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When you upload a program to the mBot, it replaces the robot's original firmware—the built-in software that lets it communicate with the mBlock app and respond to live commands. If you want to switch back to Live Mode (like driving it with your phone or computer), you must restore the original firmware. In the mBlock app, this is called "updating the firmware"—even though it’s just reinstalling the original software. This step is necessary because the custom code you uploaded takes over the robot, blocking live commands and resetting (or "updating") the firmware, bringing back the ability to control the mBot in real-time.

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Introduction

The robot can run a program in two different modes:

1. Live mode: In the Live mode, the robot is connected (physically or wirelessly) to a computer while it executes the program. You can change the program and rerun it, and the robot will run the new program. The robot will also send data back to the computer. In particular, this mode allows you to see the sensor values in the panda window in the makeblock program.
2. Upload mode: In the Upload mode, the program is compiled and uploaded to the robot using a USB cable (or wirelessly). The robot will run the loaded program as soon as it is switched on. The robot can operate without being connected to a computer. If you want to change the program, you need to upload a new version. More information about the Upload mode and how to use it using a USB cable is provided below (USB connection modes ).

We typically use the Live mode in our lesson plans (except for the Color Vision Lesson plan). However, the Live mode no longer works if someone uploads a program to the robot. To reenable the Live mode, you need to reset the robot. The steps for doing this are given below.

<aside> 💡 If you have just started working with the robot or the robot has not been used in Upload mode, you do not have to follow these instructions. However, it is convenient to understand these two modes of operation as we will be using the Upload mode in the Color Vision Lesson Plan, after which you might wish to reenable the Live mode.

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Step 1: Add the robot to mBlock

The instructions for this are listed here.

Step 2: Connect to the robot

Connect the robot to the computer using a USB cable. Next, click connect and select USB in the pop-up window. Next, click Connect again in the pop-up window. The robot should now be connected to the computer using the USB cable.

Step 3: update the firmware

Switch the software to Live mode and click Setting. Next, click update firmware. This will show another pop-up. In this window, click Updates. The firmware of the robot will be reset. Once this has been completed, the robot can be used in Live mode again.

Use the slider to switch the software to Live mode.

Select Update Firmware.

Click Updates.