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# Hi-Tech Block Toys
TinkerBots Are the Next Generation of Building Block Toys

By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2014-04-16 | Life-Stages
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tinkerbots
References: [indiegogo](https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/tinkerbots) & [tinkerbots.net](http://www.tinkerbots.net/)

The popularity of simple, [modular building block toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-education-science-kits) never seems to die down, but TinkerBots is making these kinds of toys even more appealing for the next generations by giving them tech capabilities. Although this might sound a little intimidating, the toys are made to be extremely easy to put together, letting kids craft moving robots and machines with just a few small pieces.

Once you get to know the pieces, it's easy to start making more and more complex creations. The system is made up of four main types of TinkerBots, including: the base Cubies, Twisters that twist, Pivots that pivot and the Power Brain. The Power Brain itself is equipped with a bluetooth, speaker, a USB charger, among other features to turn creations into literal "living [LEGOs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/functional-microscope)."

Aimed at helping kids become digitally literate from a young age, TinkerBots is already close to meeting its initial fundraising goals on [Kickstarter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modular-robotics-kit) and it will continue crowdfunding until May 25th.

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 1.5/10
- Popularity: 8% | Activity: 29% | Freshness: 8%
- Audience gender: 70% men, 30% 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

### What's Driving This Trend

- **Tech-enhanced Building Block Toys:** TinkerBots is leading the way in creating building block toys with tech capabilities, appealing to the next generation of children.
- **Simple Assembly, Complex Creations:** TinkerBots' easy-to-put-together toys allow kids to create increasingly complex and interactive robots and machines.
- **Digital Literacy for Kids:** TinkerBots aims to help children become digitally literate from a young age through their tech-enhanced building block toys.

### Who This Affects Most

- **Toys and Games:** The toy industry can embrace tech-enhanced building block toys as a way to stay relevant and attract tech-savvy children.
- **Education:** Educational institutions can incorporate TinkerBots' toys into their curriculum to promote digital literacy and hands-on learning.
- **Technology:** Tech companies can explore partnerships with TinkerBots to further develop and integrate tech capabilities into building block toys.

## Related on Trend Hunter

- [Modular Robotics Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modular-robotics-kit.md)
- [3D-Printable Toy Ranges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/makerworld-cyberbrick.md)
- [Innovative Toy Creations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kinetic-building-system.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)
- [Creative STEM-Based Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jitterygit.md)
- [Combination Building Block Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/omnicompatible-wooden-bricks.md)
- [DIY Robotics Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/windbots.md)
- [Sensor-Driven Play Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-smart-bricks.md)