Arduino for Practice Bot

[jhellr13]

I have recently become aware of the arduino equivalents of the cRIO. I know they are less capable then the cRIO from the KOP, but i am wondering if they would work for a practice bot.
This practice bot would probably consist of 4 CIM motors, maybe some sensors, and some servos. A very minimal robot setup that can be used to just practice making robots on the off season.
Would i also need an equivalent of the digital sidecar, or can i use the KOP sidecar?
Can you also still program in your language of choice like Labview, or is the arduino language specific?
Thanks