Codeybot robot teaches how to code
Codeybot is a new two-wheel self-balancing robot that teaches the fundamentals of coding in a fun and playful way, and has been created by the robotics experts at Makeblock.
This little robot packs in plenty of features, including the ability to shoot lasers out of a special detachable turret, can play your favorite music, dance, and much more while teaching kids the ability to code.
Codeybot is easy for beginners to adopt, and complex enough for experienced coders to tinker and learn.
Codeybot teaches coding through its controls via the drag-and-drop visual programming app mBlockly.
Currently compatible exclusively with iPads, mBlockly uses fundamental programming exercises including algorithm design, command sequences and control flow, conditionals, loops, sensors and events through creative problem solving.
Alternatively, users can also control Codeybot with voice commands such as “change colour” and “forward”, available through the intuitive Codeybot app, available for free on iPads and iPhones as well as Android devices in the near future.
Jasen Wang, CEO of Makeblock, explains:
As our technology becomes increasingly more advanced, coding will also become an essential skill for our children. With this Kickstarter project we are hoping to team up with robotics fans of all ages to create a robot that will lower entry barriers for coding. Codeybot is a very special robot and it’s an important step in our mission to make coding accessible to all.”
Key features of the Codeybot include:
- Self-balance on wheels – Keep bot upright and balanced with internal gyros
- Customise look – Draw faces using blue LED dots or choose LED wheel colour
- Play music – Easily connect to WiFi + 2.4G to play music
- Dance to music – Drop in one of five pre-programmed dances
- Make silly voices – Record your voice for Codeybot to repeat
- Shoot lasers – Attach LED laser to turn bot into tank, connect two bots and enter battle mode
Jasen Wang comments:
Children are the pioneers of the future, so in the past year Makeblock has been involved in several STEM projects and has partnered with Intel® and Microsoft® to support kids and parents alike to help advance STEM education globally.”
Codeybot technical specifications:
Dimensions – 163 x 127.7 x 79mm
Weight – 540g
List of Voice Commands – Forward, Backward, Turn Around, Smile, Angry, Upset, Change Colour
Platform – Openwrt
Sensors – Gyro sensor
Sound – Stereo; 2W* 2 Speakers
Display – 19*13=247 Blue LEDs
Movement – Wheel-Balancing, Triple Wheel/Two 10500±10% RPMotors
Wheels – 2 rubber tires and 1 polyamide ball
Wheel Lights – RGB 256 colors
Connection – WiFi 2.4G
Memory Storage – RAM 64M, ROM 1G
Programming Language – mBlockly based on Google Blockly
Power – Rechargeable 5V 1A, 2000mAh Battery/ 2-3 Hour Life
System – Linux OS/MT7688 Processor
Codeybot device requirements:
iOS 7 and above – Android 4.4 and above
iPhone 4 or later – iPad 2 or later
iPad Mini (all models) – iPod 4th Gen. or later
Android: Dual Core CPU 1GB RAM and above
Accessories included – Docking Station/User Guide/USB Cable
Codeybot has just been made available on Kickstarter and starts at $99 for the Early Bird.
