SparkFun RedBot Mainboard
Best all-in-one controller for robotics hobbyists building custom Arduino-based machines.
This board is the ultimate shortcut for building your first robot, consolidating motor drivers and sensor headers onto one clean, Arduino-compatible platform. You sacrifice the modular flexibility of stacking multiple shields, but you gain a streamlined, frustration-free build process that gets your project moving in minutes.
$52.95
at
SparkFun Education
Who it's for
- Beginners needing a simplified, all-in-one robotics setup
- Arduino enthusiasts wanting a familiar, plug-and-play programming experience
- Students requiring quick, error-free sensor and accessory connections
Who should skip it
- Makers building custom robots outside the RedBot ecosystem
- Engineers needing flexible, non-proprietary sensor expansion options
- Hobbyists planning to upgrade to high-current, heavy-duty motors
Performance breakdown
Integration Efficiency
Integrated motor drivers eliminate messy wiring and complex shield stacking.
Development Accessibility
Arduino IDE compatibility ensures a smooth learning curve for beginners.
Expansion Versatility
Dedicated sensor and servo headers provide ample room for custom builds.
Wireless Readiness
Onboard XBee port simplifies adding remote control to your robotic projects.
Power Flexibility
Dual power input options accommodate various battery setups and bench testing.
Processing Overhead
The ATmega328P is reliable but limited for complex, high-compute robotics tasks.
Key Specs
Microcontroller
ATmega328P
Logic Level
5V
Input Voltage
6-9V via Barrel Jack or 2-Pin Header
Motor Driver
TB6612FNG Dual DC Motor Driver
Programming Interface
Bootloader via USB
Serial Ports
XBee Port with HW/SW Serial Switch
Headers
2x 6-Pin Male Optional Servo Header, 4x 6-Pin Male Optional Sensor Header
Motor Ports
2x 3-Pin Female Motor Port
GPIO Pins
23 total (14 digital I/O, 6 analog inputs, 6 PWM channels)
Clock Speed
16 MHz
Know before you buy
Still have a question?
Ask Metto anything about the SparkFun RedBot Mainboard before you decide.
