# Low-Tech Robotics Kits Thames & Kosmos' Coding & Robotics Set Teaches without Mobile Devices By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2018-02-26 | Life-Stages Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coding-and-robotics References: [foodandwine](http://www.foodandwine.com/news/food-toys-international-toy-fair-new-york) & [thamesandkosmos](http://www.thamesandkosmos.com/) At the 2018 North American International Toy Fair, [Thames & Kosmos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/windbots) 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/qubitunes) for learning. Instead, kids are guided through the process with the help of Sammy, a [robotic peanut butter and jelly sandwich](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mini-robots). 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. Image Credit: Thames & Kosmos ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.4/10 - Popularity: 57% | Activity: 67% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages) > [Youth](https://www.trendhunter.com/youth) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Low-tech Robotics:** Creating opportunities for affordable robotic toy sets that don't require mobile devices for programming. - **Physical Interactivity:** Demand for toys that encourage children's interaction with technology physically - **Early Coding Education:** Emergence of simple coding sets that teach coding concepts to children as young as 4. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Toy Manufacturing:** Opportunity for toy companies to create affordable, engaging and interactive robotic toys - **Education Technology:** Opportunity for EdTech companies to create simple coding sets to teach programming to young children - **Entertainment Industry:** Opportunity for entertainment companies to produce innovative and engaging robotic toys that promote early education. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Learning-Focused Robotics Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robots-in-motion.md) - [All-Ages Mini Robot Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/educational-robot-kit.md) - [Coding Education Car Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-coding-car.md) - [Autonomous Vehicle Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/autonomous-vehicle-kit.md) - [Diminutive DIY Desktop Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diy-desktop-robot.md) - [DIY Robotics Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/windbots.md) - [Technical Education Car Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gocar.md) - [Preschool Coding Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/codie-blocks.md) - [Sustainable STEM Robot Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coderover-robot.md)