JIMU Robot BuilderBot Series: Overdrive Kit is robotics made LEGO-easy

By Chris Burns/Sept. 17, 2018 12:27 pm EST

Revealed today was the new JIMU Robot BuilderBots Series: Overdrive Kit. It's a box of blocks and power pieces that exist to introduce kids to STEM learning. In the box is "over 400 parts" that can potentially create two unique robots – DozerBot and DirtBot – as well as countless other unique robot oddities.

The parts aren't officially LEGO, but you'd be forgiven for mistaking them as such. Instead, much like the Xiaomi Mitu Robot, the creators of the Overdrive Kit are using parts that can simply fit interchangeably with LEGO Technic pieces despite their separate manufacturing. Also, the Overdrive Kit has its own unique app.

With the JIMU Robot BuilderBot Series: Overdrive Kit is a box of parts includes programmable motors, sensors, wheels, and a whole lot of bricks with which to make a couple of robots. This box is from UBTECH Robotics, a group of creators who make intelligent humanoid robotics and AI technologies of many sorts. The robots (or whatever else you make) work with a JIMU app for iOS and Android for 3D instructions and controls.

In the app are 360-degree building instructions for supreme ease in building each of the two robots shown on the box (and in the video above). With DozerBot or DirtBot created, the app uses Blockly coding to give the user the ability to "program limitless possibilities." This app also contains lessons with which kids can "expand their Blockly coding skills."

In the box comes the following parts:

• 2 smooth-motion robotic servo motors

• 2 speedy DC motors

• 1 Ultrasonic Sensor and RGB Light

• 410 snap-together interlocking parts and connectors

• Main control box

• USB Cable

• Quick Start Guide

Consumers will be able to find the JIMU Robot BuilderBots Series: Overdrive Kit at a number of retailers starting this week. It'll be available at Target, Amazon online, and through jimurobots dot com. The price on the JIMU Robot BuilderBot Series: Overdrive Kit is approximately $120 USD. More robots can be found at UBTECH right this minute.