This paper presents the results of a project in robotics education that included: (1) designing a mobile robot--the Personal Instructional Robot-1 (PIR-1); (2) providing a guide to the purchase and assembly of necessary parts; (3) providing a way to interface the robot with common classroom microcomputers; and (4) providing a language by which the robot could be controlled--Personal Instructional Robot Programming Language (PIRPL). Schematic diagrams accompany a detailed description of the robot's hardware design, and information on the selection of robot components includes a list of the parts required with the vendor, ordering number, and cost for each part. Step-by-step instructions for assembling the robot include a base layout diagram. Instructions are also provided for interfacing the robot with either of two microcomputers--the VIC-20 Commodore and the Apple. The control language--PIRPL--is described, including commands, error messages, and listings of the computer codes for both microcomputers. Diagrams provided include the typical arrangement of a robotic system, and interface cabling and wiring. Additional robot component sources and references complete this report. (DJR)