Parallax Education Robot Features
All of the Parallax Education Robotics Kits were carefully designed with the needs of teachers and students in mind. With the exception of the pre-built Scribbler 2, our robotics kits include these features:
- Step-by-step illustrated tutorials to support first-time circuit-builders and programmers
- Breadboard-based circuit-building with no soldering required
- Common electronic parts an engineer might use for prototyping, to build real-world skills
- Standard 0.1″ pin spacing — No brand-specific special connectors required
- Expandable with many hardware add-on kits, sensors, and additional projects available
- Sturdy hardware with slots for attaching student-made customizations
- Designed for open-ended experiences — after mastering the basics, students can design their own inventions
- Maintainable – all kit components are available individually to replenish classroom hardware
Our programming software is free for educational, personal, and commercial use — no limited-feature “student” versions or site licenses required.
Scribbler 3 Robot
A friendly and approachable first-time robot. Students dive right in and stay engaged — no construction distraction or typing/language hurdles.
- Fully assembled
- Sensors detect objects, lines, and light level.
- Motors, speaker and lights provide feedback.
- Pre-programmed with several demo modes.
- Create simple or complex programs with blocks that snap together.
- Propeller multi-core microcontroller “brain.”
- Recommended for grades 8+.
Learn more…
- S3 Robot Tutorials
- S3 Robot in the Parallax Store
- BlocklyProp Programming Tool
- Scribbler S3 GUI Software
Boe-Bot Robot
Students learn real-world mechanical, electronics, robotics, and programming skills as they bring their robot to life, one illustrated step at a time.
- Step-by-step assembly (1-2 hours).
- Sensors use touch, visible light, and infrared light.
- Program in PBASIC, a very easy text-based language.
- BASIC Stamp 2 single-core microcontroller “brain.”
- Recommended for grades 8+.
Learn More...
- PBASIC Programming with the BASIC Stamp
- “What’s a Microcontroller?” Activities with Boe-Bot Parts
- Boe-Bot Robot Tutorial
- BSA Robotics Merit Badge with the Boe-Bot
- Boe-Bot Educators Course
- Boe-Bot Kits & Add-ons in the Parallax Store
ActivityBot
Our most capable small robot. Its multi-core “brain” and custom C libraries let even first-time roboticists put together sophisticated applications. A great pre-engineering foundation robot.
- Step-by-step assembly (1.5-3 hours).
- Sensors use touch, visible light, infrared light, and ultrasound.
- Built-in circuitry for optional wireless and audio applications.
- Program in C, with simple libraries to support first-time programmers.
- Propeller multicore microcontroller “brain.”
- Recommended for grades 9+.
Learn More…
- C Programming with the Multicore Propeller
- Introducing the Multicore Propeller Brain
- Propeller C Program Overview
- Propeller C Tutorials
- ActivityBot Tutorial
- ActivityBot in the Parallax store
BOE Shield-Bot
A beginner-level robot that introduces real-world mechanical, electronics, robotics, and programming skills. Similar to our Boe-Bot robot, modified to support Arduino users.
- Step-by-step assembly (1-2 hours).
- Sensors use touch, visible light, infrared light.
- Program with Arduino sketches and custom functions for easy navigation.
- Compatible with Arduino Uno and Mega modules.
- Available in two versions:
- Robotics Shield Kit (for Arduino) – kit does not include the Arduino module and its programming cable.
- Robot Shield with Arduino – kit includes the Arduino Uno and programming cable.
- Recommended for grades 8+.
Learn More…
- BOE Shield Tutorials
- BOE Shield in the Parallax Store
- Robotics Shield Kit in the Parallax Store
- Robot Shield with Arduino in the Parallax Store