The key to keeping kids engaged while learning is to entertain them, which is why Lego proved to be so popular. It teaches a skill and kids get something to play with at the end. It looks as though Sony is taking inspiration from Lego with the launch of KOOV: a robot building kit aimed at children.
KOOV is set to launch in Japan on February 18 and aims to teach kids both design and programming skills by getting them to play with blocks, sensors, and software.
Sony managed to win the 2016 Good Design Gold Award for KOOV last year, after it was first announced back in March. The KOOV kit contains blocks, a range of electronic components, and supporting software.
The blocks snap together much like Lego, then a number of electronic components including sensors, motors, and cables allow each robot to move and react. There's LEDs, switches, buzzers, and a panel for controlling power and switching the interactive parts of a robot on or off. The accompanying software allows a robot to be programmed, with the interface being kept very simple using a drag & drop system very similar to MIT's Scratch programming language.
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According to Nikkei Technology, two other applications are also included in the kit: Robot Recipe and Learning Course. Robot Recipe offers instruction on how to put a robot together using the included components. Learning Course focuses more on how to use the programming system and how combining blocks works to unlock new functionality.
KOOV sounds like hours of entertainment for any child with a passing interest in robotics or who simply enjoys making things. Hopefully it won't be too long before the kit makes its way outside of Japan. I can see it being very popular.