Getting Started with Thymio II Wireless Programming Robot

A Thymio Crash Course for Teachers

thymio creators kit thumnail. lgjpg 600If you’re getting started with Thymio in the classroom, or even just thinking about using it, first of all, great decision. Thymio isn’t a toy that students will get tired of. It’s a powerful learning tool developed by passionate educators,designed to grow with students and be used for a lifetime of programming.There’s a lot going on under the shell, so this crash course will walk you through the basics.

You’ll go from turning Thymio on and exploring its built-in modes, to creating your first program using VPL3.Once you’re comfortable with the fundamentals, the sky’s the limit.

You can dive into our programming missions or start building your own lessons and challenges.

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First Things First
Before You Start

Here’s a list of things that are great to have on hand when using Thymio to teach programming. Having the right materials ready makes lessons smoother and opens up more creative possibilities for students.

LEGO (Regular & Technic)

thymio legoYou never know when you’ll need to build obstacles, bowling pins, or even a tower crusher. LEGO is a reliable go-to for quick builds and creative setups.

It becomes even more powerful when paired with the BBbots LinkVest, making LEGO integration faster and easier.

White Tables or Boards

thymio round tableIKEA-style white tables, round tables for battles or sumo, or large white panels are ideal surfaces for Thymio activities.

They provide a clean, consistent environment for sensors and make it easier to run a wide variety of programming lessons.

Computers or Tablets

thymio computerChromebooks or Windows computers with a USB 2.0 port are the easiest setup. Each student or group can connect directly to Thymio and work independently without interference.

If using tablets, a central computer running Thymio Suite is required. All dongles connect to the main computer, while students program independently from their tablets.

At least one Chromebook or Windows computer is recommended for classes focusing on VPL3, Scratch, Blockly, or text-based programming (ASEBA).

Markers

thymio pens and drawingMarkers are great for drawing activities and creative challenges. Make sure they are narrow enough to fit into Thymio’s pen holder.

Craft Supplies

thymio craftsUse templates and simple materials to encourage creativity in projects. Pom-poms, straws, cups, and other craft items can turn simple programs into engaging builds.

Black Tape

thymio tapeFor activities using bottom sensors, light-tack PVC masking tape works best. It is easy to adjust, smooth for movement, and ideal for line-following projects.

Duct tape and paper tape can also be used, but they tend to create more friction and are less consistent.

Turning On/Off and Changing Modes

Turning Thymio On and Off

thymio turn off

Let’s try!

To turn on Thymio, place your finger on the center circle sensor and hold it there for approximately 3 to 5 seconds.
After a short moment, Thymio should power on.

If there is no response, avoid tapping or touching repeatedly. Instead:

  • Wait 5 to 10 seconds to allow the touch sensor to reset
  • Try again by holding the center sensor
  • If it still does not respond, connect Thymio via USB to check the battery level

To turn off Thymio, use the same method. Touch and hold the center circle sensor for 3 to 5 seconds until the robot powers down.

Changing Modes

Once Thymio is powered on, you can switch between its different modes by touching any of the directional arrow buttons surrounding the center sensor.

Thymio includes:

  • 6 factory-set modes, each represented by a different color
  • 1 custom mode for user-created programs
When using the custom mode, Thymio will start with no color. This indicates that it is in the seventh mode.

Entering and Exiting Modes

thymio change modesAfter selecting a mode, activate it by touching the center circle once.

When active, Thymio’s color will slowly fade in and out. This indicates the robot is running the mode and responding to its sensors.

To exit the active mode, touch the center circle again. The color will stop fading and remain solid, showing that Thymio has returned to mode selection.

If you start a custom mode, you must restart Thymio to return to factory modes. The center button may be used as part of the custom program and will not function as an exit control.

You’re Ready

Congratulations. You are now ready to start using Thymio. These basic controls are the foundation for all activities and lessons.

Built-in Factory Modes (Codeless)

One of Thymio’s greatest strengths is its built-in codeless modes. These modes are ideal for students who are just getting started with programming and robotics, keeping interactions simple and focused while still introducing important concepts.

Below, we’ll explore each mode in more detail. Before that, it’s important to understand how these modes work and what to watch out for when things don’t behave as expected.

Understanding Sensors and Behavior

thymio sensorsEach mode relies on specific sensors to control how Thymio behaves. It’s easy to forget which sensors are active, and this can sometimes lead to confusing or frustrating results.

If something seems wrong, it’s often not a mistake in the robot, but a clue about how the sensors are interacting with the environment.

Common Situations to Watch For

Green Mode: This mode uses front IR sensors to follow objects, but it also uses bottom sensors to prevent falling off edges.

thymio green modeAt the edge of a table, Thymio may suddenly stop because the IR sensors no longer detect reflected light. The same thing happens on a black surface, since black materials absorb light instead of reflecting it.

Light Blue Mode (Black Line Follow):

thymio light blue modeIf the table or floor is dark, or has small black patterns or speckles, Thymio may struggle to follow the line. The sensors cannot clearly distinguish between the intended path and the background.

Purple Mode:

When using multiple robots, all Thymios will respond to the same remote signal, causing them to move together. To control robots independently, a custom program with the BBBots 5-device remote is required.

Troubleshooting Mindset

As a general rule, if something isn’t working as expected, it can feel frustrating at first, but it’s also a valuable opportunity for problem-solving.

Check that the correct mode is selected and consider how the environment might be affecting the sensors. Surfaces, lighting, and obstacles can all change how Thymio responds.

Codeless Mode (6 Factory Color Modes)
Green Mode (Follow Mode)

thymio green actionGreen mode is one of the most engaging ways to introduce Thymio. In this mode, the robot follows objects using its front sensors, creating an immediate hands-on experience for students.

Let’s try!
  1. Turn on Thymio
  2. Change to green mode
  3. Start the green mode program
  4. Put your hand in front of Thymio and slowly move it closer or further away
  5. Try to lead Thymio off a table
  6. Place Thymio on black paper or a dark surface and test again. What happens?

These simple experiments help students understand how sensors control behavior. What looks like a mistake is often a clue about how the robot is interpreting the world.

For extra fun, try connecting multiple Thymios into a train, centipede, or even a Christmas sleigh of reindeer. You can also guide Thymio like a tugboat leading a ship, using another moving toy as the target.

How It Works

Thymio uses its front IR sensors to detect objects by measuring reflected light. When something is in front of it, the robot adjusts its movement to follow.

At the same time, bottom sensors detect edges to prevent falls. If no reflection is detected underneath, Thymio assumes it is at an edge and stops.

Things to Watch For

On the edge of a table, Thymio will stop because the bottom sensors no longer detect reflected light. This is expected behavior.

The same effect happens on black surfaces. Since black absorbs light instead of reflecting it, Thymio may think it is at an edge and refuse to move.

If Thymio suddenly stops or refuses to move, check the surface first. Dark tables, black paper, or edges can all trigger the same sensor response.

Follow-up

Yellow Mode (Explorer Mode)

thymio yellow mode actionYellow mode turns Thymio into an autonomous explorer. In this mode, the robot moves on its own and reacts to obstacles using its sensors, making it perfect for introducing concepts like collision detection and reactive behavior.

Let’s try!
  1. Turn on Thymio
  2. Change to yellow mode
  3. Start the program
  4. Place an obstacle in front of Thymio. What happens?
  5. Put Thymio near the edge of a table or on black paper. What happens?
  6. Press the forward or back arrows. What happens?
  7. Send Thymio directly into a wall at a straight angle. Which way does it turn? Does it turn the same way every time?

These experiments help students observe how Thymio reacts automatically based on sensor input. Instead of following something, it is now making its own decisions based on what it detects.

Try building obstacle courses and see if Thymio can navigate through them. You can also turn it into a game by timing how fast it completes the course or playing tag to see if it can avoid being touched.

How It Works

In explorer mode, Thymio moves forward by default and uses its front sensors to detect obstacles. When something is detected, it changes direction to avoid collisions.

The bottom sensors are also active, helping Thymio detect edges or sudden drops so it can stop or change direction to avoid falling.

Things to Watch For

Thymio may behave differently depending on the angle it hits an object. A straight-on collision often causes it to turn in a consistent direction, while angled approaches can produce different results.

Like other modes, dark surfaces or black paper can interfere with the bottom sensors and cause Thymio to stop unexpectedly.

If Thymio seems stuck or stops randomly, check the surface and surroundings. Sensor input depends heavily on lighting and material, not just the object itself.

Follow-up

Red Mode (Avoidance Mode)

thymio red mode actionRed mode introduces a different type of behavior. Instead of following or exploring, Thymio actively tries to avoid objects using its sensors. This creates a fun and reactive experience where the robot appears to “escape” from interaction.

Let’s try!
  1. Turn on Thymio
  2. Change to red mode
  3. Start the program
  4. Put your hand in front of Thymio
  5. Put your hand behind Thymio
  6. Put your hand in front of and behind Thymio at the same time
  7. Put your hand behind Thymio and try to force it toward the edge of a table

Watch how Thymio reacts differently depending on where the input is coming from. It will try to move away from obstacles, creating a clear cause-and-effect relationship between sensors and behavior.

This mode is great for helping students understand how robots can make simple decisions based on multiple inputs at once.

How It Works

Thymio uses its front and rear sensors to detect nearby objects. When something is detected, it moves in the opposite direction to avoid it.

If obstacles are detected from multiple directions and Thymio can’t move, it will “scream” by sounding an alarm signalling that it’s trapped.

Things to Watch For

The bottom sensors are still active, so edges and dark surfaces can also influence its behavior, preventing it from moving in certain directions.

Follow-up

Blue Mode (Sound Responder)

thymio blue mode actionBlue mode introduces sound as an input. In this mode, Thymio listens for patterns of sound and reacts differently depending on how many times it detects a signal.

This is a great way to introduce event-based behavior, where the robot responds to specific triggers like claps or taps.

Let’s try!
  1. Turn on Thymio
  2. Change to blue mode
  3. Start the program
  4. Clap once, wait… clap once, wait… clap once. What happens?
  5. Clap twice, wait… clap twice, wait… clap twice. What happens?
  6. Clap three times, wait… clap three times, wait… what happens?
  7. Alternatively, use your nail and tap once, twice, or three times. What happens?

Try to notice how timing and repetition affect the result. Thymio is not just detecting sound, but also counting patterns.

How It Works

Thymio uses its microphone to detect sound input. It groups sounds into patterns based on how many times a signal is detected within a short period.

Each pattern triggers a different response, allowing simple control using sound instead of touch or movement.

Things to Watch For

Timing matters. If sounds are too fast or too slow, Thymio may not recognize them as part of the same pattern.

Background noise can also affect results, especially in a busy classroom environment.

If Thymio does not respond as expected, try spacing out the sounds more clearly or reducing background noise.

Follow-up

Light Blue Mode (Black Line Follower)

thymio light blue actionLight blue mode allows Thymio to follow a path using its bottom sensors. This introduces the idea of line-following, a common concept in robotics where the robot navigates by detecting contrast between light and dark surfaces.

Let’s try!
  1. Turn on Thymio
  2. Change to light blue mode
  3. Start the program
  4. Place a 25-cm (10 inch) strip of black tape (about 5 cm (2 inches) wide) on a table and set Thymio on the line. What happens?
  5. Add more tape to create 45° bends. What happens?
  6. Create a T-intersection. Does Thymio turn left or right? Is it consistent every time?

You can also draw lines using a black marker, but light-tack PVC masking tape works especially well. It is easy to adjust and has low friction, making movement smoother.

How It Works

Thymio uses its bottom sensors to detect differences in reflected light. White or light surfaces reflect more light, while black absorbs it. The robot uses this contrast to stay on the line and adjust its direction.

Things to Watch For

  • Bright sunlight patches may interfere with the sensors
  • Non-black lines may work, but not as reliably
  • Different surfaces may require calibration for best results
If the line is not clearly detected, Thymio may lose the path or behave unpredictably.

Troubleshooting

  • thymio sushi programming 600Not following the line? Make sure there is no direct sunlight
  • Use a white or light-colored surface without black speckles
  • Ensure the line is clearly visible and consistent

Calibration may be required for certain environments:
Calibrate light blue mode →

Follow-up

Purple Mode (Remote Control)

thymio 5 device independent remote Purple mode allows Thymio to be controlled using an infrared remote. This gives students direct control over movement and is a great way to experiment with inputs before creating programs.

Let’s try!
  1. Turn on Thymio
  2. Change to purple mode
  3. Start the program
  4. Point a remote control (BBBots 5-Device, Thymio, or any Philips RC-5 remote) at Thymio and press a direction
  5. Point the remote away from Thymio and press a direction. Does it still work?
  6. If you have two robots, set both to purple mode and press a direction. What happens?
  7. Press a button quickly, then press and hold it. Is there a difference?
  8. Step back from Thymio and test the range. One step? Two steps? How far does it work?

How It Works

Remote controls send infrared (IR) light signals, and Thymio receives them using a sensor located on its right side near the front.

IR signals can bounce off surfaces, so the remote may still work even when not pointed directly at the robot, although this is not always consistent.

Things to Watch For

5 device remote thymio II sm 600x600Some remotes continuously send signals while a button is held down, which can interfere with other robots or remotes in the same space.

When multiple robots are in purple mode, they will all respond to the same signal, causing them to move together.

The BBBots 5-Device remote is designed to support smooth multi-robot use without cross interference.

To use independent remotes with different robots, a custom program is required in the 7th programmable mode.

Learn how to connect independent remotes →

Follow-up

Programming with VPL3
Your First VPL3 Program (Computer)

thymio vpl3 get startedNow that you’ve explored Thymio’s built-in behaviors, it’s time to create your first program. VPL3 (Visual Programming Language) makes it easy to build logic using simple drag-and-drop blocks.

Let’s try!
  1. Install Thymio Suite on a computer (even if using tablets, a central “brain” computer is required)
  2. Open Thymio Suite
  3. Insert the USB dongle
  4. Turn on Thymio. A flashing red light indicates it is connected (factory modes are disabled while connected)
  5. Select VPL3 from the program list
  6. Select your Thymio and click “Program with VPL3”
  7. Drag the circle and arrows block into the “If” column and choose a button (e.g. up)
  8. Drag the LED block into the “Then” column and choose a color (e.g. red)
  9. Press play, then touch the up button on Thymio. It should turn red

Congratulations, you’ve created your first program.

Try pressing other buttons. Nothing happens yet. Add more blocks so each direction has its own color, and use the center button to turn the lights off.

What’s Next

From here, you can start building more advanced logic using timers, multiple conditions, and combinations of inputs.

For example, you can create programs like: “If Thymio is red and upside down, then…” using simple blocks.

Start simple, but it won’t take long before you’re building projects like anemometers, claw machines, and more using visual programming.

Follow-up

Your Second VPL3 Program (Tablet)

tablet thymioNow let’s build your next program using a tablet setup. This allows multiple students to work independently while connected to a central computer.

thymio vpl2

Let’s try!
  1. Install and open Thymio Suite on a central “brain” computer and plug in the dongles for the robots you will use
  2. Install and open Thymio Suite on your tablet
  3. Turn on the Thymio robots
  4. On the tablet, select the Thymio you want to control
  5. Build the program above and adjust speeds and colors however you like
  6. Press play to test the program
  7. Press stop to exit and make changes

You should now be able to control your robot directly from the tablet and see changes instantly.

How It Works

The central computer acts as the connection hub, while each tablet communicates with a specific Thymio. This allows multiple robots to be programmed at the same time without connecting the dongle to each tablet.

What You Made

You’ve created your own custom movement program. This works similarly to using the directional buttons in purple mode, but now you have full control over behavior.

You can change colors, adjust speeds, and even use the center button as part of your program. Keep in mind that using the center button in a custom program will override its normal function in factory modes.

Follow-up

Game and Creative
Pairing Remote Controls with Thymio Robots

pairing remotesTo control multiple Thymio robots independently using remotes, a custom program must be installed in the 7th programmable mode using Thymio Suite and Aseba.

Once installed, you can assign each robot its own channel and control them without interference.


Full setup guide →

Let’s try!
  1. Turn on your robot. If the custom program is installed correctly, the battery indicator will be green, but the robot will not be lit like normal modes
  2. Press the center button to start the program. Thymio will glow purple and respond to the remote
  3. Press the center happy face button (only available on BBbots 5-Device Remote) 3 times to switch to independent control mode. You will hear a beep each time, and the light will change to a rapid flash
  4. Cycle through color modes using the center button or left/right arrows on top each robot to select a control color (channel)
  5. Press any other button on the remote to confirm your selection
  6. Hold the matching color button on the remote for 3 seconds to link it to that robot with that color

How It Works

Each color mode represents a different RC5 address. Once paired, the remote will only control robots set to the same color, allowing multiple robots to operate independently in the same space.

The A, B, C, and D buttons can also control individual wheels, giving more precise control over movement.

Things to Watch For

The program must be installed in the 7th mode for this to work. Without it, all robots will respond to the same signal.

Switching between modes requires restarting the robot, since the center button is used within the custom program.

If multiple robots are moving together unexpectedly, they are likely set to the same channel, still in default remote mode (purple), or in the factory purple mode

Follow-up

Thymio Battle with LEGO

battle botsThis activity combines creativity, engineering, and a bit of competition. Using LEGO and Thymio together opens up endless possibilities for building and testing ideas in a fun, hands-on way.

Let’s try!
  1. Prepare two or more Thymio robots, BBBots 5-device remotes, and attach Link Vests
  2. Attach gears to the wheels using axle pins (insert pins first, align the plus connectors, then push the gear on)
  3. Build and attach a tower to the back of each Thymio
  4. Create a stronger robot that can knock down your opponent’s tower or push it off a low table to score a point
  5. Battle!

Build & Experiment

There are countless ways to use LEGO with Thymio. If you have access to Technic pieces, you’ll have even more options for building stronger, more creative designs.

Encourage students to iterate on their builds. Small changes in structure, balance, or attachments can completely change how the robot performs.

Follow-up