Category
Tech
Automated Upkeep
Trend cluster
Category
STEM
Sports
Programmable sports toys allow children to learn and practice STEM skills.
4.2
Trend score
Trend
What is the STEM Sports trend?
STEM Sports: In order to get children interested in STEM, brands are creating programmable toys that are themed around sports. These products come in different forms and include connected toy soccer balls and programmable robots that play basketball.
Insight
The consumer insight behind the STEM Sports trend
Knowing the importance of building STEM skills from a young age, parents are increasingly prioritizing tech-based educational experiences for their children. However, to keep kids interested in learning skills like programming, there has to be an element of play involved. Merging skill-building with recreational elements that are more familiar to children ensures that they're able to maintain consistency in the process of learning.
Trend themes
Themes within the STEM Sports trend
Three behaviours holding the trend together01
Programmable sports toys
Educational toys that merge recreational elements with skill-building are on the rise to get children interested and maintain consistency in learning programming and STEM skills.
02
STEM-based learning solutions
Innovative devices combine sports and games with learning, encouraging students to pursue STEM-related fields, especially girls and minorities, and increasing their digital intelligence.
03
STEM-inspired activity kits
Hands-on learning experiences offer a fun and engaging way to teach important STEM concepts to children, inspiring them to learn new sports, lessons and scientific facts or even exposing them to future career paths in STEM.
Industry implications
What the STEM Sports trend means for industry
Where the trend changes the playbookFor
Toy industry
Innovative programmable sports toys that allow for interactive experience and skill-building for children.
For
Education industry
STEM-based learning solutions that blend sports and games with learning for an immersive experience.
For
DIY industry
STEM-inspired activity kits that encourage hands-on learning and practical STEM learning outcomes.
Workshop question
How could your brand better merge educational experiences with recreational ones?
Trend signals
Trend signals for STEM Sports
Trend score 4.2 out of 10, from popularity 48%, activity 64%, freshness 14%.
Popularity48%
Activity64%
Freshness14%
Audience
50%Men
50%Women
- Gen Alpha
- Gen Z (not a primary audience)
- Millennial (not a primary audience)
- Gen X (not a primary audience)
- Boomer (not a primary audience)
Market
North America
Asia-Pacific
Evidence
Examples of the STEM Sports trend
8 featured examples from Feb 20, 2019 to Nov 30, 2022CategoryLife-Stages
STEM-Inspired Balance Bikes
Build & Ride by Adam Higgins Can Be Both Challenging and Playful
The toy and game industry can innovate through the creation of more interactive learning toys.
CategoryLife-Stages
Playful Gaming Robots
WowWee's MiP Arcade Supports Screen-Free Play & App-Connected Gaming
The toy manufacturing industry can capitalize on the trend of playful gaming robots by creating innovative and entertaining robots that engage children and adults alike.
CategoryLife-Stages
Sports-Based STEM Robots
Sphero Sports Uses Robotics and Sports to Encourage STEM Learning
Creating programming tools for more accessible and comprehensive STEM education in schools.
CategoryLife-Stages
Coding Race Car Features
The Hot Wheels ID Swift Playground Engages Kids with STEM Lessons
Toy manufacturers can explore incorporating digital coding lessons into their products to engage children in STEM education.
CategoryEco
STEM-Inspired Electric Skateboards
The Lectec LS Kids Electric Skateboard is Ready to Build
Toy manufacturers can take advantage of the demand for STEM education kits by producing products that allow children to have hands-on experiences while learning about science and…
CategoryTech
Competitive Soccer Robot Toys
The TOMY Soccerborgs Perform a Number of Quick Maneuvers
Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate artificial intelligence and machine learning into toy manufacturing processes to create more interactive and intelligent robot toys.
CategoryLifestyle
STEM Sports Subscriptions
STEM Sports Shares Curricula for Use at Home by Kids Ages Eight to 14
EdTech companies can use this as an opportunity to create USP by adding interactive sports-based learning modules targeting primary and middle school students.
CategoryLife-Stages
Sporty STEM Robot Toys
The Sphero Mini Soccer Robot Lets Users Play Games and More
The sporty STEM robot toy industry is booming, and manufacturers can tap into the market by creating innovative and interactive toys that combine education with play.
