Code a Robotic Vacuum Cleaner

If I don't have the exact USB cable, the kit cloth, or tape/rubber band listed in the instructions, what can I substitute?

Use any USB cable or a phone charger/power bank that fits the robot's charging port to fully charge the battery, replace the small soft cloth or sock with a microfiber cloth or handkerchief for the wiping step, and secure it to the front with a small zip tie, Velcro strip, or twist tie instead of tape or a rubber band.

My robot won't move or the distance sensor doesn't trigger when testing the 'read the distance sensor continuously' step—what should I check?

Verify the battery is fully charged via the USB cable, confirm the motors and distance sensor are connected exactly as shown in the kit's guide, ensure the cloth isn't blocking the sensor, and test each motor and the sensor with a simple one-action program before uploading the full forever loop.

How can I adapt the project for younger children or make it more challenging for older kids?

For younger kids, preassemble the motors and distance sensor and use block-based code that only sets both motors to 50% and stops when distance <15cm, while older kids can replace timed actions like the 0.5s backup and 90° turn with encoder-based movements, add variable speeds, or implement mapping in the coding app.

What are some easy ways to extend or personalize the RoboVac after it runs the zigzag cleaning loop?

Personalize it by swapping the cloth for colored or scented microfiber, add an LED or buzzer that activates when the distance sensor reads <15cm, install a second distance sensor or wheel encoders to improve coverage instead of relying on the 5-second forward and timed 90° turn, and then upload and share the enhanced project on DIY.org.