ROBO Pro Coding

ROBO Pro Coding is a free programming environment for fischertechnik robots, pairing graphical blocks with Python. It suits learners and schools working with compatible controllers, especially those who want to progress from blocks to text. Its main limitation is hardware fit: the older TXT controller requires different software.

Overview

The app supports the TXT 4.0, RX and BT Smart controllers, with beginner, advanced and expert learning levels. Examples and a test for sensors and actuators make it useful for learning as well as checking connected hardware. The trade-off is a close tie to fischertechnik: without a supported controller, its programming options have little practical use.

The older TXT controller is not supported; it uses ROBO Pro for Windows. TXT 4.0 connects to PCs and mobile devices over Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or USB. For TXT 4.0, fischertechnik describes Python 3 support.

Key features

Blocks and Python: Learners can use graphical programming or Python, with levels suited to different stages. That combination offers a route into text-based coding without making it the only starting point.

Examples and hardware checks: Program examples provide material to learn from, while the interface test lets users check actuators and sensors. This is particularly useful in a classroom or project where hardware needs to be verified alongside code.

Local and cloud storage: Programs can be saved locally or in the cloud; cloud storage supports versioning and sharing. The choice accommodates individual work as well as sharing programs.

Documented integrations: Published documentation includes blocks for voice control and Cloud/MQTT communication. Voice control itself is provided through a separate fischertechnik app.

Controller security: TXT 4.0 firmware release notes describe Bluetooth pairing with a random PIN and the option to change the default password. These are relevant safeguards for connecting a controller, though the notes do not establish the security of every setup.

Pricing

ROBO Pro Coding — free. The free app download includes local and cloud program storage, making it a straightforward choice for individual learners and schools already using supported fischertechnik models. No paid tier is needed for the stated core use. The practical cost is the requirement for compatible hardware; owners of the older TXT controller need ROBO Pro for Windows instead.

Platforms

Downloads are offered for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android. TXT 4.0 can connect to PCs and mobile devices via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or USB, giving users several ways to link software and controller across the supported platforms.

Who it's for

ROBO Pro Coding is aimed at toys and schools, and its mix of learning levels, examples and two coding modes can serve both newcomers and more advanced learners. It is a strong fit for classrooms or home projects built around TXT 4.0, RX or BT Smart models. It is not the right choice for users with the older TXT controller or anyone seeking a general-purpose coding environment independent of fischertechnik hardware.

Pros and cons

Pro: Blocks and Python support a progression from visual coding to text, with Python 3 described for TXT 4.0.

Pro: Examples and a sensor-and-actuator test pair learning with practical hardware checks.

Pro: Free access and local or cloud storage remove a software fee and allow programs to be shared and versioned in the cloud.

Con: The older TXT controller is incompatible, so its owners must use ROBO Pro for Windows.

Con: The app’s usefulness depends on owning one of its supported fischertechnik controllers.

Alternatives

PictoBlox is worth considering for a broader platform mix that includes the web, with a free individual, non-commercial plan; commercial users should contact its maker. EdScratch is a free browser-based option for Edison robots that requires no additional software. mBlock is another free choice for block-based and Python coding, with AI and IoT features.

VEXcode offers a free VR option with blocks, 15 playgrounds, curriculum and activities, while its listed free option is oriented around virtual robotics. FinchBlox is another free option. Ozobot Classroom may suit educators seeking a free teacher-focused portal with 700 lessons. Sphero Edu provides free app and web access, but robot programming requires a compatible Sphero robot. Thymio Suite is free desktop software for programming a connected Thymio robot.

Browse more options in Robotics Education Software.

Verdict

Choose ROBO Pro Coding if you are teaching or learning with a TXT 4.0, RX or BT Smart fischertechnik model: its free block-and-Python environment, examples and hardware checks make a purposeful companion for those robots. Look elsewhere if you have the older TXT controller or need coding software that is not tied to fischertechnik hardware.