Ozobot, a tiny augmented reality robot that introduces kids to simple programming, is receiving an upgrade with Ozobot Bit. The new Ozobots use a customized block-based programming editor called OzoBlockly, which is based on Google’s Blockly.
Like the original Ozobot, Evollve is hoping to make learning programming and computing science fun through smart interactive games.
“Simply put, we want to engage today’s generation with products like Ozobot,” explains Evollve VP of Marketing Anouk Zisa. ”Through smart interactive games that entertain and educate, we can encourage girls and boys to build confidence in computational thinking so that they can create without limits and properly communicate in the future.” Zisa adds, “In 2020 there will be 1 million jobs requiring CS skills and only a quarter will have students ready for them. We want to help bridge this gap.”
OzoBlockly is similar to other block-based programming languages like Scratch, Hopscotch, Tynker, and others. It allows children to visually learn programming by dragging blocks of commands and fitting them together to build programs.
With five levels of programming difficulty, OzoBlockly loads the app onto the Ozobot Bit through the flashing lights on the tiny robot. Kids start off with basic concepts and, as with the original Ozobot, learn how to control it with color codes using regular paper and markers. Once they’ve mastered that, they can proceed to DIY and STEM activities, and finish off their learning using Ozobot game apps.
“We are establishing Ozobot as a platform built around programmable robots that fuse together learning and playing,” explains Evollve’s CTO, Armen Kroyan, PhD. “Ozobot’s small size, intelligence and versatility make it into the ultimate smart game piece that plays in both physical and digital worlds.”
We reviewed the original Ozobot a while back and were impressed with it, and are looking forward to seeing what extra the Ozobot Bit brings to the table. The Ozobot Bit will be available exclusively on Amazon in July and a new Starter Pack with a new improved version of the original Ozobot plus accessories (including 4 markers, 2 skins for the robot, DIY stickers, codes sheets, a charging cable, and over 20 activities) will hit shelves at Toys ‘R Us and Barnes & Noble this fall.
Have you tried out the Ozobots yet? If so what did you think about them? Do you think they are a great way to introduce kids to programming? Let us know in the comments below, or on Google+, Twitter, or Facebook.
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WORLD’S SMALLEST PROGRAMMABLE ROBOT HEADS TO CE WEEK A HIT WITH KIDS, TECH GEEKS & EDUCATORS
Headline-Making Ozobot Introduces Ozobot Bit Featuring Blockly Where Coding Comes To Life
Redondo Beach, CA June 24, 2015) — Ozobot Bit is a powerful tiny robot that familiarizes STEM and computer science learning through a collection of game based activities and digital apps. Its easy-to- understand color code language makes Ozobot the perfect choice for introducing young minds to con- cepts that are vital to their success in the 21st century.
Ozobot Bit – Age 8+ – $59.99 – Exclusively sold on www.amazon.com in July
Ozobot Bit takes the award-winning Ozobot robot to a whole new programming level by giving users the power to fully control movement and behavior using its customized block-based pro- gramming editor, OzoBlockly.
While the fastest, most precise and advanced robot yet by Evollve, Inc., Bit includes core features like controlling Ozobot
with markers and master with app games and brainy activities. Bridging the physical and digital divide, the smart game piece glides seamlessly from paper to digital tablet.
Using Ozobot builds confidence and logical thinking skills in tech and computer science. Ozobot is an essential tool to break the “difficult/boring” stigma associated with learning computer science.
Power packed with innovative programming features, Ozobot empowers children to socially play and create, while learning valuable life skills.
Based on Google’s Blockly, Ozobot’s customized block-based programming editor is very similar to Scratch, Hopscotch, App Inventor, Tynker or Tickle App. Block-based programming is a virtual version of brick building toys. Build bricks of commands to build a program. This simplified visual programming language enables children to learn programming while learning how to think creatively, reason logically and work collaboratively.
OzoBlockly offers five levels from Newbie with picture-based blocks to Master levels with loops and bul- lion logic commands. Bit has something for everyone!
The app also provides the ability to create, save and load programs and games and easily share them with classmates, friends and the community.
Cool features:
- Flashing lights command loading. No need for cables or Bluetooth, you can load your commands onto the robot through flashing
- JavaScript preview mode. See your block-based program transform into JavaScript
Ozobot Starter Pack – Age 6+ – $49.99
Available at Toys ’R Us and Barnes & Noble in SeptemberEvollve Inc. is also geared to launch their much-anticipated Starter Pack that includes all the necessary tools to initiate everyone age 6 & up to use Ozobot and learn basics of coding.
Learn how to control Ozobot through color codes with regular paper and markers. Then advance with fun DIY and STEM activities. Finally master with technology using Ozobot game apps. The pack comes with Ozobot, 4 markers, 2 skins, DIY stickers, code sheets, a charging cable and over 20 activities.
Learning + Playing = Fun!
“We are establishing Ozobot as a platform built around programmable robots that fuse together learn- ing and playing,” explains Evollve’s CTO, Armen Kroyan, PhD. “Ozobot’s small size, intelligence and versatility make it into the ultimate smart game piece that plays in both physical and digital worlds.”
As consumers embrace the programmable bot, the Ozobot team will expand with smart games, fun les- sons, DIY projects and active social media content. After all, as STEM curriculum becomes common- place in school, fun products like Ozobot and its entertaining Apps will play a key role in teaching every- one how to code.
“Simply put, we want to engage today’s generation with products like Ozobot,” explains Evollve VP of Marketing Anouk Zisa. ”Through smart interactive games that entertain and educate, we can encourage girls and boys to build confidence in computational thinking so that they can create without limits and properly communicate in the future.” Zisa adds, “In 2020 there will be 1 million jobs requiring CS skills and only a quarter will have students ready for them. We want to help bridge this gap.”
Zisa recently announced partnerships with the Boys and Girls Club, Boy Scouts National STEM initia- tive and Rolling Robots, an award winning robotics tech center and home to this year’s Vex Robotics Competition’s worldwide champion team.
The latest feathers in Ozobot’s cap are being a finalist for the TOTY Awards at Toy Fair, and winning the Best Robot Award from the KAPi Awards, given at the start of each year during Kids @ Play Sum- mit at the Consumer Electronics Show.
Ozobot also earned The National Parenting Center Holiday 2014 Seal of Approval. Dr. Toy gave it two of her 2014 honors — 10 Best Technology and 100 Best Children’s Products.
ABOUT EVOLLVE, INC.
Evollve Inc. is a company built around an idea that blends physical and digital technologies to provide social, educational and competitive applications with a core foundation of instilling valuable life skills. Through game based applications and creative curriculum, our focus is on designing interactive robots to entertain in the family room and educate in the classroom. Visit www.Ozobot.com.
Last Updated on November 27, 2018.
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