Play-i: Robots For Children To Program

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post brought to you by Play-i. Thoughts are my own.

Before I entered college, I knew I wanted a course that will allow me to use my skills in my favorite subjects (Math and Computer Science) so I told my older brother that I’ll be taking up Computer Programming, Computer Engineering or Computer Science as my college course. I thought he’d be excited because that was what he majored in when he was in college. But he advised me not to take any computer courses because he can easily teach me everything he learned from his university. I believed him.

But now I think maybe I shouldn’t have. LOL! Because computer technology is something that’s ever-evolving and it would have been nice if I had stayed on top of all those developments. Now since I know that the future generations will see technology far greater than we we’re seeing now, I want my son to be knowledgeable (or at least be exposed) to these things. And I think Play-i has come up with the perfect product to open a world of possibilities for kids even at a young age.

Play-i Logo

Play-i, a Silicon Valley-based company company, is building robots for children to program!

They are making computer programming fun and accessible for children as young as 5 years old. Yes! 5 years old! And since children are starting to use technology at a younger age, it’s only a matter of time before technology like these Play-i robots are introduced to the general market. So let me introduce to you, Bo and Yana.

Bo is an explorer. Bo is playful and curious. Bo loves going on adventures and making new friends. As you play together, Bo learns new skills and becomes a more capable robot. Together, there’s no stopping where you and Bo can go.

Yana is a storyteller. Yana is clever, imaginative and full of dreams. Yana can surprise and entertain you by bringing characters to life as you play! Use the power of your imagination to unlock Yana’s potential.

Play-i Robots 1

Play-i is changing the way children relate to technology by empowering them to be creators instead of just users. Children learn the concepts behind programming in really engaging ways. They can send their robots off on quests, play robo-soccer with their friends, and even compose music. All while learning how to program.

Play-i is creating a visual programming environment for its robots on touch devices for kids.

It meets children at their level of cognitive ability and motor skills, starting as early as age five. Unlike other programming languages where children are first taught the syntax, Play-i focuses on learning through exploration, play and discovery.

Play-i Robots 3

Play-i robots are expressive, interactive and completely programmable.

The programming interface for children requires no previous ability to read or write. The robots are playful — they can dance, play songs and even collect the toys on the floor — and can be programmed by children wirelessly using a touch device, like an iPad.

I think it’s awesome that the creators of these robots have thought of bringing programming down to the level of kids. And I’m pretty sure even adults like me can learn from using these robots!

Play-i Robots 2

Be sure to check out Play-i.com for more information on these robots!

Play-i robots will be available in the Summer of 2014 and are priced at $149 and $49 during their Crowdfunding campaign which ends November 26. After this date, prices will go back to $199 and $69 respectively. So make sure you make you purchase within their campaign period!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post brought to you by Play-i. Thoughts are my own.

Comments

Play-i: Robots For Children To Program — 43 Comments

  1. That’s really cool. It’s amazing, young children know more about computers than I do. All I can do is point and click.

  2. Wow! This Play-i technology is amazing. I love that the programming can be adjusted based on the child’s level.

  3. wow, these sound so cool! so great for kids. i like that it is fun and educational. they would love seeing the little robot move around.

  4. These look like so much fun! This would be a great thing for my 5 year old grandson, he is learning impaired, but he is amazing with technology!

  5. I am always amazed at the way that technology has inserted itself into our lives. I am not very computer savvy but I know my grandkids are. Programmable robots..who would have thought!

  6. my younger daughter would love one of these for christmas i love technology and i am one of these people that enjoy figuring out how to work them also

  7. I started in electronics as a hobby when I was 12 (1975) got into computers then next year and got my first computer in 1977. I would have loved to have something like this when I was a kid, and probably would have a lot of fun with them now. It is amazing how far computers/electronics have progressed since I was a kid and even since the turn of the millennium. Thanks for the info, these really look like a lot of fun.

  8. Odd, yet intriguing. It amazes me how quickly toddlers can pick up on technology- my 2 year old nephew can work an iPad better than his parents! This is an interesting concept that could really give kids a head start in all kinds of areas of learning.

  9. Those are so adorable! I hope they’re also really durable; my kids have a knack for breaking things they love.

  10. This is so amazing. I would love to be able to get one for my youngest granddaughter. She would love it and learn from it too. What a great concept. Thank you so much for sharing this post.. 🙂

  11. These are really cool – I think my daughter might actually play with them! LOL She is very funny and doesn’t play with alot of toys but loves to connect things!

  12. These are so adorable. Not only are they educational, they are so cute. These are going on the christmas list right now! 😉

  13. Those things are so cute. I know my kids would have loved them. I used to take them to the science center to learn how to program their Lego projects. They loved doing it and they learned to use the computer. Great idea. Thanks for the review.

  14. Ever cool and cute, my nephew would love these, mmm Christmas gift for him, him would freak out!

  15. That’s amazing. I may have to buy one when they go on sale, my son’s not old enough to use them yet but he will be at some point! 🙂

  16. these are freaking awesome! I love toys that are a learning experience, especially tech, science and engineering stuff. My son would love these!

  17. This looks like a fun and innovative toy, I might just get one for myself. Thank you for sharing this post.

  18. I love this fun, educational tool. You are right. Everything is going to computers, etc. We all really need to learn. Nothing like starting when children are young. Thank you for sharing

  19. This sounds like a great way for my grandchildren to play and learn. I will have to check this out for them. Thank you so much for sharing