TinkerBots is a great introductory tool to get children excited about the world of engineering, design, and programming. The concept for this toy building and design set was catalyzed by project leader Leo Oschutz in 2009. He was inspired to develop a robotics-type toy set while he was studying product design at Germany’s Bauhaus-University. For a homework assignment, he was asked to develop a “dream machine.” Oschutz always loved Legos, so he conceptualized an idea where people could build robo-objects and bring them to life. After many years in the works, Tinkerbots is on its way to becoming a real-life tangible toy that we can all run out and purchase. The Indiegogo campaign for TinkerBots launched on Thursday, and has raised more than half of the $100,000 end goal.
The crux of each TinkerBots component is a “Power Brain,” a 1.5-inch cube that contains a battery, Arduino microcontroller, accelerometer, Bluetooth module, gyroscope, and USB port. Having this technology available for children to incorporate into their playtime is important. The youth greatly needs STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) concepts to be introduced early on in childhood. With TinkerBots, kids will actually be able to learn through playtime.
The modules come with various kinetic modules that enable motion in virtually any direction. There are also pre-programmed paths of movement that can be customized. Users can add distance or light sensors to the devices they’ve produced in order to perform in any desired environment. For example, you can construct a car that can navigate around objects. TinkerBots become Lego-compatible with an adaptor!
If you build a car with TinkerBots, there’s an app that helps you make the car remote-controllable. This system will teach children about programming, so that they can program their robots with codes they’ve made up. Later on, once the kids have mastered the basics, they can turn the bots into drones. 
The team at TinkerBots is still perfecting the design and functionality of this amazing kit of sheer robotic delight. So far, this product has won over 20 awards including the 2014 CeBit Innovation Award.
The toy set is set to hit the shelves in 2015, but if you donate $160 or more to the Indiegogo campaign, you’ll receive your kit later this year.
Story via TinkerBots, Gizmodo
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