The DFRobot Maqueen Plus V3 (Ranging Edition) is an advanced BBC micro:bit-compatible STEM robot chassis featuring encoder motors, a front-mounted SR04 ultrasonic distance sensor, 4-channel IR line tracking, programmable RGB LEDs, and Gravity I2C expansion ports. Designed to plug in a micro:bit controller with no soldering, it supports MakeCode block programming for beginners and MicroPython for more advanced coding. The ultrasonic sensor enables autonomous obstacle detection and avoidance — a core robotics behavior taught at competition and classroom level. Specifications Compatible Controller: BBC micro:bit V1 / V2 Motors: 2x DC gear motors with encoder feedback Ultrasonic Sensor: SR04 ultrasonic distance sensor (front-mounted) Line Tracking: 4x IR line-following sensors RGB LEDs: Onboard programmable RGB LEDs for visual feedback Buzzer: Onboard buzzer for sound alerts Communication: I2C, Gravity expansion ports Power: 3.7V LiPo battery (included or sold separately) Programming: MakeCode (block), MicroPython, Arduino Chassis: Acrylic / ABS two-wheel drive platform Key Features Ultrasonic ranging sensor enables autonomous obstacle detection and avoidance 4-channel IR line following for multi-lane and complex track navigation Encoder-equipped motors allow speed control and distance-based motion Plug-in micro:bit design — insert the micro:bit controller and start coding immediately Gravity I2C expansion ports for adding sensors (color, gas, humidity, etc.) MakeCode block programming ideal for beginners; MicroPython for advanced projects Programmable RGB LEDs and buzzer for interactive robot behaviors Comprehensive tutorial documentation with step-by-step lessons Applications STEM coding education for ages 10 and above Autonomous obstacle avoidance robot Line-following competition robot Programmable robotic car with sensor experiments Classroom robotics curriculum with MakeCode Science fair and maker event robot demonstrations Introduction to robotics and mechatronics Beginner to intermediate robot programming challenges Package Includes 1x DFRobot Maqueen Plus V3 Robot Chassis 1x Ultrasonic Sensor Module (SR04) Note: BBC micro:bit controller sold separately. Battery may be included or sold separately depending on variant. FAQ Q: Is the micro:bit included? A: No — the BBC micro:bit controller is sold separately. The robot chassis is designed for micro:bit V1 and V2. Q: Can I program it with Python? A: Yes — MicroPython on micro:bit is fully supported. Use the Maqueen extension in MakeCode for block programming. Q: How do I add more sensors? A: Use the Gravity I2C expansion ports to add any DFRobot Gravity sensor module. Q: Is it suitable for robot competitions? A: Yes — the line following and obstacle avoidance features make it suitable for beginner robot competitions. Q: What age group is this for? A: Recommended for ages 10+ in classroom or home STEM learning environments.