MOSS

Modular Robotics (USA) · 2013

Was $59 – $379 (Kickstarter)Kickstarter tiers in Nov 2013 ranged from a $59 starter kit up to $379 for an advanced Bluetooth kit.
Discontinued · used/leftover onlyVia SSH / web / bridgeKickstarterBall-magnet jointsBluetoothDiscontinued
Possibly ≤ 1 weekShipping: Used only. Modular Robotics has stopped manufacturing MOSS and sells only limited leftover blocks; used kits appear on eBay.
Remote control: A computer pairs with the Bluetooth module; Modular Robotics released a MOSS Scratch plugin for controlling robots from a laptop and MOSS Flash, which recompiles and flashes C programs to a Bluetooth or Brain module over Bluetooth.

Overview

Modular Robotics' follow-up to Cubelets, using ball-magnet corners so modules can swing and hinge and build more kinetic robots. Colour-coded faces show how modules must connect for their functions to work. Modular Robotics has ceased manufacturing all MOSS products and sells only limited leftover blocks, so used sets are the main source.

Specifications

CategoryModular & reconfigurable · Consumer & education kits
Released2013
AvailabilityDiscontinued · used/leftover only
ProgrammabilityNo SDK, app / visual programming only
Best forAges 8+ (estimated)
Vision sensorsNo vision sensors
ActuatorsDC / gear motors
AudioNo audio
Compute typeArduino / ESP32 / microcontroller
Remote controlVia SSH / web / bridge
SizeSquare panel modules joined by steel spheres and magnets at the corners
LocomotionWheels, spin and hinge modules; builds cars, walkers and kinetic toys
ComputePer-module electronics; Bluetooth brain module
CameraNone
SensorsLight and motion/distance sensor modules
RuntimeBattery module (runtime not published)
SpeedNot published
SDKSmartphone remote-control app over the Bluetooth module; MOSS Scratch plugin; MOSS Flash desktop tool for reprogramming Bluetooth and Brain modules in C

Ratings & reviews

Similar robots

Image credits