Quick Start
This guide helps you power on Dotbot Flip, check the main systems, and drive it for the first time.
What you need
- Dotbot Flip
- A USB-C cable for charging if needed
- The companion app
Step 1: Charge the robot
If the robot is not charged, connect it with a USB-C cable before first use.
Dotbot Flip works with a standard USB power source and charges at up to 5 V / 1 A.
A typical full recharge takes about 1 hour. Depending on motor speed and play intensity, a full charge lasts for roughly 45 minutes.
See Power and Charging for battery and charging notes.
Low battery signs
When the battery is low, you may notice:
- a warning on the screen or LEDs
- slower driving
- weaker arm movement
- less responsive behavior
Recharge the robot before continuing if these signs appear.
Step 2: Power it on
Press and hold the power button for about 3 seconds.
When the robot starts correctly, a QR code appears on the screen. That means it is on and ready for pairing.
Step 3: Connect with the app
Open the app and tap the connection button.
The recommended connection flow is to scan the QR code shown on the robot screen.
If needed, you can also select the robot by name from the list of robots currently in pairing mode.
Once connected, you can:
- drive the tracks
- operate the arm
- check status
- begin programming
On the first connection, Dotbot Flip automatically self-calibrates the arm. Let that process finish before testing movement.
Step 4: Let the arm calibrate
Each time the robot powers on and connects, the arm calibrates automatically.
The arm moves by itself for a few seconds so the robot can determine its movement range. Wait for that process to finish before pressing other controls.
Step 5: Test basic movement
In the app, go to the Play section and open Fighter bot to start testing the robot.
This mode lets you:
- Drive forward and backward.
- Turn left and right.
- Actuate the arm.
- Confirm that the robot responds consistently.
You can use Fighter bot either to begin fighting right away or simply to experiment with driving and arm control.
Step 6: Try a first challenge
For a simple first activity, either:
- practice lining up the arm to get under an object
- move a small object into a target area
- try a short one-on-one flipping match