SparkFun
SparkFun Experiential Robotics Platform (XRP) Controller
· MPN: ROB-22727
The SparkFun XRP Controller is the brain of the Experiential Robotics Platform (XRP), a hands-on educational robotics system designed for middle and high sch...
The SparkFun XRP Controller is the brain of the Experiential Robotics Platform (XRP), a hands-on educational robotics system designed for middle and high school students. Built around a Raspberry Pi Pico W, it provides WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, a 6-axis IMU, dual motor drivers, and a Qwiic connector for easy sensor expansion.
The XRP platform supports progression from fundamental robotics concepts through to line following, sensor integration, robotic arm control, and autonomous navigation. Students can program in Blockly, Python, or using FIRST Robotics' WPILib tools. The hardware kit assembles entirely tool-free — no soldering or screws required.
Key Features
- Raspberry Pi Pico W – Dual-core ARM Cortex-M0+ at up to 133 MHz, 264 KB SRAM, 2 MB flash
- WiFi & Bluetooth – Built-in wireless via Infineon CYW43439 module
- 6-Axis IMU (LSM6DSO) – Accelerometer and gyroscope for motion tracking
- DRV8835 Motor Driver – Dual H-bridge for up to 4 DC motors
- 2× Servo Connectors – For grippers, manipulators, or pan/tilt mechanisms
- Qwiic Connector – Plug-and-play I2C sensor expansion
- Line Follower & Range Sensor Ports – Dedicated connectors for common robotics sensors
- Multiple Programming Options – Blockly, Python, and WPILib (FIRST Robotics)
- Tool-Free Assembly – No soldering or screws needed
Specifications
- Processor – RP2040 (dual-core ARM Cortex-M0+, up to 133 MHz)
- Memory – 264 KB SRAM, 2 MB flash
- Motor Connectors – 4× DC motor, 2× servo
- Sensor Connectors – 1× line follower, 1× range sensor, 1× Qwiic (I2C), 1× extra GPIO
- Power – Barrel jack, micro-B USB (on Pico W), power switch
Ideal For
- STEM robotics education in middle and high schools
- FIRST Robotics teams and competitions
- Learning Python and Blockly through robotics
- Building autonomous robots with sensors and navigation
Package Contents
- 1× SparkFun XRP Controller Board (with Raspberry Pi Pico W)
Resources
Jargon buster
Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.
- GPIO
- General-purpose input/output pins are microcontroller pins you can set in software to read signals, switch devices on and off, or connect to peripherals. The number of GPIO pins matters because it limits how many buttons, LEDs, sensors, and other parts you can wire directly to the board.
- Gyroscope
- A gyroscope measures rotation, such as how fast a board is turning around its X, Y, and Z axes. This matters for projects like gesture controls, balancing robots, and motion tracking where tilt or rotation changes need to be detected.
- 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.
- IMU
- An Inertial Measurement Unit combines motion sensors to measure movement and orientation. It matters for asset tracking because it can detect movement, tilt, vibration, or changes in direction.
- motor driver
- An electronic circuit that lets a low-power controller switch and control a motor that needs more current than the controller pins can safely provide. Checking motor driver support matters because pumps and motors usually cannot be connected directly to a microcontroller output.
- Qwiic
- Qwiic is a plug-in connector system for I2C devices that uses small 4-pin cables, so you can connect compatible sensors without soldering. It matters because your controller or adapter also needs Qwiic, or you will need a cable or breakout to wire it up.
- RP2040
- A microcontroller chip used on many maker boards, with enough speed and flexible I/O for some camera and display projects. Compatibility with RP2040 matters because camera modules often need many pins and careful timing to read image data successfully.
- 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.
- SRAM
- Fast temporary memory used by a processor while a program is running. More SRAM helps with projects that handle larger data buffers, networking, displays, or more complex code.
Find this product in
Microcontrollers
Robotics & Motion
STEM & Education
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