Introduction

The MATRIX Mini R4 is a multi-function microcontroller designed for STEM education and innovative projects. The microcontroller adopts dual-processor architecture. The Arduino UNO R4 WiFi is the core controller, responsible for the main program logic and user interaction, along with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless communications. The STM32F103 microcontroller then acts as a co-processor to efficiently handle real-time tasks such as motor driving and

reading sensor data. This design not only maintains the ease of use and plentiful resources of the Arduino platform but also enhances the overall performance and stability of the system through the co-processor.

The Mini R4 has extensive modular expansion capabilities, supporting connections to various sensors and driver modules. It is an ideal central platform for STEM education, robotics competitions, and a wide range of creative projects. Users can easily upload programs and provide basic power to the controller via its USB-C port. When high power components such as motors need to be driven, it is recommended to connect to an external power source ranging from 6V to 24V. Additionally, it can wirelessly be connected with other devices, enabling more flexible applications.

By reading this chapter, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the MATRIX Mini R4 controller’s hardware structure, communication ports, power supply methods, corresponding software development tools, and common application scenarios. Thus, laying a foundation for subsequent development and teaching.

In this chapter, you will learn:

• The core architecture, basic functions, and application advantages of the Mini R4

• How to correctly connect peripheral modules and provide power to the system

• How to use the controller pins and various communication interfaces

• The meaning of the built-in LEDs and status indicators on the controller

• How to operate the software using MATRIXblock and Arduino C++

From hardware to software this chapter will help you fully master the operation and application of the MATRIX Mini R4 whether you are a novice controller user or a developer looking to integrate the control system into an innovative application.

Applications

With its powerful combination of functions, flexible expandability, and user-friendly development environment, the MATRIX Mini R4 controller has become an ideal choice for a wide range of applications including STEM education, robotics competitions, and creative project development. The Mini R4 can help you whether you are a learner beginning to explore the world

of automation or a developer ready to show your talents on the competitive stage.

A. Educational and Learning Projects

The Mini R4 is very suitable for classroom teaching and independent learning, helping students

understand programming logic, hardware interaction, and system integration.

• Basic Robotics Projects: For example, line-following cars, obstacle-avoiding robots, and light-tracking robots, ect. The Mini R4’s precise motor control and diverse sensor interfaces provide a solid foundation for these kinds of projects.

• Interactive Art Installations： Combine sensors (such as sound, light, or distance sensors) with output devices (such as LEDs, buzzers, or small motors) to create engaging interactive art pieces or smart toys.

• Sensor Data Collection and Analysis: Use the Mini R4 to connect sensors such as temperature and humidity, gas sensors, ect. for environmental monitoring. The built-in wireless capabilities allow data to be transmitted to a computer or the cloud for further analysis.

B. Robotics Competition Platform

The Mini R4’s stability, real-time responsiveness, and rich interfaces make it an ideal core controller for a variety of mainstream robotics competitions.

• World Robot Olympiad (WRO):

1. RoboMission: The Mini R4’s multi-motor control, encoder feedback, and sensor integration capabilities make it ideal for building competition robots that perform complex path planning and precise operation tasks.

2. Future Innovators: Its built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, along with expandability for connecting various sensors and modules, strongly supports participants in proposing innovative solutions to real-world problems and creating prototypes.

   

• MARC Robot Series:

1. MARC 2V2 Alliance Competition: The Mini R4 can serve as the core controller of robots in alliance competitions. Its stable communication and control performance helps teams gain an advantage in cooperative competitions.

   

• Other Suitable Competition Types:

1. In addition to the competitions mentioned above, the design of the Mini R4 also makes it a strong candidate for use in events such as the “Mobile Robotics” category of the WorldSkills competition, as well as certain divisions with the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) competition series. It provides participants with a reliable and feature-rich development platform

C. Internet of Things (IoT) and Wireless Interaction Applications

With built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functionality, the Mini R4 can easily enable wireless connectivity and remote control of devices.

• Smart Home Prototypes: For example, remotely controlled lights and fans, or sensor devices that automatically report status.

• Wireless Remote-Controlled Devices: Wirelessly control robots or other devices by connecting to a mobile app or dedicated remote controllers (such as the Matrix Joystick 2) via Bluetooth.

• Mini Weather Stations or Environmental Monitors: Collect data and upload it to a cloud platform via Wi-Fi, allowing for remote monitoring.

D. Creative Projects and Advanced Development

For experienced developers or users looking to take on more complex projects, Mini R4’s dualcore architecture and expandability offers extensive room for innovation and development.

• Projects with Machine Vision Capabilities: Can be paired with visual sensors such as the HuskyLens AI camera to perform applications such as color recognition and object tracking.

• Multi-Axis Robotic Arm Control: Take advantage of its ability to control multiple servo motors to build and operate small multi-degree-of-freedom robots.

• Custom Automated Equipment: Design specialized automation tools or testing platforms tailored to specific needs.