Plug-and-play accessibility is a pretty common buzzword-like term around the EdTech world. While leaders at almost every company claim to have a solution that is easy to use right out of the box, not many of them deliver on that promise in the same way that all the Robo Wunderkind solutions do. The Robo Wunderkind product line launched as a limited Kickstarter back in 2015 and tripled their initial fundraising goals. Since then, they've carved a space for these kits by keeping things simple within robotics for early education.
The primary range for using Robo Wunderkind kits is between 5-11 years old and that shows in its design. The Robo Wunderkind system is made up of several modular blocks, which young kids can snap together using connector pins. By connecting the different blocks (like an LED light, a servo motor, or an ultrasonic sensor) to a central main block, the robots they'll build can take different shapes based on each student's imagination. By snapping the blocks together in different combinations, kids could build the skeleton of a helicopter and other cool projects!
The blocks are lightweight and easy to snap together or take apart. More importantly for both teachers and parents, these blocks are extremely durable and molded in bright, easy-to-see colors. Each block type has a different color and their purpose informs the design. Blue blocks are motors and servos, green blocks are connectors and structural components, and red blocks are sensors that give life to the robots kids build.
The Robo Live and Robo Code apps, available through the Apple Store or Google Play, help enhance this experience. The Robo Live app is ideal for learning with the Starter Kit and with any younger learners. With customizable dials and settings, they can control the robot's basic functions, like changing its LED color or driving around. Connecting the blocks to the app is simple and painless thanks to its Bluetooth feature.
The Robo Code app is tailored more to your older students who are ready to explore the basics of coding through graphical interfaces. Its as intuitive to robotics pros as beginners with a drag-and-drop interface that mimics the real placement of the blocks.
There are three Robo Wunderkind kits currently available to educators—the Advanced Kit, Starter Kit, and Education Kit. Compatible with both apps, the Starter Kit is ideal for teaching coding basics. It comes with a main block, motor blocks, light block, button block, and all other accessories students need to build.
The Education Kit is a more well-rounded package and it includes all of the same blocks as the Starter Kit, along with a servo motor block, connector cables, and, most importantly, an ultrasonic sensor. This sensor is key for programming more responsive robots and really where the potential of the Robo Wunderkind line shines. By using this block, students can program their robots to avoid obstacles, trigger a response when a hand gets too close, or chase after another robot among other capabilities.
The Advanced Kit accessories help to make learning more responsive with light sensors, motion detectors, and a programmable screen. While it does not have its own main block and won’t function as a standalone learning tool, the additional possibilities make it a must-have for Starter and Education Kit users.
It’s also important for educators to know that compatibility with other building kits is built into the design. Because the connectors between different blocks use LEGO-based pins, they can snap to any connector that's compatible with building bricks. It could pair with Dash or Dot Robots from Wonder Workshop, for example, attaching cleanly to the building brick connectors. Once attached, the robot could then act as a flashlight, allowing the Dash to see faces and obstacles—even in the dark.
The possibilities offered when connecting with other solutions mean these tools remain relevant even after students master the introductory coding. They're a great building block and can help create unique STEAM experiences for students in many different grade levels. To learn more about the Robo Wunderkind kits and to buy them from our store, click below! And, follow us on Twitter and Instagram as well as Facebook for all of the latest EdTech info!