iRobot has this week announced the acquisition of the educational start-up Root Robotics, although no details of the deal have been disclosed at the current time.
Expanding STEM Education
“The acquisition of Root Robotics allows iRobot to broaden the impact of its STEM efforts with a commercially available, educational robotic platform already being used by educators, students and parents,” iRobot CEO Colin Angle said in a press release. “Root also helps increase the reach of iRobot’s educational robot line by offering a proven system for people of all ages, including students in elementary school.”
Root Robotics creates a small educational robot in the form of the aptly named Root Robot. “A little robot with a lot of possibilities. Root helps you learn, play, and explore using your imagination.”
The Root Robot is designed to make learning to code engaging and accessible for children and adults alike. It operates on a three-level coding system that progresses from simple graphical blocks to full-text coding, making it suitable for users at different stages of their coding journey. This versatility is one of the reasons why Root Robot has been embraced by a wide range of educational institutions.
Features and Capabilities
“Code Root to draw whatever you can imagine from words and letters to amazing fractal creations. Searching for inspiration? Start with some pre-made code for Explore and make incremental changes to see your artwork grow into something uniquely your own!”
The Root Robot is equipped with a variety of sensors and actuators that allow it to interact with its environment in numerous ways. It can follow lines, detect colors, respond to touch, and even play music. These features make it a versatile tool for teaching a wide range of STEM concepts, from basic programming to more advanced topics like robotics and artificial intelligence.
One of the standout features of the Root Robot is its ability to draw. Using a dry-erase marker, Root can create intricate designs and patterns on a whiteboard, turning coding exercises into a creative and visually engaging activity. This feature is particularly popular in classrooms, where it can be used to teach geometry, art, and other subjects in an interactive way.
Moreover, Root’s compatibility with various coding languages and platforms ensures that it can be integrated into existing curricula without requiring significant changes. This flexibility has made it a favorite among educators looking to introduce coding and robotics into their classrooms.
The acquisition by iRobot is expected to bring additional resources and expertise to Root Robotics, potentially leading to new features and capabilities for the Root Robot. iRobot’s experience in developing consumer robots like the Roomba could help enhance the design and functionality of Root, making it an even more powerful educational tool.
In addition to its educational applications, the Root Robot has also found a place in homes, where parents use it to introduce their children to coding in a fun and engaging way. The robot’s user-friendly interface and extensive online resources make it easy for families to get started, even if they have no prior experience with coding or robotics.
As part of iRobot, Root Robotics will continue to develop and expand its educational offerings, helping to inspire the next generation of coders, engineers, and scientists. With the growing importance of STEM education in today’s world, tools like the Root Robot are more valuable than ever.
Source: : Tech Crunch
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