At the 2018 North American International Toy Fair, Thames & Kosmos launched a new Coding & Robotics kit for kids. While there are many toy and tech brands that have assembled similar playsets, this one takes a unique approach in that no smartphones or tablets are required for learning. Instead, kids are guided through the process with the help of Sammy, a robotic peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
Sammy boasts the ability to physically drive over and scan placed coding cards, which can activate everything from a change in direction to sounds or LED lights.
With the Coding & Robotics kit, kids ages four and up have the chance to learn 30 coding lessons, including the basics on sequences, loops, functions and variables.
Low-Tech Robotics Kits
Thames & Kosmos' Coding & Robotics Set Teaches without Mobile Devices
Trend Themes
1. Low-tech Robotics - Creating opportunities for affordable robotic toy sets that don't require mobile devices for programming.
2. Physical Interactivity - Demand for toys that encourage children's interaction with technology physically
3. Early Coding Education - Emergence of simple coding sets that teach coding concepts to children as young as 4.
Industry Implications
1. Toy Manufacturing - Opportunity for toy companies to create affordable, engaging and interactive robotic toys
2. Education Technology - Opportunity for EdTech companies to create simple coding sets to teach programming to young children
3. Entertainment Industry - Opportunity for entertainment companies to produce innovative and engaging robotic toys that promote early education.