mBlock is the software used to create, save, and run programs for the mBot robot. A screenshot of the mBlock application is shown below. There are different ways to run the mBlock software. Below, we list the different options with instructions on how to get started on Windows, Mac, Linux, or Chromebook computers.
Figure 1: Screenshot of the mBlock software.
The mBlock software can be installed on Windows or Mac computers. If you want to use a Chromebook or Linux computer or if you do not want to install the full mBlock program on the computer, you can try Option 2, listed below. To install the software on a computer, follow these steps:
Navigate to the mBlock download website:
Scroll down to the mBlock PC version section.
Download the version for Mac or Windows, as appropriate for your computer.
Run the downloaded installation file and follow the instructions on the screen (Figure 2). On Mac, you might be shown a warning message that prevents you from running the installer. Please refer to the instructions below to circumvent this warning (under Warning preventing from running mLink or mBlock).
If you are using Windows, the installer will prompt you to install a device driver at the end of the installation (See Figure 3). This driver is required to communicate with the robot. In the popup window (Figure 3), click Install. This installs the driver and opens a second pop-up window (See Figure 4). Next, click OK in the pop-up window (Figure 4) and close the driver setup window (Figure 3).
Finally, click Finish in the installation window (Figure 5).
The software is now installed and ready to use. On Mac computers, you might receive a warning message that prevents you from running the program. If so, please refer to the instructions below to circumvent this issue
Figure 2: Running the mBlock installer
Figure 3: The installer will prompt you to install a device driver after installing the software. Click Install
Figure 4: A pop-up informing you that the driver has been installed.
Figure 5: Click Finish to complete the installation.
The option to run mBlock software on the computer listed above is only available for Mac or Windows computers. However, you can run the software in a browser on Windows, Mac, Linux, or Chromebook computers. To run the program in the browser, you must install software called mLink. This software enables the browser to communicate with the robot. Below are the instructions for installing mLink, followed by the steps to run mBlock in the browser.
These are the instructions for installing mLink:
Navigate to the mBlock download website.
Scroll down to the mLink - mBlock web version driver section.