# Whiteboard Coding Robots The Root is a Code-Teaching Robot that Recently Showcased at CES 2018 By Alyson Wyers | Published 2018-01-29 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-root References: [techcrunch](https://techcrunch.com/2018/01/09/the-root-robot-teaches-kids-to-code-through-spirograph-style-drawings) The Root is an educational robot developed by the [Wyss Lab](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/braincomputer-interface) at [Harvard University](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/humanoid-robot-uri) and exhibited at CES. The code-teaching robot can show kids how to code with spirograph-like drawings. It has a whiteboard eraser built into the bottom and a USB-C port on top. The port is intended for "modular accessories that plug directly into the top of the little Roomba-like robot." These accessories will become available later on this year and currently include a bulldozer add-on and a [LEGO](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-education-computer-science-ai) board-esque 'building block tray.' Pre-ording The Root now will also get you markers and a foldout whiteboard. The robot can magnetically latch onto a real whiteboard and begin drawing too, meaning it can draw upside down and sideways. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.6/10 - Popularity: 32% | Activity: 38% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/robots) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Code-teaching Robots:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop more advanced code-teaching robots that can cater to different age groups and educational levels. - **Modular Accessories:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create a wide range of modular accessories that can enhance the functionality of educational robots, expanding their capabilities and applications. - **Magnetic Drawing Technology:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore the use of magnetic drawing technology to enable robots to draw on various surfaces, opening up new possibilities for interactive teaching and creative expression. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Education Technology:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop and market educational robots and related technologies to improve coding education and enhance students' learning experiences. - **Toy Manufacturing:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Collaborate with educational robot developers to create engaging and interactive toys that promote learning through coding and creativity. - **Robotics and Automation:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Invest in the development of advanced robotics and automation technologies to enhance the capabilities and functionalities of code-teaching robots for various applications beyond education. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sustainable STEM Robot Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coderover-robot.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 Classroom Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-sphero-bolt.md) - [Unplugged Coding Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aluxs-vinu.md) - [Coding Education Car Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-coding-car.md) - [Programmable Robot Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mini-robots.md) - [Educational Coding Language Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/artie-max.md) - [Maker-Targeted Robot Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/irobot-create-3.md)