Bluetooth Panther Tank Chassis Kit – Arduino Smart Robot Car

Your First Autonomous Robot: Built Tough, Coded Smart

The Bluetooth Panther Tank Chassis Kit is a complete Arduino-based robotics platform built around a durable tracked vehicle design. Unlike wheeled robots that slip on smooth surfaces, the tank’s caterpillar tracks provide reliable traction on carpet, tile, wood, and even slightly uneven terrain. With 15 structured projects that progress from basic motor control to fully autonomous behaviors, this kit teaches real-world electronics, programming, and mechanical engineering concepts through hands-on building and experimentation.

Multiple Control Methods

Control the Panther Tank three different ways. Use the included infrared remote for quick directional driving without any setup. Connect via Bluetooth through the dedicated mobile app on your iPhone or Android device for full control with mode switching. Or program custom autonomous behaviors that let the tank navigate on its own. The Bluetooth module provides reliable control up to 50 meters away, while the IR remote works within 10 meters for close-range operation.

Intelligent Obstacle Avoidance & Following

The HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor sits on a servo motor mount that rotates to scan the environment in three directions. When the tank detects an obstacle within its 2cm to 400cm range, it calculates the clearest path and turns accordingly. Switch to follow mode, and the same sensor tracks your hand or an object, maintaining a consistent following distance as you move. These modes demonstrate distance measurement, servo control, and conditional logic, which are core concepts in robotics programming.

Expressive LED Display

The built-in 8×16 LED matrix panel gives the tank personality. Program it to show animated facial expressions, scrolling text, or custom patterns. Combined with the ultrasonic sensor’s distinctive “googly eyes” appearance, the tank becomes a character that kids and students genuinely enjoy building and interacting with, making the learning process engaging rather than abstract.

Dual Programming Environment

Begin with Mixly, a visual block-based programming platform similar to Scratch, where you drag and drop logic blocks to control the tank’s behavior. When you’re ready for more power, switch to the Arduino IDE and write C/C++ code directly. All 15 tutorial projects include both Mixly blocks and Arduino source code, providing a natural learning progression from visual programming to professional text-based coding.

Durable Construction, Easy Assembly

The aluminum alloy brackets and metal motor mounts ensure the tank survives bumps, drops, and enthusiastic use in classroom and competition settings. High-quality rubber caterpillar tracks grip various surfaces without slipping. Despite its robust construction, assembly requires no soldering. All connections are plug-in, and the step-by-step tutorial guides you through the entire build process.

Specifications

What’s in the Box

• Arduino-compatible R3 controller board (CP2102 USB serial)
• L298P motor driver shield
• V5 sensor expansion shield
• Metal tank chassis frame with caterpillar rubber tracks
• 2× DC geared motors with alloy couplers
• HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor with servo mount bracket
• SG90 servo motor
• HC-06 Bluetooth module
• IR remote control + IR receiver
• 8×16 LED matrix panel
• 3-way IR line tracking module
• 2× photoresistor light following modules
• USB cable, battery holder, dupont cables, and all hardware
• Tutorial with 15 projects (Mixly + Arduino code)