Micro:bot Gripper Kit

Quick Answer: The Micro:bot Gripper Kit is a servo-operated claw that fits on a compatible micro:bit robot car, giving it two jaws that close on a small object, hold it while the robot drives and release it on command. Students assemble the gripper and program pick-and-place tasks.

How the Gripper Turns Servo Rotation into a Grip

The servo in the gripper rotates through a limited arc, and a linkage of arms or gears converts that rotation into the two jaws moving towards each other. Because a servo holds its commanded angle, the jaws stay closed on the object until the program sends a new angle. Students discover quickly that fully closed is not the right setting for every object: a pen needs a smaller angle than a block, and squeezing too hard stalls the servo.

The gripper is listed for Micro:bot robots, micro:bit robot cars of the Maqueen type; the exact compatible models and mounting points should be confirmed. Once fitted, students combine driving and gripping in one program: approach, stop at the right distance, close, reverse, turn, drive to the drop zone and open. Timing and distance errors show up at once, which makes the gripper a natural reason to add sensors for positioning.

Among the Micro:bot attachments in this range, the gripper is the one named for clamping. The Micro:bot Pickup Kit and the Micro:bot Mechanical Kit are listed for collecting objects and for lifting mechanisms, so compare the three when planning a challenge.

Challenge Ideas

• Pick-and-place relay moving blocks from one marked square to another
• Sorting task that combines the gripper with a colour sensor
• Rescue-robot course where the robot collects an object and brings it back to base
• Investigation of closing angle against object width, recorded in a results table

Specifications

Care & Handling

• Set the closing angle so the jaws stop on the object rather than straining; a stalled servo heats up and wears quickly.
• Tighten linkage screws after assembly and check them each term, since loose pivots let the jaws misalign.
• Keep fingers clear of the jaws while a program is running.
• Remove the gripper before packing robots into boxes so the arms are not bent.

Why Choose LabEquip

The gripper is bought by robotics clubs and technology classes whose students can already drive a micro:bit robot and want it to handle objects. It is part of LabEquip’s STEM kits range; give your robot model on the contact page so compatibility can be checked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which robots does the Micro:bot Gripper Kit fit?

It is listed for Micro:bot robots, micro:bit robot cars of the Maqueen type. Mounting points differ between robot versions, so match the kit to your exact robot model before ordering.

What servo angle should close the jaws?

There is no single value. Start with the jaws open, then reduce the angle in small steps until they just touch the object. Use that angle in the program, with a separate open angle wide enough to clear the object.

Why does the servo buzz while the gripper holds something?

The servo is trying to reach an angle that the object prevents. A faint buzz is normal, but a loud one means it is straining. Open the angle slightly so it holds the object without stalling.

Can the gripper lift heavy objects?

No. It is sized for light classroom objects such as foam blocks, small balls and card shapes. Heavy objects tip the robot forward and overload the servo.

How should a pick-and-place sequence be programmed?

Break the task into steps: drive to the object, stop, close the gripper, pause, drive to the target and open. Test each step alone and then join them. Writing open and close as functions keeps the code tidy.

How is the gripper different from the pickup kit?

The gripper clamps an object between two jaws. The pickup kit is listed for lifting and collecting objects, and its mechanism should be checked, so choose the gripper when an object must stay held while the robot turns.

Last Updated: September 2026