Kano’s mission to make coding and computer technology more accessible to individuals of all ages are most recently coming in the form of their Motion Sensor Kit, and this new kit is their simplest and cheapest way to teach people about coding.The Motion Sensor Kit comes with 30 step-by-step challenges that enable users to play games, make music, and more, all while teaching important lessons about coding and logic. (Photo via Kano)
The constant technological advancement of the modern world is supported by people whose knowledge and curiosity pushes innovation further and further, and while we have come a long way, most people are still mystified by the magic of programming and computer capabilities. Kano’s undertaking is to make coding approachable to people of all ages and to demonstrate how it can be used for fun and function. According to their website, the Motion Sensor Kit operates through the Kano app and it, “...uses simple steps, storytelling, and practical projects to help [people] understand the principles of coding, and have fun.”
In addition to the 30 step-by-step coding challenges that are included in the kit, Kano also provides a platform for a global coding community which allows people to share their creations with other users, and at this point (August 20th, 2017; around 8 pm CT), over 32.5 million lines of code have been written, and over 193,000 creations have been shared. These creations range from music and art to games and apps but are not limited to those categories by any means.
In fact, Kano’s products provide an opportunity for people to push the limitations of their creativity through the world of programming, and their Motion Sensor Kit is also compatible with their Pixel and Computer Kits, which only introduces more inventive possibilities. The Pixel Kit provides a dazzling LED light display, which can be used to code games, art, and animation, and the Computer Kit affords users even greater freedom by showing them how to build their own computer and further explore the innovative opportunities of coding.
The Motion Sensor Kit comes with a USB Cable to connect the motion sensor to the computer, a suction cup for stability and variability in sensor placement options, stickers for personalization, and a storybook to teach users about the ins and outs of sensor technology. The technical specifications listed on Kano’s site indicate that the sensor is able to measure proximity and gestures, and it also contains a 48 MHz, 32-bit motherboard. The motion sensor approach allows users to physically interact with coding material, and Kano’s variety of products and services offer a user-friendly way for people to learn the rules of logic used in coding and their subsequent programming applications. The Motion Sensor Kit is available now on Kano’s site for £29.99 (~$35) and ships in about 7-10 days.