Sphero® Hits a Hole-in-One with New Sphero Mini Golf

Golf-loving robot enthusiasts and educators everywhere can now embrace Sphero technology and STEAM learning in a programmable, robotic golf ball. 

BOULDER, Colo., September 15, 2020​ Sphero®​​ , the industry leader in edtech programmable robots and STEAM-based educational tools, announced today the latest sports-themed Sphero Mini​®​, Sphero Mini GolfTM​, is now available. 

The new Sphero Mini Golf packs a ton of tech and fun into its golf-ball sized frame. Equipped with a gyroscope, accelerometer, and colorful LED lights, this robot is much more advanced than any other ball found on the links — or in the living room. 

“Over the years we’ve seen a number of parents, educators, and kids creating golf courses to navigate and learn with their Sphero robots,” says Paul Copioli, Sphero CEO. “Sphero Mini Golf was the perfect, no-brainer addition to our Sphero Mini offerings so these DIY courses can be brought to life and taken to the next level with a realistic, programmable golf ball.” 

LEARN THROUGH PLAY

Create a DIY mini golf course out of craft and household materials, then control Sphero
Mini Golf’s movements several ways in the Sphero Play app. Master the Joystick,Slingshot, or Tilt modes and celebrate an ace in no time — no clubs or lessons required.

TEE UP THE FUN

Sphero “putts” the fun into learning how to code with the Sphero Edu app. Download the Sphero Edu app to experience a coding journey in full swing. Explore activities, and share inventions and creations with the entire Sphero community. Sphero Mini Golf is the perfect way for golf fans of all ages and skill levels to have a “hole” lot of fun while learning.

TECH SPECS:

  • Sphero Mini​®​ robotic ball with new removable, golf-themed shell
  • LED lights that glow in a variety of colors
  • Teeny, tiny tech: gyroscope motor encoders, and accelerometer sensors
  • Compatible with both Sphero Play app to play STEAM games and Sphero Edu app to learn the foundations of coding
  • Compatible with Sphero Edu​®​ app for iOS, Android, Amazon Fire OS, macOS, Windows, & Chrome OS*
  • Compatible with Sphero Play app for iOS, Android, & Amazon Fire OS

Sphero Mini Golf adds to the Sphero Mini Sports collection, including Sphero Mini Soccer, which was released in September 2019. 
Sphero Mini Golf is available on sphero.com and through select retailers for $49.99 USD MSRP, £49.99 and €59.99 SRP.

Learn more about Sphero Mini Golf​TM​ and the entire Sphero​®​ and littleBits​®​ product collection at sphero.com​  ​. 

*Please see our device compatibility support pages​ for specific versions of operating systems supported.

ABOUT SPHERO: 

Sphero inspires the creators of tomorrow through remarkably cool, programmable robots, electronic building blocks, and educational tools that transform the way kids learn and create through coding, science, music, and the arts. Sphero goes #BeyondCode and drives kids to turn their imagination into reality. The skills kids unlock through play-based learning prepare them to thrive, no matter what subject or career they pursue. Based in Boulder, CO, Sphero has become the #1 STEAM-based learning solutions company, loved by millions of parents, kids, and educators worldwide. Learn more at ​sphero.com.

Robo Wunderkind: Programmieren lernen, spielerisch wie nie zuvor

Wien, September 2020 – Ab heute lassen sich die neuen Roboter-Kits für zu Hause und für die Schule von Robo Wunderkind vorbestellen. Die Roboter-Sets des innovativen EdTech-Unternehmens aus Wien fördern spielend die kognitiven Fähigkeiten und die Problemlösungskompetenz von Kindern ab 5 Jahren. Dadurch erwerben Kinder bereits in jungen Jahren wertvolle Skills, die den Grundstein für den späteren Ausbau ihrer MINT-Fähigkeiten legen und ihre Erfolgschancen im weiteren Leben erhöhen.

Spielend den Entdeckergeist wecken

Die Roboter-Sets bestehen aus mehreren dreidimensionalen Modulen, die Kinder zu verschiedensten Strukturen, wie Leuchttürmen, Figuren oder Autos zusammensetzen können. Dabei sind der Kreativität der Kinder keine Grenzen gesetzt, da die Roboter-Kits auch mit LEGO Technic-Teilen kompatibel und damit beliebig erweiterbar sind. In Kombination mit den Apps von Robo Wunderkind fördern die Roboter-Sets das räumliche Denken, die Problemlösungskompetenz und die kognitiven Fähigkeiten von Kindern. Diese Skills sind entscheidend für die spätere Weiterentwicklung von MINT-Fähigkeiten. Mit den Roboter-Kits und Apps von Robo Wunderkind können Eltern und Lehrer somit spielend die Grundlagen für den späteren Erfolgs ihrer Kinder und Schüler legen.

Für die neuen Roboter-Kits Explorer Lite, Explorer Prime und Explorer Pro hat Robo Wunderkind die Vorgängerversionen umfassend analysiert und anhand von Kundenfeedback zahlreiche Verbesserungen vorgenommen. So sind die einzelnen Module der Roboter-Sets aus robusteren Materialien gefertigt und die Seiten wurden abgeflacht, damit Kinder mit ihren Teilen von Lego Technic noch leichter kreative Konstruktionen und Ideen entwickeln können. Die zusätzlichen Module bieten eine verbesserte Haptik und noch mehr Platz, um die verschiedenen Sensoren anzuschließen. Mit der dritten Generation der Roboter-Kits präsentiert Robo Wunderkind die Robo Blocky App, um weitere Möglichkeiten zur Weiterentwicklung von Programmierfähigkeiten zu schaffen. Die App ermöglicht es Kindern, sich mit nur einem Roboter-Kit von der einfachen Fernsteuerung bis hin zur komplexen, block-basierten Programmierung vorzuarbeiten. Damit finden Kinder jeden Alters Aktivitäten und Aufgaben, die ihren Interessen, Vorlieben und Kompetenzen entsprechen.

Kinder – die Programmierer und Entwickler der Zukunft

Das Besondere am Ansatz von Robo Wunderkind: Das Unternehmen verknüpft die physischen Spielzeug-Module mit Apps, über die sich die Roboter programmieren lassen. Insgesamt stehen drei Applikationen für Smartphones und Tablets zur Verfügung: Robo Live, Robo Code und Robo Blockly. Darüber können Kinder die von ihnen gebauten Roboter so programmieren, dass sie beispielsweise beim Umherfahren bei einem bestimmten Abstand zu einem Objekt stehen bleiben. Alternativ können Kinder die Lichtaufsätze so steuern, dass sie je nach Abstand zu einem Gegenstand in verschiedenen Farben leuchten.

Über die App lernen Kinder also spielend erste Programmierfähigkeiten. Das fördert nicht nur Technik-Skills, sondern weckt ihre Begeisterung für entsprechende Aufgaben. Die Roboter Kits von Robo Wunderkind setzen bei der Entwicklung von Kindern also auf zwei Komponenten. Der physische Aspekt, das Zusammenbauen der Module, fördert die kognitiven Fähigkeiten, während Kinder durch die Kombination mit der Software-Komponente zudem wertvolle technische Skills und Problemlösungskompetenzen erwerben. Mit diesem Ansatz erlernen Kinder mit Spaß Fähigkeiten, die für ihren Erfolg im weiteren Leben entscheidend sind. Mit den Roboter-Kits von Robo Wunderkind wächst die nächste Generation an Programmierern und Entwicklern heran.

Über Robo Wunderkind

Robo Wunderkind ist ein EdTech-Unternehmen mit Hauptsitz in Wien/Österreich und hat bereits Anwender in über 60 Ländern. Das innovative Start-Up-Unternehmen hat es sich zum Ziel gesetzt Kinder zu inspirieren, damit sie durch Technologie kreativ sein können. Schon ab 5 Jahren können Kinder mit den Roboter-Kits von Robo Wunderkind ihre eigenen Roboter und Gadgets bauen und programmieren.

Das österreichische Unternehmen erarbeitet mit Experten und Lehrern Unterrichtspläne, die es erleichtern die Roboter in den Vorschul- und Schulunterricht zu integrieren und so die MINT-Fähigkeiten von Kindern zu entwickeln und auszubauen. Robo Wunderkind ist bereits in mehr als 500 Schulen im Einsatz und kooperiert mit ausgewählten europäischen Non-Profit-Organisationen wie SSPCA, Get Your Wings, Digitale Wolven. Das Unternehmen startete außerdem die Initiative Robo Makers Marathon für das den Unterricht zu Hause. Hunderte von Kindern und Eltern auf der ganzen Welt nahmen an Webinaren und Online-Aktivitäten teil und lernten so, bequem von zu Hause aus zu programmieren.

Weitere Informationen erhalten Sie unter: www.robowunderkind.com/de

World’s First Palm-sized, Trick Playing Robot Dog Petoi Bittle Launches on Kickstarter

On August 24, Petoi Bittle launches on the crowdfunding site Kickstarter. Starting from $195 for the early bird special, Bittle is the first affordable robot dog for coding and fun.

Petoi hopes to raise $50,000 to bring the agile quadruped robots to makers and STEM communities. The fund was fulfilled in one day and was doubled in three days. It reaches $128,000 on the fourth day.

Kickstarter URL:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/petoi/bittle/

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/petoi/bittle/

Petoi Bittle is a tiny but powerful robot that can play tricks like real animals. It is compact, agile, accessible, and seamlessly designed. We fine-tuned every bit to fit agile maneuverabilities into a palm-sized robot pet. You can bring Bittle to life by assembling its puzzle-like frames, running our demo codes, and injecting new skills with your own codes. Bittle makes a perfect tool for learning, teaching, and researching, or a surprising gift to impress your family and friends.

Rz Li, the founder of Petoi, explains: „Building on the success of our first robot cat project Petoi Nybble on Indiegogo in 2018 and feedback from our worldwide user community, we’ve designed Bittle to be more durable, agile and extensible. Bittle moves with four legs rather than wheels. Legged motion gives it more freedom to navigate unstructured terrains, and expresses the joy of life whenever it moves. Such dynamic maneuverability and behaviors were only seen on a few luxury robots from the best labs or tycoon companies previously. „

Evolving with an open-source gene, Bittle is an open platform to fuse multiple makers‘ gadgets into one organic system. With our customized Arduino board coordinating all instinctive and sophisticated movements, you are free to clip on various sensors to bring in perception and inject artificial intelligence capabilities. You could also mount a Raspberry Pi or other AI chips through wired/wireless connections for higher-level functionalities.

Bittle is a compact system of five major components: body frame, actuator, electronics, battery, and the software to coordinate all the hardware to perform varied tasks. More details are covered on their Kickstarter page.

Deliverables:
Plastic body parts
10× P1S Servo
Rechargeable 7.4V Li-ion battery pack
NyBoard V1
Bluetooth and WiFi dongle
Various sensors that can be held by the mouth of the robot dog
Open-source software: the OpenCat program

The kit starts at $195 for the Early Bird adopters.
For more information, please visit Petoi’s website.

About Petoi LLC
OpenCat started as the founder Rz Li’s pet project in 2016. After the demo video went viral in 2018, he devoted all his time and resources to bring this sophisticated and cute robot to the public. He founded Petoi and successfully crowdfunded the Nybble project in 2018. All the earnings have been put into the fulfillment of Nybble and the R&D of Bittle.
Our mission is to bring affordable robotic pets from fiction to reality. We grew from a single maker to a company that can collaborate and negotiate with manufacturers to get the best solutions to our needs. We have many more cool ideas in mind, and Bittle is another small step towards our ideal shape of household robots.

High-Tech-Roboter fürs Kinderzimmer

Faszinierender Roboter mit programmierbarer BBC micro:bit-Platine

Ein Roboter, der zum Kompass oder digitalen Würfel wird, die Temperatur
misst, rechnen kann, per App ferngesteuert werden kann und sogar „Schere,
Stein, Papier“ spielt? All das ist für den schlauen Programmier-Roboter Proxi
kein Problem. Er verfügt nämlich über ein leistungsstarkes Computergehirn,
das von jungen Tüftlern ab acht Jahren selbständig programmiert wird.
Dieser Roboter hat es wortwörtlich in sich. Proxis Computergehirn besteht aus einem
sogenannten BBC micro:bit, der Microcontroller, mehrere Sensoren, eine LED-Anzeige und verschiedene Schnittstellen auf einer kompakten Platine vereint. Diese
programmieren Kinder mit einer intuitiven, grafischen Programmiersprache
selbständig. Die umfangreiche Anleitung stellt zahlreiche spannende Coding-Projekte vor. So lassen Nachwuchsprogrammierer ihren Roboterfreund etwa singen
und tanzen, verwenden Proxi als Thermometer oder Kompass, nutzen die LED-Anzeige zur Übermittlung von Nachrichten und vieles mehr. Alternativ kann Proxi
nach eigenen Wünschen programmiert werden. Proxi wird aus über 100 Einzelteilen
zusammengebaut. Das macht nicht nur Spaß, sondern gewährt gleichzeitig
interessante Einblicke in die Funktionsweise des Roboters.

lnhalt: Über 100 Bauteile zum Zusammenbau des Roboters, BBC micro:bit-Platine
Anleitung, Schraubendreher, USB-Kabel
Zusätzlich erforderlich: 4 x 1,5 Volt-Batterien Typ LR03 (AAA, Micro), PC, optional:
Smartphone zur Fernsteuerung

https://www.kosmos.de/experimentierkaesten/roboter-programmieren/11001/proxi

Sphero® Launches the ‘Sphero Global Challenge’, the Company’s First Annual International Robotics and Design Competition

Sphero, the industry leader in edtech programmable robots and STEAM-based educational tools, announced today that registration for the Sphero Global Challenge, its first robotics, invention and design competition for kids around the world, is now open.

Robotics competitions are a unique opportunity for kids, and are designed not only to focus on the technical proficiencies gained through programming and coding but also to build on the important ‘soft skills’ kids gain through STEAM.

BOULDER, COLO. (PRWEB) AUGUST 25, 2020

Sphero, the industry leader in edtech programmable robots and STEAM-based educational tools, announced today that registration for the Sphero Global Challenge, its first robotics, invention and design competition for kids around the world, is now open.

The Sphero Global Challenge is the ultimate STEAM competition and an opportunity for kids to go deeper with computational thinking, engineering, and programming skills. Teams of all abilities are encouraged to work together to identify problems and develop solutions in different, real-world scenarios. Through this challenge, kids will work to accomplish their goals in various events that they will submit virtually to qualify for the Sphero World Championship in Spring 2021.

“We’re excited to offer a robotics, invention and design competition that highlights Sphero’s dedication to collaborative STEAM learning from anywhere in the world,” says Paul Copioli, Sphero CEO. “Robotics competitions are a unique opportunity for kids, and are designed not only to focus on the technical proficiencies gained through programming and coding but also to build on the important ‘soft skills’ kids gain through STEAM, such as collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking.”

TAKE FLIGHT WITH THREE UNIQUE STEAM EVENTS
The Sphero Global Challenge comprises three unique events. Teams can compete in one event or up to all three with one $75 USD registration fee.

littleBits Invent 4 Good: Mission Earth
Use littleBits and their Invention Cycle to solve problems facing the Earth right now. Kids will unleash their inner engineer as they invent a solution to an issue of their choice. In this event, kids can practice collaborating and innovating as they tackle a real-world problem.

BOLT: Space Mission
Take flight in the BOLT Space Mission. During this event, kids can put their programming and engineering skills to work as they navigate through five challenges. Not only is this an opportunity to build STEAM skills, but it’s also a chance for them to collaborate, solve problems, and create.

RVR + littleBits: Mars Mission
In RVR + littleBits Mars Mission, kids can use their coding and engineering skills to complete five challenges. Throughout this event, they’ll have opportunities to build their collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills as they work to reach solutions.

GEAR UP FOR THE CHALLENGE
In conjunction with the Sphero Global Challenge launch, new competition-ready Sphero and littleBits products are now available to make getting started in the competition even simpler.

New: littleBits STEAM+ Class Pack
The littleBits STEAM+ Class Pack is the ultimate STEAM learning toolkit, containing 240 Bits, 10 newly designed durable storage containers, printed teacher support materials and 40+ standards-aligned lessons to engage the entire class.

New: littleBits STEAM+ Kit
The littleBits STEAM+ Kit contains 24 Bits, a newly designed durable storage container, printed teacher support materials, and 40+ hours of standards-aligned lessons to engage up to four students at a time.

New: Sphero Code Mat – Space & Soccer
This two-sided activity mat, with new Space & Soccer themes, offers a simple, accessible way to learn block-based coding, basic math principles, and collaborative problem-solving with any round Sphero robot. The new Code Mat comes with three sets of 10 double-sided coding cards that provide guided, hands-on coding lessons.

New: Sphero RVR littleBits Topper Kit
Sphero RVR + littleBits Topper Kit combines the best of Sphero with the best of littleBits in an easy, approachable kit that allows a user to fully utilize RVR’s onboard capabilities with littleBits adaptability to create unique inventions.

New: Sphero Craft Pack
A one-stop-shop for all the crafting accessories needed for Sphero Global Challenge projects. With over 31 different items and hundreds of materials, the Craft Pack was designed with both Sphero robots and littleBits in mind.

TAKE THE CHALLENGE HOME
The Sphero Global Challenge is committed to inspiring the creators of tomorrow, wherever that might be, even in blended, remote, or at-home learning scenarios. Learn more about resources and opportunities for solo teams or virtual meetings to complete the Sphero Global Challenge during the COVID-19 pandemic in our Sphero Global Challenge at-home guide.

To learn more about the Sphero Global Challenge and how to register a team, please visit https://sphero.com/pages/global-challenge.

ABOUT SPHERO:
Sphero inspires the creators of tomorrow through remarkably cool, programmable robots, electronic building blocks, and educational tools that transform the way kids learn and create through coding, science, music, and the arts. Sphero goes #BeyondCode and drives kids to turn their imagination into reality. The skills kids unlock through play-based learning prepare them to thrive, no matter what subject or career they pursue. Based in Boulder, CO, Sphero has become the #1 STEAM-based learning solutions company, loved by millions of parents, kids, and educators worldwide. Learn more at sphero.com.

CircuitMess STEM Box – Learn the skills of the future with electronic projects delivered to your doorstep

Technology has become an integral part of our lives, but just a small number of people on the planet actually have the tools, access, or knowledge to create new technology. CircuitMess is here to change that with the STEM Box

CircuitMess STEM Box is a unique learning experience that will teach you the skills of the future. Autonomous driving, Sound synthesis, Voice Recognition, Wireless communication, Gaming, and Machine learning – these are just some of the topics you’ll learn about with STEM Box.  Every three months, you’ll get a new interesting product based on a different topic delivered at your doorstep. 

CircuitMess announced the following 6 products that will be a part of the STEM Box: 

Spencer – a codeable DIY voice assistant similar to Amazon Alexa that will show you the technology behind speech recognition and AI 

Jay-D – a DJ Mixtable that will teach you how sound synthesis works 

Wheelson – a DIY robot car that will show you how autonomous vehicles work 

ByteBoi – a build-it-yourself game console that will explain what video game engineering is and how microcomputers work 

Chatter – CircuitMess’s unique communication devices that will teach you about wireless communication 

Clockstar – a machine-learning -powered smartwatch 

STEM Box’s Kickstarter campaign is launching on Monday, June 29th 2020 with a goal of 15.000,00 USD  The estimated delivery date for the first STEM Box is November 2020. (Just in time for Christmas!) 

Third Kickstarter project for a Croatian ed-tech startup 

This is CircuitMess’s third crowdfunding campaign, following two very successful ones. 
CircuitMess started with a Kickstarter campaign for MAKERbuino – a DIY game console. The first campaign raised more than $100,000, followed by a Kickstarter for MAKERphone – a DIY mobile phone that raised more than $300,000 in 2018. 

Since then, CircuitMess has delivered more than 15,000 devices to customers all around the globe. 

“We’ve figured out that our customers really like our work and want to learn even more. That’s why we decided to create the STEM Box. I am really proud of our Trustpilot page where we invite all of our customers to post honest and unfiltered reviews”, says Albert Gajšak, the CEO of CircuitMess. 

About CircuitMess 

CircuitMess is a technology startup founded in Karlovac, Croatia in 2017 by Albert Gajšak and Tomislav Car after a successful Kickstarter campaign for MAKERbuino. 
Currently, CircuitMess is employing 15 young ambitious people and have recently moved to a new office in Croatia’s capital, Zagreb, in search for more smart people that will help them create new electronic products and bring technology to the crowd in a fun and interesting way. 

New LEGO® MINDSTORMS® Robot Inventor lets creators build and bring to life anything they can imagine

  • Builders can create and code one of five personality-packed robots or dream-up and build their own creations
  • Robot Inventor uses drag-and-drop coding language based on Scratch as well as Python to support those new to robotics
  • Over 50 new challenges and fun activities to help all abilities build coding confidence in a fun, exciting way

June 12th, 2020 – Billund: Today, the LEGO Group has announced the first addition to the much-loved LEGO® MINDSTORMS® theme in seven years. The new LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor 5-in-1 set unleashes a new world of fun, creative coding possibilities and provides the ultimate playful learning experience for young inventors and creators.

For over two decades, LEGO MINDSTORMS has inspired those of all ages to test and build their confidence with technology through play. By combining the LEGO building system with robotic and coding elements, builders can create anything they can imagine, while developing the STEM skills that 7 in 10 parents say are essential to their child’s future success.

This latest evolution of the much-loved theme continues this commitment to helping children develop STEM skills in a fun and exciting way at home. The new LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor 5-in-1 model gives builders aged 10+ the power to bring one of the set’s five unique designs to life or take their own builds to the next level by programming them to walk, talk, think and do more than ever before. Kids can also code their own remote-control features for the models in the LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor app or connect their own controllers to the app using Bluetooth.

Packed with 949 pieces and new LEGO Powered UP components, the LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor will be available in Autumn 2020 from LEGO.com, LEGO Retail Stores and retailers globally. The LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor 5-in-1 set will be priced at £329.99/$359.99/€359.99 and includes digital building and coding instructions for these five unique robots:

  • Blast – this master robot is a stoic action hero. It can fire or hammer its way through obstacles and grab items. Builders can be the ultimate commanders, programming it to scan its environment and fire darts if it senses danger. Perfect for guarding your room!
  • Charlie – this quirky sidekick helper can give out high fives, dance, play the drums, deliver small gifts, and charm friends with its smile.
  • Tricky – the sporty bot is the ultimate athlete. Code it to complete the perfect slam dunk or master a plethora of robot sports: basketball, bowling or soccer – the list goes on and on.
  • Gelo – a real life four-legged robot. Its unique mechanism means it can walk, avoid obstacles, and even perform tricks.
  • M.V.P. – The Modular Vehicle Platform gets the job done. Create and code your own remote control and build the M.V.P. into a buggy, a crane, a shooter turret or even a brick-eating truck to pick up LEGO bricks left by the other robots.

Lena Dixen, Head of Product and Marketing Development at the LEGO Group, commented: “Since the launch of LEGO MINDSTORMS over 20 years ago, we’ve been committed to helping children and adults develop STEM skills through play. We are extremely excited to introduce a new MINDSTORMS product that offers even more creative opportunities for those of all ages, and we thank our fans for continuing to show us what is possible with LEGO MINDSTORMS. We are continually inspired by the creations the community share with us and hope that the LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor inspires many more children and playful adults to explore the exciting world of robotics and coding.”

LEGO® MINDSTORMS® Robot Inventor (51515)

The LEGO® MINDSTORMS® Robot Inventor Kit is intended for builders and coders ages 10+ to discover and expand on their STEM skills at home.

  • 949 pieces
  • 5 unique models to build and code
  • The largest robot Blast stands at over 14” (36 cm) tall
  • The free LEGO® MINDSTORMS® Robot Inventor coding app for kids uses coding language based on Scratch and supports Python for more advanced coders.
  • The application works across PC Windows 10 + macOS, iOS and Android tablets and smartphones as well as specific Fire OS devices.

New elements:
The new Intelligent Hub is an advanced yet simple-to-use device featuring 6 input/output ports for connecting a variety of sensors and motors. The Hub can also be used with LEGO Technic and System elements to create fun robots, dynamic devices and other interactive models.

  • LED 5×5 matrix
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • 6 axis gyro/accelerometer
  • Includes a micro USB port for connectivity with compatible devices
  • Speaker
  • Rechargeable Lithium-ion battery included

Colour sensor – able to distinguish between eight colors and measures reflected and ambient light from darkness to bright sunlight

Distance sensor – detects obstacles, programmable LED ‘eyes’ and an integrated 6-pin adaptor for third-party sensors, boards and DIY hardware.

4 x medium-angular motors feature low-profile design, integrated rotation sensor with absolute positioning

New 7 x 11 teal baseplate

New black wheels

New frames

Weiterlesen

CoderZ Introduces CoderZ Adventure Course for Elementary Students

DERRY, N.H. (PRWEB) MAY 05, 2020

CoderZ has launched CoderZ Adventure, a new coding and robotics course for elementary school students in grades two through five. The course contains activities and assignments, including more than 50 gamified “missions” with easy-to-follow walkthroughs and tips. It is designed to empower even teachers who are coding novices so that they can include a more comprehensive STEM foundation in their students’ early knowledge base.

CoderZ Adventure introduces students to the world of STEM and robotics through an exciting journey of adventures in the CoderZ world. Students will learn how to program their virtual robot to navigate in CoderZ Frozen Island, the Lost City, Candy Town and other stimulating locations while practicing basic math, geometry and more. Students work their way through seven adventures covering multiple topics:

1.    Adventure Peak introduces basic navigation such as driving and turning using Drive and Turn blocks.
2.    Frozen Island practices basic arithmetic practice: addition, subtraction and division.
3.    The Lost City covers how to use the program’s Explore Mode feature to measure distances, the Wait block and Repeat Loops
4.    Crystal Crater covers basic geometry exercises: angles and parallel lines. Students also practice Repeat Loops.
5.    Candy Town delves into more geometry: the concept of the radius of a circle. Students also continue practicing Repeat Loops.
6.    Sketch It is a practice exercise during which students draw on a virtual sketchpad using all the skills learned previously.
7.    The Milky Way uses the Explore Mode feature to measure angles and radii. Students plan the optimal route to complete a mission as quickly and efficiently as possible, given a time limit.

Each session contains a series of related missions that enable students to learn to code with the virtual robot, apply their math skills and practice problem solving.

CoderZ Adventure is already proving popular with teachers and their students. One of the program’s fans is Christy Gonzales who teaches a robotics class at Pinecrest Glades Academy in Florida. “They’re loving the game!” she said. She challenges each student to try to find the solution first. “I incentivize them to resolve the challenge as efficiently as possible,” she explained. “Kids LOVE a race.”

“It’s great to see the CoderZ Team bookend the well-known middle school Cyber Robotics 101 and 102 packages expanding to a complete pedagogical solution with CoderZ Adventure as an incredible elementary school solution and text-based Python Gym for secondary school students,” said Trevor Pope, CoderZ Success Manager at CoderZ. “Programming virtual robots with CoderZ has an educational, engaging, competitive, fun and positive impact for all students in grades 2-12.”

For more information on CoderZ Adventure, visit https://gocoderz.com/coderz-adventure/.

About CoderZ
CoderZ is an innovative and engaging online learning environment. Developed for students in grades 2 and above, the gamified STEM solution allows student to work at their own pace, easily programming real and virtual robots from anywhere in the world. The platform enables students to acquire computational thinking, problem solving and creativity skills, together with coding and STEM learning, all via a flexible and scalable virtual solution. For more information go to http://www.gocoderz.com.

Festo and MassRobotics to Create Innovations in Robotics and Automation Through New Partnership

STUTTGART, GERMANY (PRWEB) APRIL 23, 2020

Festo has entered into a strategic partnership with MassRobotics, based in Boston, to further global market growth and innovation initiatives dedicated to the development of the next generation of robotics.

MassRobotics, the independent, nonprofit group serving as an innovation hub for robotics and smart connected devices, works to foster a collaborative space in which to inspire the next generation of robotics and automation innovators and builders. The organization’s unique “escalator” model allows startups to establish, grow, offer meaningful employment, and provide ongoing value for MassRobotics’ partner organizations.

MassRobotics also creates a supportive learning environment to engage youth and next generation engineers and entrepreneurs by offering Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) workshops, competitions, and technical internships. MassRobotics supports the Ventilator Project, founded by entrepreneurs located at MassRobotics. The Ventilator Project aims to solve the ventilator shortage crisis with an innovative low-cost ventilator designed by members; the team is currently seeking FDA approval for the device.

“We are pleased to announce our partnership with MassRobotics,” said Alfons Riek, Vice President Technology and Innovation, Festo. “Combining Festo’s in-depth know-how in manufacturing applications and automation technology with the MassRobotics community will enable Festo to engage with robotics and automation startups. We will collaborate with entrepreneurs and academia alike in bringing innovative new automation and robotic concepts and solutions to market.”

“The Boston area with its high density of robotic expertise is very interesting for us, and we expect many interesting opportunities for our robot development throughout the partnership with MassRobotics,” said Christian Tarragona, Vice President Festo Robotics.

Carlos Miranda, CEO, Festo North America, added, “Festo and other MassRobotics members will explore the evolution of automated manufacturing solutions to autonomous ones. Through technology challenge engagements, members will co-develop and commercialize advanced products and systems.”

Festo is one of the world’s leading automation companies, and, in addition to technology, the company offers automation learning systems through its Didactic Division. It promotes public and private alliances that implement apprenticeship programs. Festo invests heavily in research and development. The Bionic Learning Network, for example, creates novel solutions based on designs found in nature. The network emphasizes Festo partnerships with academia and technology businesses.

“MassRobotics and Festo share a vision of developing the future of robotic solutions dedicated to the emerging needs of the manufacturing sector,” said Fady Saad, Cofounder and Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, MassRobotics. “Having an automation company with the expertise, resources, and leading-edge development capabilities of Festo will further the mission of MassRobotics and create excitement about our collaborative efforts.”

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About Festo    
Festo is a leading manufacturer of pneumatic and electromechanical systems, components, and controls for process and industrial automation. For more than 40 years, Festo Corporation has continuously elevated the state of manufacturing with innovations and optimized motion control solutions that deliver higher performing, more profitable automated manufacturing and processing equipment. Connect with Festo: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube

About MassRobotics
MassRobotics is the collective work of a group of Boston-area engineers, rocket scientists and entrepreneurs. With a shared vision to create an innovation hub and startup cluster focused on the needs of the robotics community, MassRobotics was born. MassRobotics’ mission is to help create and scale the next generation of successful robotics and connected device companies by providing entrepreneurs and innovative robotics/automation startups with the workspace and resources they need to develop, prototype, test and commercialize their products and solutions. http://www.massrobotics.org