Two sensor packs, one choice
The Robotics Workshop with Micro:Bit system lets you add sensor packs one at a time. The Toggle Sensor Component Pack and the Infrared Sensor Component Pack are both single-piece expansions that plug into your existing setup. They serve different sensing jobs, so your decision depends on what you want your robot to detect.
Both packs are designed for ages 8–18+, require no batteries, and were released in 2024. Each contains one component and is made in Taiwan.
What each pack contains
- Robotics Workshop with Micro:Bit: Toggle Sensor Component Pack: The Toggle Sensor Component Pack includes one toggle sensor compatible with the Robotics Workshop with Micro:Bit system. A toggle sensor detects whether a switch is in one of two positions (on/off or open/closed). Use it for projects that need a physical input, like a limit switch on a robotic arm or a door sensor.
Robotics Workshop with Micro:Bit: Toggle Sensor Component Pack - Robotics Workshop with Micro:Bit: Infrared Sensor Component Pack: The Infrared Sensor Component Pack includes one infrared sensor compatible with the Robotics Workshop with Micro:Bit system. An infrared sensor detects objects or obstacles without physical contact. It is ideal for line-following robots, proximity alarms, or any project that needs non-contact distance sensing.
Robotics Workshop with Micro:Bit: Infrared Sensor Component Pack
How the sensors differ in practice
- Detection method: Toggle sensor: mechanical contact (press or flip). Infrared sensor: reflected light (no touch required).
- Best project type: Toggle sensor: projects where you need to know if something is pressed, lifted, or closed. Infrared sensor: projects where you want to detect objects from a short distance.
- Compatibility: Both packs work with the Robotics Workshop with Micro:Bit system. The supplied information confirms compatibility for each pack individually.
- Price: Toggle Sensor Pack: USD 8.68 (catalog comparison price USD 12.95). Infrared Sensor Pack: USD 9.12 (catalog comparison price USD 14.95).
Which one should you buy first?
If your first robot project involves detecting physical contact—like a bump switch, a pressure pad, or a door sensor—start with the Toggle Sensor Component Pack. It gives you a clear on/off signal that is easy to code and debug.
If you want your robot to avoid obstacles, follow a line, or sense objects without touching them, the Infrared Sensor Component Pack is the better starting point. Non-contact sensing opens up more autonomous behaviors out of the box.
Both packs are inexpensive and can be added later. The supplied information does not specify whether the packs can be used simultaneously or how many ports the base system has, so check your Robotics Workshop board before buying both at once.
