset application (reference to it is located on the QR-code instructions). Smartphone can be any. The main thing - the presence of Bluetooth.
The application works on devices running Android 4.3 or higher and iOS 6 and above. After installing the application you will need to enter your account information or create a new Mi.
After a successful connection is displayed charge robot battery percentage on top of the application. Total available three modes:
- route planning mode. You draw on the screen of the smartphone route that follows the toy.
- Controller mode. The screen displays the familiar game pad with intuitive controls.
- robot programming mode. It allows you to set and cycles in using the finished cubes and reminds present block programming microcontrollers.
Each mode is good in its own way, but it makes programming Mitu Builder DIY in a visual tutorial. It is possible to program the motion, the action and by connecting external sensor response even toys.
Inexpensive set for the future of robotics
Xiaomi Mitu Builder DIY - a good way to introduce a child to the world of robotics and the Internet of things. In addition, these designers develop thinking, fine motor skills and imagination and engineering to help sort out the mechanics.
If we talk about the purchase of practicality, the Mitu Builder DIY completely similar to LEGO Mindstorms and even compatible with them parts. But the difference is that the original set is worth more than 20 thousand rubles, and also suggests a more complex programming.
Price Xiaomi Mitu Builder DIY - $ 115 (Using the coupon MITU), Which is less than half the price of LEGO. Unfortunately, the LEGO offers a great opportunity to extend the basic functionality: you can buy separate sensors, extra batteries, generators. This is one of the most advanced robotics kits for practicing.
Xiaomi far only announced the sale of add-ons and spare parts. But Mitu Builder DIY easier management from your smartphone, intuitive programming, standard interfaces. This set is easier for a beginner and it is here that should get acquainted with robotics.