MiniBot Kit V3

MiniBot Kit V3

An open robotics platform for building, programming and continuous experimentation.

The MiniBot Kit V3 is a programmable mobile robotics platform for anyone who wants to build, study, modify or compete with a real robotic system. It is accessible enough to produce a working robot quickly while providing the technical depth required for embedded development, control systems, prototyping and competitive robotics.

Built around the LoR Core V3, MiniBot combines a four-wheel TT gearmotor drivetrain, modular chassis and expandable ESP32-based control system into one compact platform.

Assemble the base robot, get it operational using the provided sample code, then modify the mechanics, electronics, firmware and control system in any direction your project requires.

Choose Your Package

Robot Kit

Includes the complete MiniBot V3 robot hardware and battery holder. Batteries and charger are not included.

Choose this package when you already have compatible rechargeable batteries and charging equipment.

Robot Kit with Batteries

Includes the complete MiniBot V3 robot hardware and two compatible rechargeable batteries. Charger is not included.

Choose this package when you already have a compatible charger.

Robot Kit with Batteries and Charger

Includes the complete MiniBot V3 robot hardware, two compatible rechargeable batteries and a compatible battery charger.

This is the recommended package for new MiniBot owners and programs that need a complete power solution.

What Is Included

Every MiniBot Kit V3 includes:

• 1 × LoR Core V3 robotics controller
• 1 × LoR Core V3 protective cover
• 1 × modular MiniBot chassis
• 4 × TT hobby gearmotors
• 4 × rubber traction wheels
• 1 × two-cell battery holder with power connector
• Motor and controller wiring
• Controller mounting hardware
• Chassis and drivetrain mounting hardware
• Required assembly hardware
• Access to assembly documentation
• Access to gamepad-control sample code
• Access to browser-based control sample code

Batteries and charger are included only with the selected package. Component appearance may change slightly as the product and manufacturing process are improved.

Battery and Charger Compatibility

MiniBot V3 uses:

• Battery type: Two rechargeable 18650 lithium-ion cells
• Cell voltage: 3.6–3.7 V nominal per cell
• Combined operating voltage: 7.2–7.4 V nominal
• Cell format: Protected button-top 18650 cells
• Recommended capacity: 2000 mAh

Use two matching cells of the same model, capacity, condition and charge level. Do not mix different cell types or combine old and new cells.

The charger must be designed specifically for individually charging 3.6–3.7 V lithium-ion 18650 cells. The batteries are removed from the robot and installed in the charger unless otherwise stated in the charger documentation.

The Robot Kit with Batteries and Charger package includes a charger matched to the supplied cells.

Control and Programming Requirements

MiniBot V3 can be controlled using either the provided wireless gamepad example or the browser-based web interface.

Gamepad Control

Gamepad operation requires a compatible Bluetooth gamepad.

• Communication: Bluetooth
• Software compatibility: Bluepad32-supported controller
• Tested gamepads: PS4 / PS5 / Xbox / Switch / Generic Gamepads

Not every Bluetooth controller uses the same protocol. For the most reliable setup, select a gamepad from the tested compatibility list.

Browser-Based Control

The browser-control example does not require a gamepad. It can be operated from a Wi-Fi-capable:

• Smartphone
• Tablet
• Laptop
• Desktop computer

The controlling device connects to the MiniBot’s wireless interface and opens the control page through a web browser.

Firmware Development

Programming or modifying the firmware requires:

• A USB-C data cable
• A compatible computer
• The required development environment and board support package

Confirm that the USB-C cable supports data transfer. Charge-only cables cannot be used for programming.

Start With a Working System

MiniBot V3 includes tested sample code designed to reduce setup time and accelerate the path to a working robot.

Two starting applications are provided:

• Wireless gamepad control
• Browser-based web interface control

These examples provide functional references for motor control, communication, input mapping and program structure. They are starting points, not closed applications or the only supported way to use the platform.

Modify the supplied code, add new functions, replace individual subsystems or develop entirely new firmware from the ground up. Builders are free to select their own tools, software architecture, interfaces and development direction.

DOWNLOAD GAMEPAD SAMPLE CODE

DOWNLOAD WEB-CONTROL SAMPLE CODE

Powered by LoR Core V3

At the centre of every MiniBot is the LoR Core V3, a compact ESP32-based controller developed specifically for robotics and embedded applications.

It integrates the core functions needed to operate and expand the robot, including:

• USB-C programming
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
• Four-motor drivetrain control
• Wireless gamepad support
• Servo and actuator expansion
• Sensor and peripheral connections
• Programmable buttons and LEDs
• Battery monitoring
• Support for fully custom firmware

This integrated design reduces the need for stacked development boards, separate motor-control shields and extensive adapter wiring.

VIEW LOR CORE V3 PRODUCT PAGE

Built for Modification

MiniBot V3 is not a one-and-done kit. The chassis and control system are intended to be reused, rebuilt and expanded across multiple projects.

The platform can support developments such as:

• Claws, grippers, lifts and arms
• Autonomous navigation
• Distance, line and position sensing
• Encoders and inertial sensors
• Custom control interfaces
• Wireless telemetry
• Closed-loop control
• 3D-printed structures
• Custom electronics
• Alternative firmware architectures
• Competition-specific mechanisms

The base robot can become a programming exercise, a controls experiment, a mechanical prototype or a heavily modified custom machine.

Developed Through Competitive Robotics

The MiniBot platform is rooted in competitive robotics and technology education.

It is the foundation of the Lord of Robots MiniBots competition program, where builders design, program and refine their robots through real matches and practical engineering constraints.

Competition creates a reason to iterate. Drivetrain performance, packaging, reliability, mechanism design, software behaviour and strategy must all work together within limited time and space.

The standard platform provides a common starting point while preserving freedom in mechanical design, programming, sensors, control methods, electronics and strategy. Competition participation is not required; the same platform can be used for independent projects, technical instruction, demonstrations and prototyping.

LEARN ABOUT MINIBOTS COMPETITION 

Durable Four-Wheel Drivetrain

MiniBot V3 uses four TT hobby gearmotors with rubber traction wheels.

The drivetrain provides a practical balance of low-speed torque, indoor traction, simple assembly, common replacement parts and straightforward maintenance. Its stable four-wheel arrangement leaves the centre and upper chassis available for electronics, structures and custom mechanisms.

Technical Overview

• Product type: Open programmable mobile robotics platform
• Controller: LoR Core V3
• Processor platform: ESP32
• Drivetrain: Four TT hobby gearmotors
• Wheels: Four rubber traction wheels
• Nominal battery voltage: 7.2–7.4 V
• Programming interface: USB-C
• Wireless connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
• Starting software: Gamepad control and browser-based control
• Firmware: Modify the provided examples or develop custom firmware
• Expansion: Servos, sensors, actuators and embedded peripherals
• Chassis: Modular and mechanism-ready
• Applications: Technology education, embedded development, prototyping and competitive robotics

Documentation and Resources

• [ASSEMBLY GUIDE]
• [QUICK-START GUIDE]
• [PROGRAMMING SETUP]
• [GAMEPAD SAMPLE CODE]
• [WEB-CONTROL SAMPLE CODE]
• [COMPATIBLE GAMEPADS]
• [LOR CORE V3 PRODUCT PAGE]
• [LOR CORE V3 DOCUMENTATION]
• [MINIBOTS COMPETITION INFORMATION]

One Platform, Many Directions

Use the sample code to get moving quickly. Study how the system works, modify it, replace it, add new hardware or develop an entirely different control architecture.

The MiniBot Kit V3 is not defined by the robot shown in the box. It is defined by what the builder creates next.