Vortex – a programmable, open-source robot toy – is available for backing on Kickstarter for $69. The makers promise it will help your child develop the programming and coding skills necessary to lead the cyber revolution. (all images and video via Vortex)
Parents are increasingly concerned that toys don’t have educational benefits for their kids. That’s why a team of engineers created Vortex – an interactive, programmable toy that teaches kids about robotic software development from the ages of 6 and up.
Vortex is a robotic toy that, when paired with the iOS and Android app, can be programmed to do just about anything. The small, dome-shaped bot comes with preloaded games, including Virtual Golf, racing, sumo wrestling and soccer. Devices can be paired (from two units to 22 for soccer) so kids can play together. The real fun, however, comes from customizing the software from a smartphone, tablet or computer.
Vortex makes programming easy by allowing users to drag and drop commands instead of relying solely on coding. The makers of the bot say kids can learn the basics of coding by navigating the app (which is likely to be the theoretical fundamentals). Still, because Vortex is open-source, users can turn it into just about anything they can dream.
The muffin-sized robot runs on AA batteries and connects to the app via Bluetooth 4.0 or USB connection. Because it comes equipped with infrared proximity sensors, it can easily be programmed to steer clear of ledges and seemingly high falls. The unit’s display relies on RGB LED lights and comes programmed with 32 various “facial” expressions. The robot is programmable through the WhenDo platform and the hardware is expandable to include temperature sensors, motion and touch sensors, Ultrasonic and more via 12C input.
Although Vortex is expandable via 12C input, its hardware expandability is limited. While tinker-friendly toys are popping up everywhere for kids, many only encourage basic software development. Maybe soldering and advanced electronics are too difficult of skills to teach kids off the bat, but if a child is excited about tinkering, there seems to be no bridge between adult-sized making and rudimentary robotics for kids. Is it a safety concern? Or, is there a reason children everywhere are being inundated with coding?
Everywhere we look, children’s games are incorporating coding. From DIY computers to tablet applications, it seems there is a big push for the next generation to be fluent in coding, but no one is asking why. The benevolent voice of reason believes the age of technology is upon us, and if the next generation doesn’t learn coding, technological innovation could die with us. The cynical conspiracy theorist says the government knows the next world war will occur in cyberspace and it needs an army with coding expertise to man the front lines. Both theories are probably right, in some capacity, but only the passage of time will remove the wool from our eyes.
Vortex launched its Kickstarter crowdraiser and has about a month to go to meet its goal of $54,035 (it’s about two-thirds of the way there at the time this article was posted). Single units retail at $69, including the sticker and golf sets, and if multiple units are purchased, the price of each Vortex is discounted. The product is a great option for younger kids just getting into robotics. If your child has taken a liking to tinkering, however, don’t be afraid to think outside of the box. With a few spare parts and a little encouragement, you’d be surprised what this ‘next generation’ can create.
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