In the digital age, robots are set to be the Lego of the toy world, with kids as young as five learning how to code and build a robot.
Aussie company Runstem is partnering with Vienna-based startup Robo Wunderkind to give kids the opportunity to learn all about robots and coding in a fun and simple way.
Runstem, a coding school in Sydney offers a series of unique classes in robotics, so kids of all ages are able to explore the world of technology, robots and coding.
Robo Wunderkind consists of 14 different types of building blocks, with commands in the app categorised by colour: said to be the most intuitive way of learning for children. It features a robotics kit that allows kids to build their own robot, and pick up basic coding skills along the way.
Kids will be able to simply snap the modules together in different configurations to build their creation. Once the robot is built, it can be programmed in an app, which uses a graphical drag and drop style programming. No prior coding or even reading knowledge necessary. Electronic components are safely embedded into blocks with a smart connection system.
Kids can control their robot from the appWith the robot they build themselves, kids can program it to drive around while avoiding obstacles, play a recorded sound when somebody enters the room, react to claps and other noises and play music when somebody picks it up. They’ll also be able to record and play voice messages, hide from or follow sources of light, solve mazes and set off on a treasure hunt using its digital camera.
On this Kickstarter project, 1,169 backers have pledged $246,612 of $70,000 goal. This is their Kickstarter video:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/startrobo/robo-wunderkind-a-programmable-robot-for-kids-of-a
Rustem Akishbekov, CEO of Robo Wunderkind told Women Love Tech kids need to be prepared for the digital future, with tools to learn new technologies.
“According to a report by Pricewaterhouse Coopers, 44 per cent of Australian jobs will require digital literacy in the next 20 years, and 75 per cent of the fastest-growing and most in-demand jobs are in the STEM field. As Australia is our second country in terms of pre-orders, we decided to focus on this market,” Akishbekov said.
Robo Wunderkind helps kids building their own robotsThe PwC report: The STEM Imperative: Future Proofing Australia’s Workforce has claimed half of all Australian jobs will be automated in the next twenty years – that’s around 5.1 million jobs.
The report also claims many of the jobs people are employed in today ‘simply won’t exist’ in the next ten years and that for Australia to compete globally in data, digital technologies and innovation industries, it needs more STEM-trained employees. Perhaps this new generation of robot-building and coding kids is just what Australia needs.
The robotics kits are available for pre-order at www.robowunderkind.com.