ROBO Pro Coding

ROBO Pro Coding is a free programming environment for fischertechnik toys and schools. Learners can build programs graphically or with Python, and choose beginner, advanced, or expert learning levels. The app programs the TXT 4.0 controller and supports fischertechnik models using TXT 4.0, RX, and BT Smart controllers. The older TXT controller is not supported by this app and uses ROBO Pro for Windows instead.

The software includes example programs and lets users save programs locally or in the cloud, where they can version and share them. An interface test can check actuators and sensors. With TXT 4.0, the controller provides Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB connections to PCs and mobile devices. Published documentation includes blocks for voice control and Cloud/MQTT communication. fischertechnik lists downloads for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, and describes Python 3 support with TXT 4.0. The app is listed as free at no cost.

ROBO Pro Coding provides programming tools and examples for several fischertechnik controllers, with local and cloud program storage. Check controller compatibility before using it with older hardware.

ROBO Pro Coding suits learners, toy builders, and schools working with compatible fischertechnik controllers. Its graphical and Python modes accommodate different learning levels.

ROBO Pro Coding is a free programming environment for fischertechnik robots, with block-based and Python coding. It suits learners and schools using compatible fischertechnik controllers; its chief appeal is a choice of coding modes and learning levels, while the older TXT controller requires different software.

Overview

ROBO Pro Coding combines visual programming with Python and offers beginner, advanced, and expert learning levels. That range gives newcomers a structured entry point and lets more experienced learners work in text, though the software’s usefulness depends on owning supported fischertechnik hardware. Program examples and a built-in interface test for sensors and actuators add practical learning and troubleshooting value.

Supported controllers include TXT 4.0, RX, and BT Smart. The older TXT controller is not supported; it uses ROBO Pro for Windows. TXT 4.0 connects to PCs and mobile devices over Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or USB.

Key features

• Blocks and Python: Users can move between graphical coding and Python. Python 3 support is described for the TXT 4.0 controller, making the app a fit for learners who want a path from blocks to text.
• Learning levels and examples: Beginner, advanced, and expert settings, together with sample programs, serve a mixed learning audience and make the software relevant to schools as well as home robotics projects.
• Local and cloud storage: Programs can be saved locally or in the cloud, with cloud versioning and sharing. This gives users options for keeping and exchanging their work.
• Hardware checks: An interface test lets users try actuators and sensors, which can help separate hardware connection issues from code problems.
• Documented integrations: Published documentation includes blocks for voice control and Cloud/MQTT communication. Voice control itself is provided through a separate fischertechnik app.
• Controller security: TXT 4.0 firmware release notes describe Bluetooth pairing with a random PIN and an option to change the default password.

Pricing

ROBO Pro Coding is free. The ROBO Pro Coding plan costs nothing and includes a free app download, with programs saved locally or in the cloud. There is no paid tier in the stated plan, so schools and individual learners can use the described coding and storage features without a subscription charge.

Platforms

The app is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. That breadth accommodates computers and mobile devices, with TXT 4.0 offering Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB connections. The older TXT controller remains outside the app’s supported hardware.

Who it's for

This is a strong fit for fischertechnik owners, teachers, and students who want to program compatible robots through blocks or Python. The multiple learning levels and program examples suit mixed experience, while local and cloud saving work for both individual projects and shared learning. It is a poor fit for owners of the older TXT controller or anyone seeking a robotics coding tool for hardware outside the supported fischertechnik controllers.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Block and Python modes support progression from visual coding to text-based programming.
• Pro: The free download includes local and cloud program storage, with cloud versioning and sharing.
• Pro: Sensor and actuator tests provide a direct way to check connected hardware.
• Con: The older TXT controller is unsupported, limiting the app’s usefulness for owners of that hardware.
• Con: The software is built around fischertechnik controllers, so it is not a general-purpose option for other robot systems.

Alternatives

Robotics Education Software is a useful place to compare more options. Choose EdScratch if you use an Edison robot and prefer browser access without additional software; it is free. VEXcode may fit learners who want its free VR offering, which includes blocks, 15 basic-graphics playgrounds, curriculum, activities, and online resources.

Wonder Workshop Blockly offers a free tier for up to 35 students, one teacher, and one classroom, and requires a physical Dash robot. FinchBlox is another free option. mBlock is free and combines block-based and Python coding with AI and IoT features. Open Roberta Lab is free and browser-based, with no installation required.

Ozobot Classroom provides a free educator account, 700 lessons, and a teacher-focused portal. PictoBlox is free for individual, non-commercial use; commercial users should contact its maker.

Verdict

Choose ROBO Pro Coding if you have a supported fischertechnik controller and want a free route from block-based programming to Python, with examples and local or cloud storage. Its mix of learning levels and hardware checks makes it especially suitable for schools and learners working with those robots. Look elsewhere if you own the older TXT controller or need software for a different robotics system.