Oct 24 2019
Today Robotical launched a crowdfunding campaign for their versatile STEM robot, Marty 2.0, a low cost, fully programmable walking, dancing, soccer-playing robot designed for kids, makers, and educators to learn coding and robotics skills. It is now available on Kickstarter for the starting price of $120.
Marty 2.0 is the updated version of Marty the Robot. Like its predecessor, the newest robot can be coded by users from ages 8-18 in languages including Scratch and Python. Marty is compatible with single board computers like Raspberry Pi, is expandable, and can be customized with 3D printed parts. Marty comes as a kit or pre-built, so users can either build from the ground up or jump straight into coding the robot to walk, turn, dance, kick a football and more.
"Building and creating the first Marty was a dream come true and we're thrilled to launch the new and improved Marty 2.0," said Founder and CEO Alexander Enoch. "Marty 2.0 was built with a passion to help kids learn how to code intuitively and easily progress into using coding programs like Scratch or Python. It's also fun. You can even teach Marty to floss!"
Marty 2.0 is pose-able, mimics lifelike behaviors, speaks in short phrases, plays music and uses distance, position and other sensors to detect the world around him. Robotical has added a new modular expansion interface and a new learning platform and learning journey for students. The platform comes with nine all metal-geared smart servos with built-in position and force feedback, so users can teach Marty new moves by demonstrating them.
"With Marty 2.0, our hope is to continue making STEM education accessible to children of all ages across the globe. Marty already helps children across more than 50 countries, including the UK, US, Australia and in schools in Rwanda. With these newly added features, we're hoping that Marty 2.0 will expand further with its unique fun and educational approach," said Myles Bax.
The new Marty has been built based on feedback accumulated since 2016 when Marty 1.0 launched. The result is a second-generation robot with new features like sound and position sensing, and upgrades across the board to improve connectivity, usability, and buildability.
"We want to help continue to shape the future of education. Learning to code is a lifelong skill that helps teach kids not just employment-relevant skills of programming, but also life skills like
Problem-solving, patience, and creativity," said Enoch.
Marty 2.0 is recommended for ages 10+. A simplified build variant is available for kids 7+. It connects with WiFi, Bluetooth or USB and is compatible with Scratch, Python, Javascript and ROS interfaces.
The estimated delivery date of Robotical is February 2020. For more information on pledge levels, please visit the Kickstarter campaign. Media wishing to interview their personnel should contact PR agent, Jessica Sanchez at [email protected].