4.Microblocks & XGO: No Threshold! Journey of Robot Programming

1. What is Microblocks?

Microblocks is an open-source and free graphical programming environment. Its syntax is similar to Scratch, but it can run directly in real time on various microcontrollers (Micro:bit, ESP32/ESP8266, Raspberry PI Pico, etc.).

The official Microblocks comes with the FoxBit development board and the XGO robot dog library, which supports actions, sensors, and AI expansion by simply dragging code blocks.

Official: https://microblocks.fun
Wiki: https://wiki.microblocks.fun/en/home

2. Online Version Guide

Ver.	Url	Applicable Scenarios	Remarks
Online version	https://microblocks.fun/run/microblocks.html	There is a network environment and no installation is required	If the “Incompatible” prompt appears, please click the gear →「Erase Information and upgrade FoxBit firmware」.

3. Offline Version Installation

Please refer to the previous chapter, “4.2 MicroBlocks IDE”.

4. Quick Tour of Development Environment

Workspace (center) : Drag and drop building blocks, write logic code.
Building Block Library (left) : All blocks are classified by color.
Module Library (lower left) : Add various types of libraries.
Sidebar (right) : Connect to the main board and simulator.
Toolbar (upper left): Switch languages, upgrade firmware, open examples.

5. Add XGO Library to Microblocks

Connect the XGO with the FoxBit development board to the computer, and long press the power button of the XGO to turn it on.
Click 「Connect」→ the corresponing serial port → OK. A small green dot in the status bar indicates that it is connected. The model of the board is FoxBit, and its extension library is automatically displayed on the left side.
In Library → Robot, tick XGO-lite. If there is no XGO blocks, pleasw resart the software or reload the extensions.

6. XGO Basic Example: The dog greets you

Click ▶Run, and drag the building blocks while observing its movements.

7. XGO Blocks Speediness Lookup Table

Code blocks
Function Description	Establish serial communication and put the servo in idle mode
Application scenarios	It must be placed at the beginning of the program
Code blocks
Function Description	Return to the default standing position
Application scenarios	Reset among multiple movements
Code blocks
Parameters	List of preset actions
Function Description	One-click to complete set of actions
Application scenarios	Sit down, shake hands, pay New Year’s greetings…
Code blocks
Parameters	-100~100
Function Description	Front/back stride
Application scenarios	Walk in a straight line
Code blocks
Parameters	-100~100
Function Description	Left/right stride
Application scenarios	Move sideways to dodge
Code blocks
Parameters	-100~100
Function Description	Truning speed/angle
Application scenarios	Make a U-turn on the spot
Code blocks
Function Description	Stop walking immediately
Application scenarios	Emergency braking

Parameters	Slow/Normal/Fast
Function Description	Gear position of walk speed
Application scenarios	Performance rhythm
Code blocks
Parameters	Crawl/Walk/Trot/Bound
Function Description	Gait switching
Application scenarios	Power-saving or high-speed
Code blocks
Parameters	±25 mm
Function Description	Body translation
Application scenarios	Fine-tuning of the center of gravity
Code blocks
Parameters	±20°
Function Description	Body rotation
Application scenarios	Nod/tail
Code blocks
Function Description	Return the remaining battery power
Application scenarios	Low battery alarm
Code blocks
Parameters	0-100%
Function Description	The claw opens and closes
Application scenarios	Grab or place objects
Code blocks
Parameters	-115°~70°
Function Description	Single-joint positioning
Application scenarios	Accurately pick up objects
Code blocks
Parameters	Upper/Lower -30°~30°
Function Description	Independent leg joint
Application scenarios	Custom-tailored actions