Alvik Arduino Robot

Quick Answer: The Alvik Arduino Robot is a programmable educational robotics platform built around the Arduino Nano ESP32, combining a time-of-flight distance sensor, RGB color sensor, 6-axis gyroscope and accelerometer, and a line-follower array with support for MicroPython, the Arduino language, and block-based coding for STEM, robotics, and sensor-focused coursework.

Description

At the core of the Alvik robot is an Arduino Nano ESP32 module built around the u-blox NORA-W106 (ESP32-S3) with an onboard STM32 Arm Cortex-M4 32-bit co-processor, running at up to 240 MHz with 8 MB of RAM, 384 kB ROM plus 512 kB SRAM, and 16 MB of external flash for demanding student projects. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Low Energy connectivity support wireless and IoT-style coding exercises, while a suite of onboard sensors — a time-of-flight distance sensor rated to 350 cm, an RGB color sensor, a 6-axis gyroscope and accelerometer, and a 3-point line-follower array — let students build navigation, obstacle-avoidance, and line-following programs. Seven touchable buttons and two RGB LEDs provide interactive input and feedback, and the robot is driven by 6V motors with a no-load speed up to 96 rpm and no-load current of approximately 70 mA. It is powered by a USB-C rechargeable and replaceable 18650 Li-Ion battery, and can be physically extended with LEGO Technic connectors, M3 screw connectors, a servo motor, and I2C Grove or Qwiic expansion options, making it suitable for STEM education, robotics, coding, automation, sensor projects, and classroom activities.

Specifications

Compatibility & Safety Note

• Built around the Arduino Nano ESP32; program using MicroPython, the Arduino language, or block-based coding tools compatible with the platform.
• Charge the replaceable 18650 Li-Ion battery via USB-C only, and never use a damaged or swollen cell.
• When expanding with LEGO Technic connectors, M3 screws, a servo motor, or I2C Grove/Qwiic modules, power down the robot before making mechanical or wiring changes.
• Keep the time-of-flight and color sensors free of dust and obstruction for accurate distance and color readings.
• Handle the robot by its chassis, avoid dropping it, and store it safely when not in use to protect the onboard sensors and motors.
• Supervise younger students during motorised movement and around the line-follower and obstacle-avoidance exercises.

Why Choose LabEquip

LabEquip’s TLM Kits range gives robotics labs and STEM programmes a genuine Arduino-based robotics platform that scales from basic block coding to MicroPython and the full Arduino language. The Alvik robot pairs well with the Robot Zumo V1.2 for Arduino for comparing robotics platforms, the Arduino Explore IoT Kit Rev2 for extending into cloud-connected IoT projects, the Arduino Uno R4 Wi-Fi Programming Interface for comparing microcontroller platforms, and the Prototyping Shield for building custom add-on circuits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What controller does the Alvik robot use?
It uses an Arduino Nano ESP32, built around the u-blox NORA-W106 (ESP32-S3) with an onboard STM32 Arm Cortex-M4 co-processor.

What programming languages are supported?
It supports MicroPython, the Arduino language, and block-based coding.

What sensors does the robot include?
It includes a time-of-flight distance sensor (up to 350 cm), an RGB color sensor, a 6-axis gyroscope and accelerometer, and a 3-point line-follower array.

How is the robot powered?
It uses a USB-C rechargeable and replaceable 18650 Li-Ion battery.

Can the robot be physically expanded?
Yes, it supports LEGO Technic connectors, M3 screw connectors, a servo motor, and I2C Grove or Qwiic expansion.

Does the robot support wireless connectivity?
Yes, it includes both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Low Energy connectivity.

Last Updated: September 2026