As promised in my National Robotics Week post, I've got a review of Cozmo (affiliate link), an adorable AI- and personality-driven palm-sized robot. Anki's PR team sent me the product for review. Created by three roboticists from Carnegie Mellon and designed with the input of Pixar artists and animators, Cozmo is endearing, engaging, and a bit (okay, a lot) reminiscent of Wall-E. (If you haven't seen it yet, make plans to do so. You will make ... [ Read More ]
VEX Robotics Starstruck and Updates
Regular readers will know that I'm a fan of extracurricular STEM clubs and competitions. They build interest, knowledge, skills and add an exciting element to STEM study. This is especially true when it comes to robotics where STEM becomes a spectator sport, something that can't be said for math team. VEX Robotics Competitions I started a VEX Robotics team five years ago at the urging of my son. Thanks to a grant, I was able to start a team for ... [ Read More ]
Introducing Sphero SPRK
It's exciting to try new technology shortly after it's released, but it's even better seeing the products evolve and improve over time. My boys have enjoyed Sphero and Ollie, but it's time to welcome the Sphero SPRK Edition, the latest edition to the Sphero family. The Sphero SPRK Edition has all the playfulness and durability of the original Sphero but is clearly designed with learning in mind. Its outer shell is transparent! Sphero SPRK SPRK ... [ Read More ]
Robot Revolution at MSI
Last week while I was hosting #STEMchat, my husband and the Young Maker Teen were working their way through just about the coolest display of the most amazing robots ever to gather in one place, Robot Revolution exhibit at Chicago's MSI, Museum of Science and Industry. This should be the background for Night at the Museum 3 4 5. The exhibit just opened and will be in town until January 2016, so I have plenty of time to visit. And so do you. ... [ Read More ]
Making Simple Robots with Kathy Ceceri
If you have kids under age 10 and you've asked me about making robots, chances are I've referenced Kathy Ceceri's book, Robotics. The book is full of basic, highly accessible projects, many of which are surprisingly low-tech, but help children (and their parents) understand robot basics. Now Kathy has taken things up a notch. She partnered with MAKE for a follow-up book, Making Simple Robots. I received a review copy of the book; please note that ... [ Read More ]
Ozobot Review
I'm a little late for National Robotics Week and a lot early for the holiday season, but you're going to want to bookmark this for later. Meet Ozobot, a codeable robot that fits in the palm of your hand. At a price point of $49.99, it's one of the most affordable robots around. Ozobot Review Ozobot has several free associated apps for Android and iOS tablets (recommended for nine-inch screens or larger). Because I'm always trying to drag my ... [ Read More ]
Start a VEX Robotics Team for Free!
On the heels of last weekend's local VEX Robotics tournament, I'm full of enthusiasm for the league. And I want to share how you can start a VEX Robotics team for free! That said, I'm also full of appreciation for the group that came together to make the tournament a reality including (in no particular order) Robb Barton, Chris Powell, Tim Sullivan, Lisa Edelson from District 219, Regional Vex Coordinator Marc Couture, Rob (Robert? Bob?) ... [ Read More ]