mBlock vs Virtual Robotics Toolkit
mBlock
makeblock.comVirtual Robotics Toolkit
virtualroboticstoolkit.comSide by side
| Figure | mBlock | Virtual Robotics Toolkit |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 2 | 1 |
| Spec score · Robotics Education Software | 8.8 (#3) | 7.0 (#24) |
| Integrations | The maker describes support for Makeblock hardware and other open-resource hardware; its help center lists CyberPi, mBot, mBot Ranger, Ultimate 2.0, mBot Mega, mTiny, Codey Rocky, and xLight as supported devices. | The download page lists EV3 Software as required for programming EV3 robots, and LEGO Digital Designer and LDraw All In One Installer as required to build custom robots. |
| Purpose | mBlock 5 is a coding platform for robotics, STEM, and coding learning. | The toolkit lets users build, program, and simulate LEGO MINDSTORMS robots. |
| Support | The maker links to an mBlock user guide, downloads, and resources from its software page. | The documentation offers learning materials for different skill levels and links to an official forum. |
| System requirements | The desktop download lists Windows 7 or Windows 10 64-bit and macOS 10.12 or newer; Android requires 6.0+ ARM and iOS requires 10.0+ on the download page. | The documented minimum requirements include a 64-bit operating system, 4 GB RAM, an Intel i3/i5 or AMD A8/A10 processor, and an internet connection for initial activation, competitions, and the Learning Environment. |
Plans
In their own words
mBlock
mBlock 5 is a free coding platform for robotics, STEM, and coding learning. It supports block-based coding and Python, with a one-click switch between the two. Users can create games and animations, then program Makeblock robots and other open-resource hardware. The platform includes AI and IoT features, with integrations described for Microsoft Cognitive Services and Google deep learning. Supported devices listed include CyberPi, mBot Neo/mBot2, mBot, mBot Ranger, Ultimate 2.0, mBot Mega, mTiny, Codey Rocky, and xLight. The Extension Builder allows third parties to develop device and sprite extensions. mBlock is available on Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web, and Windows. The web version supports direct Bluetooth or serial connections, but not the Bluetooth dongle. The mBlock Python editor programs devices only for CyberPi, and its Upload mode uses MicroPython rather than third-party Python 3 libraries. The Extension Builder works only in Google Chrome.
Virtual Robotics Toolkit
Virtual Robotics Toolkit has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.