Pai Augie - Coding Robot
© 2017 Pai Technology
Combining three sexy topics into one product (AI, robotics and coding) this $200 rolling robot is designed to "pair coding with augmented reality." You must first pair the robot with your phone or tablet by downloading the app. Sadly this is not an easy process. It involves switching Wi-Fi networks and experimenting with some poorly marked toggle switches on the bottom of the robots. It's always sad when the debugging involves getting a product to work. Once it is synched with your tablet, you can either freely drive your robot around or program movements and behaviors using Google's open source Blockly code. A video function lets you record sounds and movies, which can be viewed on your phone or tablet. Each feature is introduced by video tutorial. Modes include structured programming tasks (executing the right commands to move to the next level) and free play-programming with Blockly. Need to know: Many features are similar to Dash and Dot from Wonder Workshop, with the exception of the AR, that is delivered with the app.
$200, iPad, Android
Teaches: robotics, programming
CTR Rating: 68%