Cubetto Product Overview
Cubetto is an innovative, award-winning coding robot designed by Primo Toys to introduce children aged 3 to 9 to the fundamentals of computer programming through hands-on, screenless play.
What Cubetto Does
Cubetto is a tangible programming interface that teaches children computational thinking and programming logic without the need for literacy or screens. It guides kids into the world of coding by allowing them to program a small wooden robot using colorful, manipulable blocks.
Key Features
Cubetto Robot
- The Cubetto robot is a wooden, cube-shaped device with two wheels and two fixed plastic stands, making it stable and easy to maneuver. It has an engraved smiling face and is wireless, receiving commands from the interface board.
Coding Blocks
- The coding system uses a set of blocks that represent different instructions: Forward, Left, Right, and Function. Each block has a distinct shape and bright color to prevent confusion. These blocks fit into the interface board, allowing children to create sequences of commands that Cubetto will execute.
Interface Board
- The interface board is where children place the coding blocks in a sequence to program Cubetto. The board has slots connected by an engraved thread, forming the main sequence and a function line. Each slot has a corresponding feedback LED that lights up when a block is inserted correctly. A fixed action button on the board sends the commands to Cubetto.
Maps and Books
- Cubetto comes with a 1m x 1m world map, a 6×6 grid of 15cm x 15cm squares, which serves as a play surface. Additional educational storybooks and challenges are available to expand playtime and coding adventures.
Functionality
Creating Sequences
- Children insert the coding blocks into the interface board to create a sequence of instructions. Once the blocks are placed, pressing the blue button on the board executes the program. Cubetto moves according to the sequence, providing a clear cause-effect experience through flashing indicators and unique tunes for each command.
Functions
- The function line on the interface board allows children to create more complex sequences by packing multiple instructions into a single block. This feature, represented by the blue “Function” block, enables advanced problem-solving and the reuse of command sequences.
Adaptability and Ease of Use
- Cubetto is highly adaptable and easy to use, making it suitable for a wide range of users. The simple, color-coded instructions and pegboard design support the development of linear thinking and problem-solving skills. Additional activity ideas and resources are available on the developer’s website to enhance the learning experience.
Summary
Cubetto offers a unique and engaging way for young children to learn the basics of coding through physical, interactive elements. Its simplicity, adaptability, and lack of screen time make it an excellent introductory tool for teaching computational thinking and programming principles, preparing children for more advanced coding concepts in the future.