Sound-Reactive Dancing Panda
Watch Video Tutorial
Sound-Reactive Dancing Panda
Maker
What You'll Need
- Micro:bit V2
- Keyestudio (or similar) expansion board
- 2 × SG90 servo motors
- 1 × Micro:bit battery holder (2 × AAA) / USB power cable
- A3 cardboard sheet
- Jumper wires (for servo and power connections)
- Computer and USB cable (for programming with MakeCode)
Sound-Reactive Dancing Panda
Get all the materials you need for this project in one package!
Includes:
Micro:bit V2
Keyestudio (or similar) expansion board
2 × SG90 servo motors
1 × Micro:bit battery holder (2 × AAA) / USB power cable
A3 cardboard sheet
Jumper wires (for servo and power connections)
Computer and USB cable (for programming with MakeCode)All materials in one package!
Let's Make It! Step-by-Step Guide
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Snap the Micro:bit into the Keyestudio expansion board.
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Connect one servo to P0 (left arm) and the other to P1 (right arm) using jumper wires.
The Science Behind It
Your Micro:bit V2 features a tiny built-in microphone that measures ambient sound levels as values from 0 to 255. The code reads these values continuously and maps them to different servo-movement speeds: louder inputs cause shorter pauses between arm swings, making the panda dance more vigorously. When the sound level falls below a set threshold, both arms return to the neutral 90° position and pause—demonstrating how sensors can drive real-world mechanical actions through simple programming.
Helpful Tips
- Mount servos firmly so the cardboard arms don’t wobble.
- Use contrasting cardstock or markers to decorate your panda.
- Place the Micro:bit on a stable platform for more accurate sound readings.
- Experiment with different sound sources—clapping, music, even your own voice!
Try These Variations!
- 1LED Eyes: Add NeoPixels or LEDs that blink to the beat of the music.
- 2Multiple Servos: Attach extra servos to make the panda’s head nod or legs move.
- 3Alternative Sensors: Swap the microphone input for gestures or light level to trigger dancing.
- 4Costume Party: Dress your panda in paper outfits and change them out for different “dance modes.”