Codie the robotic toy makes it fun to learn the principles of coding
A robotics startup that teaches kids to code, Codie Labs, recently unveiled its speedy, rolling, programmable robot. Called Codie, the bot is controlled via a mobile app for iOS or Android, and targets children ages six through 15. Its mission: to teach kids all about the concepts of programming.
Codie can be controlled through the programs a child writes in the app, or through a manual interface that includes an on-screen joystick. Image source: Codie Labs.
Codie introduces programming concepts through an easy-to-use app interface involving colorful drag-and-drop blocks that represent the various actions of the robot. As fast as a little race car, the bot can be controlled either through the programs a child writes in the app, or through a manual interface that includes an on-screen joystick that can be used to direct the robot’s movements.
With a wooden exterior and two treads, Codie can safely and easily move along flat surfaces. Custom internals include proximity sensors, a microphone, and line-readers that are able to “see” graphical markings on the ground. A customizable LED light is located on top of the bot to display different colors while using the mobile app.
In order to write a program, kids must drag blocks onto the app’s screen to command actions such as “move,” “turn,” “wait,” “decide,” “sound,” and more. The blocks are connected with arrows, and when tapped, children can customize the actions themselves in more detail to do things like adjust speed, distance, brightness, and color.
In order to write a program, kids must drag blocks onto the app’s screen to command actions. Image source: Codie Labs.
Additionally, the programming language teaches larger coding concepts such as “if,” “then,” and “else.” Once a program is completed, users can name it and save it for future use.
According to the company, it raised funding for the project from an institutional investor in Hungary. The startup also ran a crowd-funding campaign on Indiegogo this past spring, allowing Codie Labs to sell over 500 robots via pre-orders.
If all goes according to plan, the robots will be shipping by the end of December, or in early 2016. Currently the robots will cost you about $216 each.
VIA: ELECTRONICPRODUCTS
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