Slant Robotics' 'LittleBot' is being launched on Kickstarter as a new kind of classroom robot that promotes hands-on STEM learning. In particular, the cubic 3D-printed Arduino bots put an emphasis on helping kids to learn the basics of engineering, programming and robotics.
As well as boasting a form that's charming, the components that make up LittleBot are highly functional—such as ultrasonic sensors that also look like eyes.
Since the bot is only made with simple electronics, it is intended that the bot will be taken apart, looked at and rebuilt many times over. Once fully assembled, the LittleBot can be programmed to do a number of things, such as dance, follow a wall, avoid obstacles, go into battle with other bots. Since the classroom robot is meant to be first and foremost educational, it has been designed to offer kid-friendly programming lessons through platforms like Blockly and Scratch, and TinkerCAD.
3D-Printed Programming Bots
'LittleBot' is a Smart Classroom Robot for Hands-On STEM Education
Trend Themes
1. Hands-on STEM Learning - The trend of hands-on STEM learning provides an opportunity for innovative products like 'LittleBot' to enhance education by promoting engineering, programming, and robotics skills.
2. 3D Printing in Education - The trend of 3D printing in education opens up disruptive innovation possibilities for creating customizable and cost-effective classroom robots like 'LittleBot'.
3. Kid-friendly Programming Platforms - The trend of kid-friendly programming platforms, such as Blockly and Scratch, presents an opportunity to develop intuitive tools that simplify programming and enhance educational experiences with robots like 'LittleBot'.
Industry Implications
1. Education Technology - The education technology industry can leverage 'LittleBot' and similar products to provide engaging and interactive learning experiences for students in STEM subjects.
2. Robotics - The robotics industry can explore the potential of 3D-printed programmable robots like 'LittleBot' to advance the field of educational robotics and inspire the next generation of engineers and programmers.
3. 3D Printing - The 3D printing industry can explore the market demand for customizable robots specifically designed for educational purposes, like 'LittleBot', and develop innovative solutions to meet the growing needs of educators.