Tinkerbots: Build, Play, and Learn with Robotic Construction Kits

We are already familiar with the topic of robotics from other trade fairs - such as AUTOMATICA in Munich - but the fact that we can now also find it at the Spielwarenmesse 2016 comes as a surprise, and only at first. After a quick check, Messe.TV presenter Klas Bömecke quickly takes a liking to the product.

Robotic Construction kit for children

Klas Bömecke: Hello, what is that? Tinkerbots employee: It's a robotics construction kit. Children from the age of 5-6 can use it to build their own robots. It's a modular system - individual modules that can all perform a certain type of movement: A joint module, a rotation module, a motor module that can be used to drive axles and wheels to build cars, for example. Or a gripper module.

Remotely control module elements with smartphone or tablet

Klas Bömecke: It really looks relatively simple! Tinkerbots employee: It's super-intuitive to use. Twisted at a 45° angle, the modules are loose and at 90° they are locked in place and tight. The core element is the red cube - we call it the "Powerbrain" - it is the heart and brain of the kit. It contains a battery and is responsible for controlling the electronics. As soon as I attach any module to a Powerbrain, switch it on and press "Play", the module starts to move according to its properties. The speed can be set faster or slower using "+" and "-". And I can add other modules. Klas Bömecke: And you control it all from your cell phone? Tinkerbots employee: Exactly, you can also control it remotely with your smartphone or tablet. You connect your smartphone to your robot via Bluetooth. You can use various sliders (swipe function on the touchscreen) to swipe left and right or up and down - or open and close the gripper to pick up or release an object. Klas Bömecke: Great, can I play too? So if it's for ages 5 and up, I should be able to do it relatively easily... (Klas swipes the slider and the gripper arm moves) Great, I'm thrilled!

Tinkerbots employees: Another function is recording - you can also teach the robot movements. If you don't want to use a smartphone, you can press record on the "Powerbrain" and it will flash red. If I then move the robot in different ways, circle it, turn it or change its direction and speed, it remembers this movement and executes it again by pressing "Play". Klas Bömecke: Very funny. We're delighted that this is coming to the playrooms. Tinkerbots employee: Exactly (laughs). Klas Bömecke: Thank you.

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