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Open Roberta Lab
What it is
Open Roberta Lab is an online environment for learning to program robots and microcontrollers. Its NEPO language uses graphical blocks that users assemble by dragging and arranging them. The Lab supports a range of hardware, including Arduino boards, Calliope mini, LEGO Mindstorms EV3, micro:bit, NAO, and LEGO SPIKE Prime. Open Roberta Sim lets users program virtual robots when physical equipment is unavailable, and an integration supports creating and using artificial neural networks in NEPO programs. The service works in a standard browser on a PC, Mac, or tablet without installation; iOS and Android apps are also listed. Users can program without an account, but saving programs and settings requires one. Sharing or publishing in the gallery requires an account verified with an email address. The Lab is free, with classroom tools and a curriculum library, and is described for mixed learner levels. The Roberta initiative aims to engage children, young people, trainees, and employees with STEM topics and technology.
For and against
For
- Block-based NEPO programming uses drag and drop.
- Simulator supports programming virtual robots.
- Works in a browser without installation.
- Users can program without an account.
- Free, with classroom tools and a curriculum library.
Against
- Saving programs and settings requires an account.
- Sharing or gallery publishing requires verified email.
- The sharing requirement may add an account step.
The verdict
Open Roberta Lab pairs block-based programming with support for physical and virtual robots, and it is free to use. Programming is available without an account, but saving and sharing require account steps.
Who it suits
Open Roberta Lab suits learners and educators introducing programming through robots and microcontrollers, including children, young people, trainees, and employees. Its simulator can help when physical robot hardware is unavailable.
Plans and prices
Free
Free to use · browser-based · no installation required
Read 3 Oct 2026 · open-roberta.org
On the record
- Accounts
- Users can program without an account, while an account enables saving programs and settings for later use in the Lab.roberta-home.de · read 3 Oct 2026
- Browser access
- The platform can be used without installation from devices with a standard internet browser, including PCs, Macs, and tablets.open-roberta.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Data retention
- The privacy information says visitor IP addresses are automatically deleted from server log files after 30 days.roberta-home.de · read 3 Oct 2026
- Hardware support
- The Lab supports multiple robot and hardware systems, including LEGO Mindstorms EV3, Calliope mini, and NAO.open-roberta.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The Roberta initiative describes its aim as engaging children, young people, trainees, and employees with STEM topics and technology.open-roberta.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Neural networks
- The Lab includes an integration for creating and using artificial neural networks in NEPO programs.roberta-home.de · read 3 Oct 2026
- Privacy and hosting
- The privacy information says the website is hosted on Fraunhofer IAIS servers in Germany and personal data are not transferred outside the EU.roberta-home.de · read 3 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Open Roberta Lab is an online programming environment for robots and microcontrollers, aimed at helping people learn programming.open-roberta.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Sharing limit
- Sharing programs with others or publishing them in the gallery requires a verified account with an email address.roberta-home.de · read 3 Oct 2026
- Simulation
- The Open Roberta Sim lets users program virtual robots when they do not have hardware available.open-roberta.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker directs users to its Wiki and FAQ and offers email support for questions that remain unresolved.open-roberta.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Visual programming
- NEPO is a graphical, block-based programming language that users assemble with drag and drop.open-roberta.org · read 3 Oct 2026
