Play-i Toy Robots Teach Young Children Computer Programming Basics [Video]

If you're trying to raise a geek, Play-i's robots are here to help.
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Pretty much everyone needs to have at least a basic understanding of computer concepts to function in the modern world. Play-i wants to help your little geek-in-training learn the basics of computer coding by playing with their toy robots Bo and Yana.

Play-i’s goal is a simple one. They think young children around the age of five should be exposed to programming concepts, but kids that age probably aren’t ready to sit at a keyboard and type some code. Instead, they can learn the basic concepts of programming through Play-i’s visual interface.

The robots are controlled remotely by commands a child can organize using an iOS device and use storytelling to guide children through programming the robots’ instructions. The app allows access to the raw code, so that children can progress to writing the instructions directly whenever they’re ready.

Get jealous of how kids will learn in the future by watching the video.

Right now, you can reserve your robots at a discounted price by supporting the crowdfunding effort through the Play-i website, and they’ll be shipping in the summer 0f 2014. You can also donate some extra money to fund robots for schools and organizations for underprivileged children.

(via Engadget, image via Play-i)

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Dan Van Winkle
Dan Van Winkle (he) is an editor and manager who has been working in digital media since 2013, first at now-defunct Geekosystem (RIP), and then at The Mary Sue starting in 2014, specializing in gaming, science, and technology. Outside of his professional experience, he has been active in video game modding and development as a hobby for many years. He lives in North Carolina with Lisa Brown (his wife) and Liz Lemon (their dog), both of whom are the best, and you will regret challenging him at Smash Bros.