SparkFun's ProtoSnap Line Gets Wheels

MiniBot offers users an easy, affordable introduction to robotics

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Jun 04, 2012, 11:07 ET

BOULDER, Colo., June 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- SparkFun Electronics (http://www.sparkfun.com), a provider of parts, knowledge and passion for electronics creation, is excited to announce the release of MiniBot, the latest addition to its popular ProtoSnap line. MiniBot is a complete robotics platform that allows you to build a small, wheeled robot. This latest release is fully Arduino-compatible and ProtoSnap customizable.

SparkFun's ProtoSnap line is designed to ease the burgeoning electronics enthusiast into the world of programming, prototyping and designing. MiniBot acquaints new users with the world of robotics and provides an easy-to-use introduction to concepts like navigation, obstacle detection, handling sensor data and a myriad of real-world physical computing problems. Like the rest of the ProtoSnap products, MiniBot can be disassembled into reusable individual components when the user has reached the limits of the project.

SparkFun is dedicated to providing tools and information to anyone interested in exploring electronics and hopes that the MiniBot's simple design and low cost will offer a unique opportunity and increased access for educators and students.

"The whole idea was a simple, inexpensive starting point for learning robotics," said SparkFun Engineer Mike Hord. "Our goal is to give clubs, after-school groups and robotics classes the ability to provide a robot for each student to play with. This allows kids to have the entire experience to themselves for a relatively low cost."

SparkFun is excited to add the MiniBot to its growing ProtoSnap line and ultimately hopes to introduce a new group of people to the exciting world of embedded electronics. For more information on the ProtoSnap MiniBot, visit (http://www.sparkfun.com/products/11012).

About SparkFun Electronics

Founded in 2003, SparkFun shares its passion by providing parts, knowledge, and innovation for those looking to explore the world of embedded electronics. It helps anyone discover their inner inventor and enables individuals to create their own electronics projects.

SparkFun currently offers more than 1,800 products, ranging from simple components, like capacitors and resistors, to GPS units and Bluetooth modules. The company employs 140 people and is based in Boulder, Colorado.

Find SparkFun on Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, YouTube, Vimeo and Google+.

Press Contact:
Jeremy Douglas
Catapult PR-IR
303-581-7760 ext. 16
[email protected]

SOURCE SparkFun Electronics