Introduction
The Maqueen Plus V3 is an advanced educational robot designed to revolutionise STEM robotics education and competitions for students in primary and secondary education. The Maqueen Plus V3 operates through an advanced package of sensors and control mechanisms. It uses a powerful matrix laser distance sensor for environmental perception, highly accurate motor encoders with PID control for precise movements, and built-in algorithms for complex tasks such as line following and intersection recognition. These capabilities enable more dynamic and complex applications in education.
Precision navigation with matrix laser distance measurement
The Maqueen Plus V3 is equipped with an advanced matrix laser distance sensor, which represents a significant improvement over standard ultrasonic sensors. This provides superior accuracy (e.g. ±11 mm for white objects at a distance of 20-200 mm) and a fast response time (up to 60 Hz in 4x4 mode) within a field of view of 60 degrees. This allows the robot not only to measure distances but also to determine the exact position of obstacles, enabling intelligent route planning and advanced obstacle avoidance for complex autonomous movements.
Simplified advanced tasks with built-in algorithms
Mastering line following and intersection navigation is simplified by algorithms that are directly integrated into the core of the robot. The built-in line following significantly lowers the threshold for this fundamental skill, allowing students to focus on higher-level strategies. Furthermore, the innovative built-in intersection recognition identifies different types of intersections (intersections, T-junctions, etc.) in real-time, enabling complex, map-based challenges to be created and increasing the diversity of the competition. These features operate independently, keeping the main controller available for other tasks.
Accurate movement with motor encoders and PID control
Unlike many educational robots that lack precise movement capabilities, the Maqueen Plus V3 is equipped with highly accurate motor encoders with PID control (Proportional-Integral-Derivative). This allows for exact control over the distance travelled and steering angles without cumbersome debugging through trial-and-error. Expect reliable and repeatable performance in tasks that require precise navigation, a crucial advantage in both educational and competitive environments.
Enhanced light interaction
The interaction possibilities are expanded by dual light intensity sensors for applications such as light-seeking or automatic headlights, complemented by vibrant, programmable RGB headlights and ambient lighting that stimulate creativity and make the learning process more engaging.
Detachable metal motor parts
Moreover, a special voltage stabilising chip for the motors ensures a constant rotational speed, regardless of a declining battery voltage, allowing programmes to be executed reliably without parameter changes.
Specifications
Power
- AA battery version: 3.5 V – 6 V (requires 4 AA batteries – 1.5 V batteries or rechargeable 1.2 V Ni-MH batteries)
- Protection: Protection against incorrect battery polarity
Line following system:
- Sensors: 5
- Calibration: Specific button
- Output: Digital / Analog
- Built-in intersection recognition: 4 types (intersection, T-junction, right turn & straight, left turn & straight)
- Speed built-in algorithm: 5 adjustable levels
Matrix laser distance sensor:
- Interface: I2C / UART / USB (PH2.0-4P & TYPE-C)
- Matrix resolution: 8x8 (64 points)
- Modes: Matrix measurement / Intelligent obstacle avoidance
- I2C address: 4 selectable addresses (0x30 - 0x33)
- Refresh rate distance measurement: 15 Hz - 60 Hz
- Measurement range: 20 mm - 4000 mm
- Accuracy (20-200 mm): ±11 mm (white targets), ±12 mm (grey targets)
- Accuracy (200-4000 mm): ±5% (white targets), ±6% (grey targets)
- Detection angle: 60° H x 60° V (90° diagonal)
- Laser safety: Complies with Class 1 standards
- Firmware update: Supported via USB
- Number: 2
- Data range: 0 - 1023
- Infrared receiver: 1
Motors & Motion control
- Interface: PH2.0 - 2P
- Power supply: Independent, regulated 5V
- Mounting: Screw attachment, detachable
- Encoders: 2 (Magnetic induction, resolution of 4 lines)
- PID control: For precise distance and angle control
- Speed display: Centimeters per minute (Note: Consider "cm/s" for a more common display of speed in robotics)
- Ambient lighting: 4x WS2812 (Full R255 G255 B255 colour spectrum)
- Headlights: 2x Programmable RGB (Red, Green, Yellow, Blue, Purple, Cyan, White)
- Metal bracket parts: 2
- Bracket adjustment: 1-axis, range of 270° (M3 thumb screws)
- Screw connections on PCB: 2
Firmware upgrade: Specific interface and button
Packing list
- Maqueen Plus V3 base plate x1
- Metal motor with encoder and connection cable (already mounted on the base plate) x2
- AA battery holder x1
- Matrix laser distance sensor x1
- PH2.0 - 4P sensor connection cable x1
- Wheels x2
- Line following card x1
- Screwdriver x1
- Metal support frame x1
- Metal mounting bracket x1
- Copper mounting spacers (35 mm) x5
- M3 mounting screws x5
- M3 serrated screws x4
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