As science, technology, engineering and mathematics become an increasing priority in the classroom, educators are often searching for understandable lessons to teach to their students.
By combining robots with blocks and hardware with software, Boulder’s Modular Robotics is making a previously challenging curriculum approachable and accessible.
Modular Robotics developed Cubelets, robotic blocks that snap together with magnets, teaming up to create thousands of novel robot constructions, each with new behaviors.
Cubelets can be combined to make a variety of robots that can drive, react to light and approaching objects, rotate and connect with companion apps.
The robotic cubes have made waves in the classroom and the company has largely shifted its focus to supporting educators teaching STEM.
“A lot of what we’re focusing on now is continuing to expand what kids can do in the classroom with Cubelets,” said Stu Barwick, product manager at Modular Robotics.
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Barwick said Cubelets are primarily used to teach computer science subjects, but the company has seen some innovative uses in the classroom.
In 2018, then 16-year-old Hayley Brady from Dublin used Cubelets to develop a curriculum for students on the spectrum.
“We’ve had all kinds of cases that were never intended,” Barwick said. “Because of the flexibility, versatility and ease of use, we’ve seen a lot of teachers use them to facilitate other lessons that have nothing to do with science or STEM. They’re engaging and can captivate attention.”
The company recently launched a new set of Cubelets called Curiosity at Toy Fair 2019 in New York City. The $250 Curiosity Set is a collection of 10 of the company’s best-selling Cubelets and the Bluetooth hat. The Bluetooth hat links the robot constructions to the Cubelets app to allow for further customization.
With a loyal following in the classroom, Barwick said Modular Robotics is looking to grow the at-home market in an effort to reach more STEM-interested children. Both the Curiosity and Discovery sets are aimed at in-home use.
In late February, the company shipped out the 100,000th Cubelets kit, a milestone founder Eric Schweikardt said was unthinkable when he first developed the robotic blocks as part of his PhD at Carnegie Mellon.
“The notion that we’ve made 100,000 boxed Cubelets kits is a little baffling when I think back through our history,” he wrote in a blog post.
Cubelets retail from $140 for an individual set, to $4,000 for the largest group set that is aimed at groups of six to 12 students.
The company continues to grow, approaching 20 employees at its facility on 38th Street in Boulder.
To date, the company has raised about $11 million and is not currently seeking additional investment, Barwick said.
Whether in the classroom, or at home, Barwick said Modular Robotics is committed to offering an accessible entry into coding.
“Our long-term goal and mission remain the same, to provide kids with educational experiences to inform them and shift the way they solve problems,” he said.
