Robotics Workshop Plus Microbit - Thames & Kosmos

Build 14 Robots. Program Them. Advance from Block Code to Python. — Thames Kosmos Robotics Workshop with micro:bit

The Thames Kosmos Robotics Workshop with micro:bit is a comprehensive robotics and coding kit for young engineers aged 8–18+. 248 snap-together building pieces, a micro:bit microcontroller, two ultrasonic sensors, a servo motor, two direct-drive motors, and a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery combine to build 14 guided motorised robot models — then extend into open-ended robot design. Robots are programmed using MakeCode, a free web-based platform that supports block-based visual coding, Python, and JavaScript, so children can start with beginner-friendly blocks and advance to real programming languages as their skills grow. Ages 8–18+.

What’s in the Kit

• ✅ micro:bit microcontroller — housed in a smart controller; the brain of every robot; 25-LED display, built-in sensors for light, temperature, magnetism, movement, and sound; upload code via USB cable or Bluetooth
• ✅ 2 ultrasonic sensors — sonar-style distance detection; allow robots to detect and avoid obstacles
• ✅ 1 servo motor — precision movements with full motor control; accurate and powerful
• ✅ 2 direct-drive motors — drive robot movement; connect to gears, wheels, and building pieces
• ✅ Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery — integrated into the smart controller; no disposable batteries required
• ✅ 248 snap-together building pieces — durable, reusable; designed for both home and school use
• ✅ USB cable — for uploading code and charging
• ✅ 32-page full-colour manual — step-by-step illustrated building and programming instructions for the 14 guided builds
• ✅ Online resources — additional guided content, programming support, and project extensions

The Coding Progression: Blocks → Python → JavaScript

The Robotics Workshop uses MakeCode — Microsoft’s free, open-source coding platform available as a web app on any device (PC, tablet, Chromebook, iOS, Android). MakeCode supports three modes that represent a genuine coding progression:

• 🟦 Block-based visual coding — drag-and-drop code blocks with no syntax to memorise; the right entry point for children with no prior coding experience; children can program their first robot in the first session
• 🐍 Python — MakeCode allows children to switch from blocks to Python at any point, showing the equivalent Python code for every block program they’ve built; a natural transition that makes Python feel like a readable extension of what they already know
• 🟨 JavaScript — also available within MakeCode; children working toward web development or software engineering will find JavaScript directly applicable to real-world use

This progression means the kit has genuine long-term relevance: a child who starts at age 8 with block coding can return to the same kit at 12 and explore Python, then again at 15 with JavaScript, always with new challenges to tackle.

Student Workbook (sample)

Teacher Guide (sample) 

The micro:bit — What It Does

The micro:bit is an award-winning pocket-sized microcontroller designed for education, developed by the BBC and now widely used in schools. In this kit it serves as the robot’s brain, controlling motors and sensors based on the code children upload to it. Its built-in hardware includes:

• 25-LED display — for displaying outputs, messages, and feedback from sensor readings
• Light sensor — detects ambient light levels; used in light-following or light-avoiding robot programs
• Temperature sensor — reads ambient temperature; usable as a trigger for robot behaviour
• Magnetometer — detects magnetic fields; functions as a compass
• Accelerometer / movement sensor — detects orientation, tilt, and movement; allows gesture-controlled robot programming
• Microphone / sound sensor — sound-activated triggers for robot behaviour
• Bluetooth — for wireless code upload from a tablet or phone

Watch It in Action

Good to Know Before You Buy

• Recommended age: 8–18+
• Brand: Thames Kosmos
• Guided builds: 14 motorised robot models
• Experiments: 20
• Pieces: 248
• Manual: 32-page full-colour illustrated guide + online resources
• Coding platform: MakeCode (free, web-based; no installation required)
• Coding languages: Block-based, Python, JavaScript
• Microcontroller: micro:bit (included in smart controller)
• Battery: Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion (included); charges via USB
• Device required: Tablet (iOS or Android) and/or PC with internet access for MakeCode
• Year released: 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my child need coding experience to start?

No — MakeCode’s block-based visual coding mode is designed for complete beginners. Children drag and drop code blocks to program their robots without needing to know any syntax. The manual and online resources guide the first builds step by step, and children can program their first working robot in the first session. Prior coding experience helps with the Python and JavaScript modes but is not required to start.

What device does it need?

MakeCode runs as a free web app — any device with a modern browser and internet access works: PC, Mac, tablet (iOS or Android), or Chromebook. There are no software downloads or system requirements beyond a browser. Code is uploaded to the micro:bit via USB cable (included) or wirelessly via Bluetooth.

Is the micro:bit included?

Yes — the micro:bit is included and pre-integrated into the smart controller housing. You do not need to purchase a micro:bit separately. The smart controller also houses the built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery.

Is it a good gift?

Yes — it’s a premium gift for children aged 8 and up who are serious about robotics, coding, or engineering. The 8–18+ age range reflects genuine long-term relevance: the kit grows with the child from block coding at age 8 through Python and JavaScript in the teenage years. A strong gift for children who are already interested in how robots or computers work, or who are ready to move from passive screen time to building and programming their own devices.