Robot Zumo V1.2 for Arduino

Quick Answer: The Robot Zumo V1.2 for Arduino is a low-profile tracked robotics platform that plugs onto an Arduino Uno R3, Arduino Leonardo, A-Star 32U4 Prime, or other Uno-form-factor board, giving students a ready-to-program chassis for mini-sumo competitions, line following, and edge-detection robotics projects.

Description

Built around a pair of silicone tracks driven by two 75:1 HP micro metal gearmotors and an integrated DRV8835 dual motor driver, the Zumo V1.2 reaches a top speed of roughly 60 cm/s depending on battery condition and surface. A laser-cut stainless-steel front blade suits mini-sumo competition use, while an array of six infrared reflectance sensors supports line-following and edge-detection programming exercises. The onboard accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer let students explore motion sensing and orientation, and a built-in buzzer and optional pushbutton on Arduino pin 12 round out the feedback and input options. The robot uses a 7.5V boost regulator to power the Arduino from four AA batteries (not included), and is programmed through the Arduino IDE using the compatible Zumo Arduino libraries and sample sketches. It is not compatible with the Arduino Mega or Arduino Due.

Specifications

Compatibility & Safety Note

• Compatible with Arduino Uno R3, Arduino Leonardo, A-Star 32U4 Prime, and other Uno-form-factor boards; it is NOT compatible with the Arduino Mega or Arduino Due.
• Requires 4 AA batteries, which are not included; use fresh batteries of the same type and check polarity before inserting them.
• The front sumo blade is laser-cut stainless steel with sharp edges; handle it carefully and supervise younger students during mini-sumo activities.
• Keep tracks and gearmotors free of debris, and avoid running the robot on surfaces that could damage the silicone tracks.
• Remove batteries when the robot is not in use for extended periods to avoid battery leakage damaging the electronics.
• Program only through the Arduino IDE with the compatible Zumo libraries; using an incompatible board or library can cause unexpected motor behaviour.

Why Choose LabEquip

LabEquip’s TLM Kits range gives robotics labs and STEM programmes genuine Arduino-compatible hardware for hands-on coding and robotics instruction. The Zumo V1.2 pairs well with the Prototyping Shield for adding custom sensor circuits, the Real-Time Clock Module for timed robotics challenges, the Serial to Parallel Conversion module for expanding available I/O on advanced builds, and the Shield Motor 2 x 2A DRI0009 for comparing motor driver designs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Arduino boards work with the Zumo V1.2?
It works with the Arduino Uno R3, Arduino Leonardo, A-Star 32U4 Prime, and other Uno-form-factor boards. It is not compatible with the Arduino Mega or Arduino Due.

What batteries does the robot need?
It requires 4 AA batteries, which are not included, powering the Arduino through an onboard 7.5V boost regulator.

Can it detect lines and edges?
Yes, it has an array of six infrared reflectance sensors suited to line-following and edge-detection programming exercises.

Is it suitable for mini-sumo competitions?
Yes, it includes a laser-cut stainless-steel front blade designed for mini-sumo style robot competitions.

What motion sensors does it include?
It has an integrated accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer for motion and orientation sensing.

How is the robot programmed?
It is programmed using the Arduino IDE together with the compatible Zumo Arduino libraries and sample sketches.

Last Updated: September 2026