# Palm-Sized Robots The Edison Educational Robot Helps Teach Programming and Robotics By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2014-07-30 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-edison References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/edison-lego-robotics-children/33165/) & [kickstarter](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/937295081/edison-fun-robotics-for-tomorrows-inventors) The [Edison](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/barebones-edison-light-stick) is a palm-sized robot that can be supplemented and deconstructed using [Lego](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-education-computer-science-ai) bricks, and is intended as an inexpensive teaching tool for those interested in programming and robotics. The Edison robots are programmable and interact with the world via infrared modules, barcode reading and audio detection. Edisons can communicate with each other via infrared, and can also be programmed to be controlled via TV and DVD remotes. The robot comes with its own open source programming tool, called Edware. Edware allows users to create programs that users can upload to the robot via a dedicated cable. Edware is currently available for download for Windows only, although Mac and Linux versions are also in the pipeline. The Edison is being developed by Australian company Microbric. Microbric has taken to [Kickstarter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diy-desktop-robot) to raise funds to bring the educational bot to market. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.3/10 - Popularity: 15% | Activity: 76% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, 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 - **Robotics Education:** Opportunity to develop innovative educational tools that combine programming and robotics. - **Open Source Programming:** Potential for creating open source programming tools that enhance accessibility and customization. - **Infrared Communication:** Emerging trend in using infrared technology to facilitate robot-to-robot communication. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Education Technology:** Disruptive potential for educational technology companies to create affordable robotic learning tools. - **Programming Tools:** Opportunity for software developers to create user-friendly open source programming tools. - **Robotics Manufacturing:** Growing demand for manufacturers to produce affordable and modular robotic devices for educational purposes. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [All-Ages Mini Robot Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/educational-robot-kit.md) - [Diminutive DIY Desktop Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diy-desktop-robot.md) - [Educational Programmable Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robomaster-s1.md) - [STEM Education Robotic Arms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ozobot-ora.md) - [Sustainable STEM Robot Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coderover-robot.md) - [Reprogrammable Robot Companions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quarky.md) - [App-Powered Programmable Cobots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ari-by-ozobot.md) - [Voice-Controlled Robot Dogs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/voicecontrolled-robot-dog.md) - [Maker-Targeted Robot Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/irobot-create-3.md)