Open-source build kits and curricula

Classroom Robotics Kits and Projects

Three classroom-ready robotics projects with kit logistics, lesson planning, grant support, safety guardrails, and local troubleshooting.

Roadrunner Robotics OSL ships three open-source classroom robotics projects sized for different teaching contexts. Buddy the Biped is a semester-scale walking robot for advanced CTE, capstones, and clubs — students design, build, and debug a real gait while learning mechatronics, sensors, and code iteration. Pico Lightsaber is a fast Raspberry Pi Pico workshop build with LEDs, inputs, outputs, and enclosure design that fits camps, STEM nights, and beginner microcontroller lessons. Magic Map is a privacy-safe ESP32 LED matrix project that connects code, APIs, and storytelling for IoT, mapping, and place-based learning. Each project ships with parts lists, build guides, lesson plans, safety guidance, and standards-alignment language. Request a classroom quote for a fit recommendation, kit pricing, and grant-ready support materials, and use the Grants page to find matching funding leads before deployment.

Active products only

Three builds. One supported classroom path.

Pricing is quote-based until final BOM, support, shipping, and license review are complete.

Flagship advanced build

Buddy the Biped

Difficulty
Advanced
Build Time
25-35 hours
Pricing

A walking, watching, expressive biped robot for advanced robotics, CTE, robotics clubs, capstones, and semester-long builds.

Skills: Python, C++, servo kinematics, Raspberry Pi, Arduino, sensors, balance, 3D printing, debugging

Project description

Buddy combines a Raspberry Pi, Arduino, servo control, an MPU6050-style balance sensor, camera module concepts, and expressive lighting. Roadrunner adds kit logistics, lesson sequencing, classroom support, and replacement planning.

Video and classroom file access are available after source-license and safety review.

Based on open-source work from Maker Forge / DanMakesThings modular biped references. See the attribution register before using this as a commercial kit.

Project details Parts list Build guide Request a kit
Workshop electronics build

Pico Lightsaber

Difficulty
Intermediate
Build Time
8-12 hours
Pricing

A programmable light-and-interface project built around a Raspberry Pi Pico W, addressable LEDs, inputs, power basics, and a 3D printed hilt.

Skills: Pico W, MicroPython, addressable LEDs, inputs and outputs, batteries, power safety, 3D printed enclosures

Project description

The project is framed as supervised electronics and interface design, not a combat prop. It is a strong fit for camps, maker days, and short classroom modules.

Video and classroom file access are available after source-license and safety review.

Based on open-source work from Maker Forge / DanMakesThings lightsaber references. See the attribution register before using this as a commercial kit.

Project details Parts list Build guide Request a kit
Creative IoT build

Magic Map

Difficulty
Beginner-intermediate
Build Time
6-10 hours
Pricing

A privacy-safe IoT and mapping project that uses an ESP32 and LED matrix to turn simulated or teacher-controlled coordinates into a visual classroom display.

Skills: ESP32, APIs, LED matrices, coordinate mapping, networked systems, storytelling, safe data handling

Project description

Magic Map must not be marketed as student tracking. Use demo data, fictional routes, or teacher-controlled coordinates, with clear consent and privacy guardrails.

Video and classroom file access are available after source-license and safety review.

Based on open-source work from Maker Forge / DanMakesThings magic map references. See the attribution register before using this as a commercial kit.

Project details Parts list Build guide Request a kit

Not active products yet

Coming soon placeholders

CM5 Carrier Board

Planning-only concept. Not an active kit, not priced, and not available for purchase.

SO-101 Robotic Arm

Planning-only concept. Not an active kit, not priced, and not available for purchase.

Custom Curriculum Bundles

Planning-only concept. Not an active offering until reviewed and approved.

Open-source attribution and license gate

All projects are derivative of open-source designs from Maker Forge, DanMakesThings, and related community projects. Roadrunner Robotics OSL adds kit logistics, lesson plans, and classroom support. Verify license terms before commercialization.

Ready for a classroom build?

Need a quote for a grant packet?

We can provide kit descriptions, budget language, and classroom support notes.

Request a quote