# Programmable Child-Friendly Robots The 'PLEN:bit' Robot Can be Customized Using the micro:bit By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2018-12-04 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plenbit References: [gadgetify](http://www.gadgetify.com/plenbit/) & [kickstarter](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2107823129/plen-bit-sensor-controlled-robot-using-the-micro-b/) Robot toys are quickly becoming a must-have for children as they get more interested into the burgeoning world of robotics, which is seeing new products like the 'PLEN:bit' be created. Featuring eight movable joints and standing 13cm tall, the miniature robot is capable of being [programmed with a JavaScript block editor](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ari-by-ozobot) to make it suitable for children and adults alike to use. The unit comes with an embedded accelerometer as well as sound and distance sensors and a compass to help it navigate its way around an environment or even play soccer. The 'PLEN:bit' robot toy is an [educational solution](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-education-computer-science-ai) that can be used in and out of the classroom to teach the basics of programming in a more real-world manner. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.7/10 - Popularity: 65% | Activity: 69% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [AI](https://www.trendhunter.com/ai) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Programmable Child-friendly Robots:** Robot toys are quickly becoming a must-have for children as they get more interested into the burgeoning world of robotics. - **Javascript Block-editor:** 'PLEN:bit' robot is capable of being programmed with a JavaScript block editor to make it suitable for children and adults alike to use. - **Embedded Sensors:** The unit comes with an embedded accelerometer as well as sound and distance sensors and a compass to help it navigate its way around an environment. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Toy Industry:** Robot toys are quickly becoming a must-have for children as they get more interested into the burgeoning world of robotics. - **Education Industry:** The 'PLEN:bit' robot toy is an educational solution that can be used in and out of the classroom to teach the basics of programming in a more real-world manner. - **Technology Industry:** The development of programmable robots for children is an opportunity for the technology industry to expand their audience and promote STEM education. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Programmable Robot Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mini-robots.md) - [Coding Education Car Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-coding-car.md) - [Reprogrammable Robot Companions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quarky.md) - [Educational Programmable Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robomaster-s1.md) - [Voice-Controlled Robot Dogs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/voicecontrolled-robot-dog.md) - [Evolving Robot Dog Companions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/petoi-bittle-x.md) - [Diminutive DIY Desktop Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diy-desktop-robot.md) - [Programming Code-Powered Toy Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zerone-2.md) - [Playful Coding Pets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pyxel.md)