RD9 Solutions MiiRo Bot User manual

MiiRo Bot
Robot and App Getting Started Guide

Hello! And congratulations on taking the first step in
future-proofing yourself for the Fourth Industrial
Revolution (4IR)! This document will take you
through everything you need to know about getting
started on your journey! So without further ado, let's
dive in! :)
2016 - 2020 RD9 Solutions. All Rights Reserved.

Assembling your Robot
As you may have noticed, your robot comes disassembled. Therefore, the first step is building
your robot. You can find the assembly instruction manuals in the Robot Support tab in the
MiiCode mobile app. Download and follow the easy step-by-step instructions to get started!
MiiRo Bot Control Board
Now that your robot is assembled, let's dive in and have a closer look at your MiiRo Bot Control
board. This section outlines all the different components on the control board and how they
function.
MiiRo Control board Top View
2016 - 2020 RD9 Solutions. All Rights Reserved.

MiiRo Bot Control board Bottom View
Bluetooth Module
Power Switch
The Bluetooth Module power switch is used to turn Bluetooth functionality on and off. During
normal operation, when using your MiiRo Robot with the MiiCode mobile app, this switch should
always be set to the ‘On’ position.
The Bluetooth module should only be turned off when uploading new firmware onto the control
board.
Connection Indicator
The Bluetooth Connection Indicator is a green light. It shows the connection status of the
Bluetooth Module. A flashing connection indicator means the Bluetooth Module, and therefore
your robot is not connected to any device. A steady connection indicator means that the
Bluetooth Module, and your robot, is successfully paired with a device!
2016 - 2020 RD9 Solutions. All Rights Reserved.

Power
On/off Switch
The Power On/Off Switch is used to turn your robot on. It should be noted that the switch must
be in the off position when charging the robot.
Power Indicator
The Power Indicator light shows whether the robot is turned on or not. When the robot is
powered on, and the Power On/off switch is in the on position, this light will be steadily on.
When the robot is powered down, either when the Power On/off switch is in the off position or
when the battery has been fully depleted, this light will be off.
Charging
Battery Input
The Battery Input Connector is used to connect the rechargeable Lithium Polymer (LiPo) battery
to the robot control board. The LiPo battery must remain connected during operation and
charging.
USB Connector
The USB Connector allows you to plug in a Micro USB cable (typical Smartphone Cable). With a
Micro USB cable, the USB Connector allows for two different functions:
● Charging the rechargeable battery - Connect a Micro USB cable to the USB Connector
and use a Smartphone Charger or Computer/Laptop USB port to charge the battery.
Note that the LiPo battery should remain connected to the Battery Input during charging.
● Uploading new firmware - Connect a Micro USB cable to the USB Connector and
connect the robot to a Computer/Laptop. Using the Arduino IDE, new firmware may be
uploaded to the robot’s control board. This is covered further in an additional guide.
Battery Charge Indicator
The Battery Charge Indicator light indicates when the battery is being charged. While the battery
is charging, the charging indicator will be fully on. When the battery is nearing its full capacity,
the charging indicator will flash. When the charging indicator is fully off, your robot’s battery is
fully charged.
2016 - 2020 RD9 Solutions. All Rights Reserved.

Input
User Input Button
This button accepts user input, by pressing the button and can be programmed and used for
different things within the MiiCode mobile app.
Reset Button
This button is used to reset the program running on the board. Resetting the board puts the
robot in a default, known-state.
Grove (sensor) Input
This connector is used to connect a variety of different sensors as supported by the MiiCode
mobile app. Ultrasonic Distance Sensor, available separately, can be connected to the MiiRo
Bot via the Grove Input connector.
Output
Buzzer
The Buzzer can be used to create sounds of varying tones. It is controlled via the MiiCode
mobile app.
RGB LED
The Red, Green, Blue Light Emitting Diode (RGB LED) is a small light situated on the robot
control board that is capable of displaying various colours. The colour displayed is controlled by
adjusting how much ‘red’, ‘blue’ and ‘green’ light is activated in the diode. This is controlled via
the MiiCode mobile app.
Continuous Motor Connectors
Continuous rotation motors are used to drive your MiiRo Bot. The Motor two motor connectors
are the points where the different motors must be connected. Ensure that you follow the MiiRo
Bot Assembly Instructions such that the Left and Right motors are connected correctly!
2016 - 2020 RD9 Solutions. All Rights Reserved.

MiiCode Mobile App
The MiiCode Mobile App is used to not only interact with your MiiRo Bot but also contains a
wealth of useful information and plenty of features that will aid you on your journey through the
wonderful world of robotics!
Main Screen and Menu Items
This section details the Main Screen of the Mobile App and explores the various Menu Item
options available.
Code Blocks
The MiiCode App uses a block-based programming language. This means that you construct
programs for your robot by connecting different blocks together. All the available code blocks
are contained in these sections. Simply drag the desired blocks from the Code Blocks menus
onto the Work Area. Using these blocks, you can build interesting programs that will make your
MiiRo Bot perform some amazing actions.
Bluetooth Connection
Tap this icon to navigate to the Bluetooth Connection page. The Bluetooth Connection icon will
turn blue when your robot is successfully paired with your smart mobile device.
2016 - 2020 RD9 Solutions. All Rights Reserved.

Save Code
Tapping this icon will allow you to save any code you are currently busy assembling. You will be
prompted to give your project a name. Tapping on this icon again after already first saving your
code will save any changes you made since the last save.
Execute Code / Play Button
After you’ve assembled a program with code blocks in the Work Area, you can run your code on
your robot by tapping the Play Button. After tapping the Play Button, your code is sent to your
robot continuously, in real-time! This means that you can make changes and see the results
instantly.
After tapping the Play Button, it changes to a Stop Button. Tapping this will stop the sending of
your code to your robot.
Open Controller
Tapping the controller icon will open the Controller Screen. This screen contains a controller
with various buttons that you can program to achieve different results. You can program these
buttons but using blocks from the “Controller” code blocks section.
Refresh Coding Screen
There may be times when you'd like nothing more than a fresh start. Tapping this icon will
refresh the entire app. However, with great power, comes great responsibility: tapping this icon
will cause everything to be reset to the default state. This means that you’ll lose any unsaved
code still present in the Work Area and you’ll also lose connection to your robot. Ensure that you
saved any code you wish to keep before using this button.
2016 - 2020 RD9 Solutions. All Rights Reserved.

App Menu
Tapping the Menu Button will open up the App Menu. This menu provides access to a whole
range of other features!
Login
The Login Page allows you to register and log into the MiiCode app to unlock the full potential of
your MiiCoding experience. While much of the functionality is available without logging you, you
won’t be able to save any code that you’ve created.
MiiCode (Home)
The MiiCode menu item will return you to the Main Screen and Work Area.
2016 - 2020 RD9 Solutions. All Rights Reserved.

Bluetooth
Selecting the Bluetooth menu item opens that same page as tapping the Bluetooth Connection
Icon in the Main Screen. This page allows you to search for and pair with your robot. Ensure
your robot is turned on and that the Bluetooth Module is powered on. Then, select ‘Search BLE
Devices’ and wait for your MiiRo’s unique name to pop up.
All MiiRo Bot names are in the form miiroABCD where ABCD is the unique serial number of
your robot. This serial number can be found in the box or on the control board.
Once found, select your MiiRo Bot Bluetooth Device from the list to begin pairing A connection
successful indicator will pop up once your robot is successfully connected to the MiiCode app!
2016 - 2020 RD9 Solutions. All Rights Reserved.

Saved Code
This menu item takes you to a folder where all your previously saved projects are stored. Once
registered, your saved projects are tied to your unique profile, so you can log in to MiiCode from
another device and access your projects and continue working on them!
Curriculum Viewer
This menu item allows you to view all the learning material, fun projects and challenges
associated with MiiRo Bot and MiiCode. The Curriculum comprises various modules focusing on
different aspects of the MiiRo Bot. Everyone gets access to introductory content to get you
started, and later when you decide you want a bit more, you can upgrade to a Premium Account
to access more specialized content. This section is also constantly updated with new challenges
and learning material, so check in regularly.
Classroom components
This is where things get interesting, These components are used to interact with your teacher in
a classroom setting. With this feature, you will be able to receive assignments straight from your
teacher, complete it and then send it back. You can also monitor any messages sent within your
class, that way you will always be updated!
Calibration (Robot tuning)
As the name suggests, this is where you get the option of getting more control. Fine-tune your
robot to exactly the way you like it. You will be able to calibrate the different motors for the
forward and reverse directions. Also, if you want to see exactly what is being sent back from
your robot, I’d have a look at the bottom of this page.
Robot Support
This section is where all robot support documents are stored. This included Instruction Manuals,
Getting Started Guides, Calibration Sheets, and much more. If you’re ever in need of help,
check this section out!
2016 - 2020 RD9 Solutions. All Rights Reserved.

Robot Calibration
Just as individual humans are unique, no two motors are exactly alike and there are often
variations between motors. These variations may cause your robot to move in ways that you’d
not expect. To account for this, you’re able to calibrate your robot’s motors. Using the supplied
Calibration Sheet, you’re able to compensate for variations in your motors and get your robot
calibrated. Once calibrated, your robot should be capable of following a straight line!
Sample Code
Now that you’re all set up with your robot and are familiar with the MiiCode app, let’s get into
some coding! Below are some examples of code snippets that perform some of the more basic
functions of the MiiRo Bot. The aim of these snippets is to introduce you to the blocks and give
you a taste of what’s possible.
The code above turns the Red LED on.
2016 - 2020 RD9 Solutions. All Rights Reserved.

The code above moves both motors forward at a 100% power.
And that’s it! You’ve officially Gotten Started with your MiiRo Bot and MiiCode. If you
require additional information, consult the Robot Support section in the MiiCode app. Or
if you’re feeling social, connect with us on one of our platforms or drop us an email.
We’re always happy to help!
Contact information
Website: www.rd-9.co.za
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rd9solutions/
Twitter: @Rd9Solutions
Instagram: rd9_solutions
2016 - 2020 RD9 Solutions. All Rights Reserved.

FAQs
1. What is Firmware?
Firmware is the program that runs on a Microcontroller device. In this case, it’s the code that
runs on the Microcontroller that powers your MiiRo Bot. The original MiiRo Bot Firmware
enables you to use MiiCode to program your robot.
2. I am not able to zoom in or out on the MiiCode Mobile App
When opening the MiiCode app and the zoom functions don’t work, simply refresh the app by
tapping the Refresh button at the bottom right of the screen. Remember though, you’ll lose all
unsaved code and your connection to your robot. So use with caution!
3. My wheels don’t move
When plugging in the wheels of the MiiRo Bot make sure that the wire colours are connected as
shown in the instruction manual. If the motor connectors are swapped around, the motors will
not move.
4. The left wheel moves when the right wheel is chosen in the
MiiCode app (and vice versa)
This happens when the opposite motor is connected to the specified motor connector. Swop
these motors around and the issue should be fixed.
2016 - 2020 RD9 Solutions. All Rights Reserved.