DJI Robomaster S1 Review

The DJI Robomaster S1 was introduced by DJI in 2019 and was a much awaited and speculated product. It is a STEM-based programmable interactive robot, something quite different from what DJI normally manufactures, drones. In this article, we will be giving you a detailed review of the DJI Robomaster S1 Review.

Our Verdict

The DJI Robomaster S1 may be different from the range of products that DJI usually offers. Still, it has the quality, durability, superior technology, and intelligent design that DJI is known for. The Mecanum wheels steal the show, and the robot master app is one of the better applications we have seen.

While some might see the robot’s building as an unnecessary step, we see it as a learning experience. There is no denying the DJI Robomaster S1 is expensive, but you do get quality, value, and durability from it, making sure that it will work flawlessly for a long time, much like other DJI products.

Design

The DJI Robomaster S1 is designed for children above the age of 14. But it doesn’t mean that adults can’t play with it. It is built like a tank, and assembling it is just half the fun you can have with it. It has several sensors and LEDs, which make the robot highly responsive and easy to drive.

The mecanum wheels are a dream, sliding smoothly at the slightest push on your fingers on the Robomaster app. It is compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows, which means you can use the robot using your smartphone or computer.

The Robomaster App unlocks the potential of the DJI Robomaster S1. with options like pellet shoot, laser beam shoot, follow me, a camera to record all the fun, the ability to program it with a simple coding language like Scratch or a more advanced language like python, the DJI Robomaster S1 is a great way to combine learning and fun.

What Can It Do?

DJI Robomaster S1 can do a lot of things. It has a special mecanum wheel that can go in all four directions. It has various sensors which make manoeuvrability a bliss. Using the camera, it can follow an assigned object or person.

This means that once the person or object is recognized, it will follow and track them without any command from the user. It can throw laser beams and gel pellets, which come in handy while playing Robo fights and Robo wars. It can follow a blue line path, and it is programmable, either in scratch or python.

This means that it is highly customizable and can be used to perform a variety of activities. The robot master app teaches you to use the robot better and unlock its full potential. Once you understand how to use the DJI Robomaster S1, there are nearly endless ways to use it for fun and learning.

Controller

The DJI Robomaster S1  does not come with a controller. But you can purchase one separately. DJI offers a gamepad compatible with the robot and has an inbuild LCD screen that can be used to view the live feed and perform various other functions. However, it is not the only way to operate the DJI Robomaster S1.

You can use the Robomaster App to turn your smartphone into a controller. Alternatively, you can use a computer or a laptop, download the Robomaster App, and connect it with the robot via WiFi, thus giving commands to the robot using the laptop. An additional benefit of using a laptop or computer is that if you are going to program it in python, it is much easier than using a smartphone or a controller.

As you can see, the DJI Robomaster S1 doesn’t need a controller. You can purchase it separately, but your laptop or smartphone will work perfectly with it.

Build Quality

The DJI Robomaster S1 has a sturdy, durable design. The Mecanum wheels are one of the main attractions to this robot. It allows the robot to go sideways without turning the wheels. It has 21 LEDs in 6 primary areas, is used as indicators, and adds an aesthetic value to the robot.

The robot does not come assembled and needs to be put together using the extensive and easy-to-understand guidebook provided by DJI. they also provide a 2 headed screwdriver, spare screws and bolts, and all the other things that you would need to build this robot.

While some might see this as an unnecessary step, we believe it is a great way to understand the robot’s working. They also provide blue tape, a bottle filled with gel beads, and safety goggles. Thus, we can be assured that DJI takes care of safety precautions and makes it easy for users to use it.

The build is similar to DJI drones, the material a plastic polymer designed to endure harsh conditions. It has dimensions of 12.6*9.4*10.6 inches and weighs 7.6 pounds. You can say that this tank shaped robot is built like a tank, durable, and long-lasting.

Camera

The DJI Robomaster S1 comes with an inbuilt camera that can record videos in 2560*1440 resolution. It has a 5-megapixel camera with a ¼ inch sensor. The field of view is about 120 degrees. The camera is a decent one and allows you to use different features such as following me, an option where the robot will follow a selected object or person without any manual intervention.

The DJI Robomaster S1 also has a memory card slot supporting storage of up to 64 GB, so you can record all the live footage and take photographs. In case you don’t have access to a memory card, the robomaster app will send a notification that there is no memory card and then proceed to record the videos and photos directly to your smartphone.

The camera is a basic one, unlike the drone cameras of DJI. It doesn’t have a gimbal, so the videos are not very smooth. The camera does have an inbuilt stabilizer but coupled with the Mecanum wheels with no suspension and a highly sensitive controller, it can be difficult to have smooth, high-quality footage for professional purposes.

However, if the aim of using the DJI Robomaster S1 is to have a fun and learning experience, the camera is more than capable of aiding such endeavours.

Robomaster App

The main thing that makes the DJI Robomaster S1 stands apart from other robots its robomaster app. It is an intelligent, user-friendly application that makes the DJI Robomaster S1  highly customizable. You can also connect the robot to your laptop or computer or even a controller that DJI offers. However, the controller is not part of the DJI Robomaster S1 and needs to be purchased separately.

The Robomaster App can be used to do a variety of things. You can turn on and off the various features of the DJI Robomaster S1, such as taking photos as videos, zooming, following an object or person. It has a joystick that can control the robot’s movements, not just the wheels but also the pelter.

Also, there are three modes of operation, the solo mode, the fight mode, and the lab mode. In the solo mode, you can make the DJI Robomaster S1 use predefined programs or build your program. There are various customizations available in the form of LEDs, movement of the robot, following a path, shooting laser beams or gel balls, controlling the camera, etc.; the programming can be done in two languages, scratch or python.

Scratch is a simple drag and robot programming language designed for children or adults who have no prior knowledge of coding. Python is a more advanced text-based language. Either way, it is a great method to get people excited and learn about programming.

In fight mode, you can battle with other DJI Robomaster S1 robots, either a freestyle method where the match will be time-based or more advanced gameplay where you have to perform specific tasks, like in paintball.

Lab mode is perhaps the best way to learn about the DJI Robomaster S1. Here, the application teaches you how to use the robot more effectively and interactively, unlocking the DJI Robomaster S1 whole potential. If the user has no prior knowledge about coding, some various steps and sessions will teach you how to play and interact with the robot in the lab mode.

Besides this, the robomaster app is your medium or doctor for the DJI Robomaster S1. it will give you notifications and alerts if there is anything wrong with the robot or use it for any troubleshooting.

Battery

The DJI Robomaster S1 comes with rechargeable detachable lithium-ion batteries. It takes over an hour to charge and comes with an intelligent charger. The intelligent charger prevents any damage to the battery from overheating, overcharge, current, short circuit, etc. which means that you can charge the battery without any worry of what would happen if you forget to turn the charger off a full charge.

The battery life is decent; you can use the DJI Robomaster S1 for over an hour on and off. If you are using it continuously, the dep battery will discharge in 15 to 30 minutes. The usage battery also has a green LED, which will indicate when it needs to be charged or if it is not connected properly.

Pros And Cons

No product is perfect. There is always room for improvement. The DJI Robomaster S1 is no different. In this section, we will be discussing the pros and cons of using the DJI Robomaster S1.

Final Thoughts

In its absolute value, the DJI Robomaster S1 is a great interactive robot. It can be used by children and adults alike to play and learn the basics of programming languages and coding. There are a few drawbacks.

It is not targeted at DJI’s usual audience, professional photographers, cinematographers, videographers, or drone enthusiasts, but it is a great robot. The price is on the higher side, but if you are willing to spend the amount, the DJI Robomaster S1 can be a great holiday gift for your loved ones.

We strongly advise readers to use the DJI Robomaster S1 only for its intended use. We do not recommend the drone for any illicit surveillance, illegal photography or videography, or any other related activities.