DFRobot
Building Block Expansion Board for micro:bit & UNIHIKER K10
· MPN: MBT0044
This expansion board turns a micro:bit or UNIHIKER K10 into a cable-free robotics controller for mobile builds. It provides onboard power from a user-replace...
This expansion board turns a micro:bit or UNIHIKER K10 into a cable-free robotics controller for mobile builds. It provides onboard power from a user-replaceable 18650 cell slot and breaks out motor, servo, Gravity IO and I2C connections for adding sensors, displays, AI cameras and actuators.
The underside uses a LEGO-compatible base with standard spacing holes, so the electronics can snap onto beams and plates instead of being taped to a chassis. The board also includes onboard power and charging indicator LEDs, plus four programmable RGB LEDs for project feedback.
Charging can be handled via USB Type-C, MicroUSB or the PH2.0 solar port, making it useful for classroom robots, interactive LEGO-style mechanisms and outdoor environmental monitors. DFRobot provides a product wiki for setup guidance.
Compatibility note: This version is designed for micro:bit and UNIHIKER K10. If you are using UNIHIKER M10, a specific data cable is required; DFRobot recommends the UNIHIKER M10 Bundle Kit instead.
Features:
- Cable-Free Mobility: Integrated rechargeable 18650 battery holder can power both the main controller and high-torque motors without a USB tether.
- Seamless LEGO Integration: Standard LEGO-compatible base snaps securely onto beams and plates, reducing the need for adhesives or tape.
- Plug-and-play Gravity ports: Connect motors, servos, sensors or AI cameras with less complex wiring.
- Mobile Robots: Build a line-following car or obstacle-avoiding rover that runs completely wireless.
- Interactive LEGO Cities: Motorise elevators, gates or windmills that react to sensors.
- AI Companions: Mount a HUSKYLENS and K10 to create a pet robot that recognises its owner.
- Solar Projects: Use the PH2.0 solar port to create self-charging environmental monitors.
Specifications:
- Controller Compatibility: micro:bit (V1 & V2)
- Controller Compatibility: UNIHIKER K10 (Direct Plug-in)
- Battery: Slot for 1x 3.7V 18650 Lithium Battery (User Replaceable)
- Charging: USB Type-C, MicroUSB, or Solar (PH2.0)
- Status: Onboard Power & Charging Indicator LEDs
- Motors: 4x DC Motor Ports (PH2.0)
- Servos: 4x Servo Ports (PH2.0)
- Sensors: 2x Digital/Analog IO (Gravity Standard)
- I2C: 1x 3.3V I2C + 1x 5V I2C (Great for AI Cameras/OLEDs)
- LEGO-Compatible Base: Standard spacing holes
- Onboard RGB: 4x Programmable LEDs
- Dimensions: 62mm x 88mm (Compact credit-card size footprint)
Includes one Building Block Expansion Board for micro:bit & UNIHIKER K10.
Jargon buster
Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.
- 18650 cell
- An 18650 cell is a cylindrical rechargeable lithium-ion battery size, about 18 mm wide and 65 mm long. Products that use 18650 cells usually require the correct number, orientation, and safe handling of user-installed batteries.
- Gravity
- Gravity is DFRobot’s plug-in connector system for sensors, motors and modules, using standard cables to reduce loose jumper wiring. It matters because Gravity-compatible parts can connect directly to these ports, while non-Gravity parts may need adapters or manual wiring.
- I2C
- I2C is a two-wire communication bus used by many sensors and small modules. It matters because several I2C devices can share the same two wires, but each device needs a compatible address and your controller must support I2C.
- RGB
- Short for red, green and blue, usually referring to an LED that can mix those three colours. It matters because controlling an RGB LED teaches how separate outputs combine to create different colours.
- servo
- A servo is a motor with built-in position control, usually told to move to a specific angle by a control signal. It matters when you need repeatable movement, such as steering, arms, flaps, or linkages, rather than continuous spinning.
- Torque
- A twisting force that causes something to rotate, usually measured in newton-metres or kilogram-centimetres. It matters when choosing motors, servos, gears, and tools because higher torque is needed to lift heavier loads, turn larger wheels, or move mechanisms without stalling.
- UNIHIKER
- UNIHIKER is a small programmable computer board used in education and maker projects, often connected to external sensors and modules. Compatibility matters because the cable must match the board’s connector type and pin layout.
- USB Type-C
- A reversible USB connector used for power and data on many modern devices. On this kit it indicates an alternate 5V power input, which may be useful for setup or charging without the solar panel.
Find this product in
Robotics & Motion
Related Tutorials
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