Understand the parts without the technical overwhelm.
The Hub runs the program. Input bits sense what is happening. Output bits respond. Construction tools help students attach electronics to cardboard.
The system in one simple loop
Teacher-friendly rule: inputs go in, the Hub runs the code, outputs respond, and the tools make cardboard building possible.
Think brain, senses, actions and tools.
This page is for quick reference. It helps teachers and students understand what each part does, then links directly to the datasheet when more detail is needed.
Hub
Stores the program and controls the connected bits.
Inputs
Buttons and sensors send information into the Hub.
Outputs
Lights, sound, movement and displays respond.
Tools
Stencil, punch tools and rivets help students build with cardboard.
The Hub runs the invention.
The Hub stores the student’s program and tells the connected bits what to do. Students plug bits into the Hub ports, download their code and test the invention.
Use the Hub when students are ready to move code from the screen into a real invention.
Input bits are what the invention senses.
Inputs send information into the Hub. Students use them when an invention needs to respond to a press, turn, distance, light, sound, temperature, tilt or signal.
Proximity sensor
Detects nearby objects without needing physical contact.
Proximity datasheet →
IR receiver
Receives infrared signals from another invention or transmitter bit.
IR receiver datasheet →Output bits are what the invention does.
Outputs send information out from the Hub. Students use them when their invention needs to light up, make sound, show information, move or send a signal.
IR transmitter
Sends infrared signals so inventions can communicate or trigger responses.
IR transmitter datasheet →Some parts help inventions run independently or communicate.
These parts make inventions more portable and responsive.
Battery
Powers inventions when they are not connected to a computer or USB power source.
Battery datasheet →
IR receiver
Receives infrared signals from another invention or transmitter bit.
IR receiver datasheet →
IR transmitter
Sends infrared signals to another receiver or invention.
IR transmitter datasheet →Tools help students attach electronics to cardboard.
The stencil, punch tools and rivets make cardboard prototyping practical. Students can mount the Hub and bits, test the design, remove the electronics and build again.
Punch tool
Creates holes and cutouts so bits can be mounted into cardboard.
Punch tool datasheet →
Cardboard setup
Students can attach, test, remove and reuse electronics across multiple builds.
Getting started →Find the exact datasheet you need.
Datasheets are useful when students need to know what a bit does, how it connects, what blocks to use, or where similar technology appears in the real world.
| Part | Teacher-friendly role | Type | Datasheet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hub | The brain that stores and runs the program. | Controller | Download |
| Battery | Lets an invention run away from the computer. | Power | Download |
| Button | Lets a user press something to control the invention. | Input | Download |
| Dial | Lets a user set a level, number or threshold. | Input | Download |
| Digital display | Shows numbers, letters and effects. | Output | Download |
| IR receiver | Receives infrared signals. | Input | Download |
| IR transmitter | Sends infrared signals. | Output | Download |
| LED | Lights up to show status, warnings or feedback. | Output | Download |
| Light sensor | Senses the amount of light nearby. | Input | Download |
| Magnet sensor | Detects a magnet. | Input | Download |
| Motor | Adds rotating movement. | Output | Download |
| Noise sensor | Detects loud sounds. | Input | Download |
| Proximity sensor | Detects nearby objects. | Input | Download |
| Servo | Moves to a controlled position. | Output | Download |
| Speaker | Plays sounds, notes and alerts. | Output | Download |
| Temperature sensor | Reads surrounding air temperature. | Input | Download |
| Tilt sensor | Detects whether the bit is tilted. | Input | Download |
| Punch tool | Creates cardboard holes and cutouts for mounting. | Tool | Download |
| Stencil | Marks cardboard for bits and rivets. | Tool | Download |
| Rivets | Secure the Hub and bits to cardboard. | Tool | View building tools |
Start with Unit 1 when you are ready to roll this out.
Unit 1 includes the programmable Hub and building tools your class needs to begin. Use this page as a reference when students start choosing bits for their inventions.