Robotical Review: Educational Robotics for STEM Learning

Robotical is an educational technology company that creates interactive, prongineering, and Mathematics) skills to students of all ages. Their flagship product, Marty the Robot, is a Wi-Fi-enabled, walking robot that introduces learners to coding, robotics, and c=-0921omputational thinking in a fun and engagingrammable robots designed to teach STEM (Science, Technology, Eg way. With a focus on classroom learning and home education, Robotical aims to make coding accessible and enjoyable for students while enhancing their problem-solving and creative skills.

In this review, we’ll explore Robotical’s products, features, learning benefits, pricing, and overall value.

Key Findings

Pros

• Engaging Educational Tool:
• Teaches STEM skills through interactive robotics.
• User-Friendly Programming Interface:
• Supports Scratch, Python, and Blockly coding languages.
• Customizable and Expandable:
• Supports add-on hardware and custom coding.
• Suitable for All Ages:
• Ideal for students aged 5+, from beginners to advanced coders.
• Classroom-Friendly:
• Designed for educators with curriculum support.
• Wi-Fi Connectivity:
• Remote programming and control.

Cons

• Pricey for Individual Buyers:
• More expensive than some entry-level coding toys.
• Limited Advanced Robotics Features:
• Less complex than high-end educational robots.
• Requires Assembly:
• Some technical assembly is required, which may be difficult for younger learners.
• Wi-Fi Dependent:
• Limited functionality without a stable connection.

About Robotical

Founded in 2016 and based in Edinburgh, Scotland, Robotical is dedicated to promoting STEM education through robotics. The company’s flagship product, Marty the Robot, is used in schools, coding clubs, and homes to introduce students to coding, engineering, and problem-solving in a hands-on way.

Mission and Values

Robotical’s mission is to:

• Make STEM Learning Accessible:
• Create interactive and approachable tools for students.
• Promote Creativity and Problem-Solving:
• Encourage students to experiment and think critically.
• Foster Real-World Skills:
• Equip learners with coding and technical skills applicable in the digital age.
• Empower Educators:
• Provide classroom-ready resources and lesson plans.

Features and Benefits

Robotical’s primary product, Marty the Robot, is a programmable, walking robot designed for STEM education. It offers a blend of hardware and software features to introduce learners to coding and robotics.

1. Marty the Robot V2

Marty the Robot V2 is the latest version of Robotical’s educational robot. It offers enhanced features and improved performance.

• Programmable Movements:
• Marty can walk, turn, dance, and balance, helping students learn the principles of robotic motion and control.
• Coding Compatibility:
• Supports multiple programming languages:
• Scratch: Block-based coding for beginners.
• Python: Text-based coding for advanced learners.
• Blockly: Visual coding for intermediate students.
• Built-In Wi-Fi:
• Wireless connectivity for remote programming and control.
• Sensors and Motors:
• Includes servo motors, accelerometer, and tilt sensors for interactive movements.
• Customisable:
• Compatible with add-on hardware and expandable programming options.
• Key Features:
• Modular and programmable walking robot.
• Cross-platform compatibility (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android).
• Rechargeable battery with USB charging.
• Benefits:
• Hands-on learning: Enhances STEM skills through practical coding.
• Progressive skill-building: Moves from block coding to Python.
• Flexible learning: Suitable for individual learners and classrooms.

2. Robotical Learning Platform

Robotical offers an online learning platform with a variety of educational resources.

• Curriculum-Aligned Lessons:
• Pre-built lesson plans aligned with national STEM standards.
• Coding Challenges:
• Interactive challenges to enhance problem-solving skills.
• Student Progress Tracking:
• Tools for educators to monitor student performance.
• Key Features:
• Teacher-friendly lesson plans.
• Gamified learning challenges.
• Student progress dashboards.
• Benefits:
• Enhanced classroom experience: Structured STEM curriculum.
• Engaging learning: Hands-on challenges keep students motivated.
• Data-driven insights: Track student growth.

Learning Benefits

Robotical’s products are designed to teach core STEM concepts while fostering creativity and problem-solving skills.

1. Coding and Programming Skills

• Visual and Text-Based Coding:
• Students progress from drag-and-drop coding (Scratch) to text-based coding (Python).
• Logical Thinking:
• Learners develop sequential logic and problem-solving skills.
• Real-World Application:
• Practical coding experiences with robotic movements and tasks.

2. Engineering and Robotics

• Assembly and Mechanics:
• Teaches robot assembly and hardware functions.
• Motion and Sensors:
• Explores principles of robotic motion, sensors, and controls.
• Hands-On STEM Learning:
• Enhances practical engineering skills.

3. Creativity and Problem-Solving

• Custom Programming:
• Encourages students to design custom behaviours.
• Open-Ended Challenges:
• Promotes creative problem-solving and experimentation.
• Gamified Learning:
• Keeps students engaged through interactive tasks.

Quality & Performance

Robotical offers high-quality educational robots with reliable performance.

• Build Quality:
• Marty the Robot features durable plastic components with sturdy servo motors, ensuring smooth movement and long-lasting performance.
• Coding Interface:
• The Scratch and Blockly interfaces are intuitive and well-suited for beginners, while Python offers advanced capabilities.
• Wi-Fi Connectivity:
• The built-in Wi-Fi allows for seamless remote programming and smooth operation during coding tasks.
• Software Reliability:
• Robotical’s online learning platform offers stable and reliable performance with consistent updates.

User Experience

Robotical prioritises ease of use and an engaging user experience for both students and educators:

• Setup and Assembly:
• Marty the Robot requires some assembly, which helps students develop mechanical skills. However, it may be slightly challenging for younger learners.
• Coding Interface:
• The drag-and-drop interface makes it easy for beginners to learn coding, while the Python integration appeals to more advanced users.
• Classroom-Friendly:
• The curriculum support and student tracking make it ideal for educational institutions.
• Home Learning:
• Marty is also suitable for home learners, offering interactive coding challenges and customisation options.

Pricing and Plans

Robotical offers Marty the Robot and associated resources with pricing tailored for individual learners and educational institutions.

1. Marty the Robot V2

• Individual Purchase:
• £299 – £350 per unit.
• Classroom Bundle:
• Multiple robots with curriculum resources.
• Custom pricing for schools.
• Accessories and Add-Ons:
• Expansion packs and spare parts available.

2. Subscription Plans (for Schools)

• Annual Subscription:
• Includes lesson plans, coding challenges, and progress tracking.
• Custom pricing based on class size.

Reliability & Support

Robotical offers reliable hardware and customer support to ensure a smooth experience:

• Hardware Reliability:
• Marty’s durable construction ensures longevity, making it suitable for frequent classroom use.
• Software Stability:
• The online learning platform is regularly updated with new lessons and challenges.
• Customer Support:
• Comprehensive Resources: Online guides, FAQs, and troubleshooting tips.
• Direct Support: Email and live chat support for technical assistance.
• Educator Support:
• Robotical provides curriculum resources and lesson plans, making it easy for teachers to integrate the robot into their classes.

A Leading STEM Robotics Solution

Robotical provides an engaging and practical approach to STEM education through its Marty the Robot. With support for multiple programming languages, customisable coding challenges, and classroom-ready resources, it is an excellent tool for teaching coding and robotics skills. Its educational focus, scalability, and interactive learning experience make it highly suitable for schools, coding clubs, and home learners.