That’s a good question - I feel that the ezb v4 with the upgraded communication board is still superior to any other controller. I don’t think they could do much to make it any better. At least without putting Linux on it and competing with Raspberry Pi

Arduinos, esp32, and pis are all the same as they were ten years ago - albeit pis have higher clock speeds since pis run operating systems. As for micros, their usability and feature set depend on the controlling software (i.e., ARC).

That’s probably why the ezrobot controller has proven longevity: the Synthiam software keeps growing and adding more features that extend the lifetime of micros, such as the ezb v4.

Plus, with the new ARC coming out in a few months, that old hardware will get new life. Because the new ARC runs on anything, including Pi’s, those Ezbs v4s will be extra useful. Especially in USB mode!

Hello DJ_Sures,

It's great to hear your insights on the EZ-B v4 and its longevity in the robotics community. The EZ-B v4's continued relevance is indeed a testament to its robust design and the versatility provided by Synthiam ARC's software enhancements. The upcoming ARC release sounds exciting and promising for breathing new life into existing hardware.

Regarding the potential development of an EZ-B v5, it's understandable that with the current capabilities of the EZ-B v4 and the advancements in Synthiam's software, there may not be an immediate need for a new version. However, the robotics and maker community always looks forward to innovations that can further expand the possibilities of robot building and programming.

If there are any updates or plans for new hardware like an EZ-B v5, it would be great to hear about them from Synthiam or EZ-Robot Inc. directly. Until then, it's reassuring to know that the EZ-B v4, along with Synthiam ARC, continues to be a powerful combination for robot enthusiasts.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts, and we're all excited to see what the future holds for Synthiam and the world of robotics.

The EZ-B v4 is my favorite board. However, it is expensive. The IO-Tiny is a close second but the speakers snap within a few months and again, I love the EZ-B v4.

The convenience of the ezb v4 is where it shines for sure. You don’t have to worry about a firmware. It’s WiFi or usb enabled. It streams video AND audio with zero latency. I think the most convenient part of the v4 are the 3 pin servo connectors. And up to 24 servos. So you just gotta plug a servo in and it just works. No messing around with firmwares and programming and shields and wiring and soldering and and and

Having an ezb with a builtin arm cpu thags could run the new ARC in the robot is a neat idea but not cost effective. Mostly because there’s already many Linux based sbc’s out there that are competing with each other - such as the pi. So I think it’s fine that ezrobot doesn’t make a new ezb that competes in that area. Because if someone wants an embedded computer in the robot, there’s plenty of options that compliment the ezb v4

i rarely use ardunio ezbs - I think mostly because there’s no video, no audio and most importantly, no servo connections without bulky shields.

@Winter I'm sorry to hear about the IoTiny speaker wires breaking. They are a thin gauge. I will see if there's something I can do on the manufacturing side to make them less brittle. I can suggest you that you can place a dab of hot glue or silicone on the wires before they break to help with longevity. They can be soldered back on if they do break, you just need to scrape away the black silicone in order to access the speaker pads.

Thank you for choosing our robot controllers, we really appreciate the kind words!

Hey Jer late Happy New year! Just want to say I absolutely love the EZ Tiny ,I will be buying more of them this year. the one I had really lasted a good long time even with abuse of connecting too much voltage and short circuits. Well designed for sure! They are so convenient in that small size to fit in any robot or even projects in the dash board of my classic sports car! Now with 3 operations in hospital done to my knee and foot, I have a compact 3 wheel disability scooter that lets me boot around inside shopping malls and grocery stores since the balance for my walking is completely gone.( I walk just like a slow robot now LOL!)Anyway I will even add the EZ Tiny to that scooter for various functions such as a killer stereo system with my entire library of music and a great lighting show for night times! Auto drive and make it like a mini Tesla car. So many possibility with it. Hope you guys keep making these for many more years!

Roborad that's awesome you have a scooter - can't wait to see you hack it! Auto drive navigation would be amazing. Asleep at the wheel "Scooter take me home" haha i love it

Ha ya DJ at the cottage would be great with full lighting at night after some of those late night parties trying to get back to my cottage in pitch black night, Robo scooter can automatically drive back to my place and even if I am half passed out with a beer in my hand. Hell ya!