New Age Educational Toys, iRobot Root Coding Robot
The iRobot Root is an adorable little robot aimed at helping kids learn to code while having fun along the way. As a leader in the consumer robot industry, iRobot has translated its advanced robotics technology into a pint-sized interactive machine.
With its friendly eyes and sturdy yet cute body on two small wheels, Root grabs attention right away. This coding companion is packed with sensors and components that can be programmed to execute a wide range of actions. The three learning levels allow beginners to start coding through simple graphical interface while more advanced kids can progress to text coding.
So is Root worth the $199.99 price tag to help your kids learn coding concepts while enjoying themselves? Read this comprehensive review to find out!
Design and Build Quality
Right out of the box, you’ll notice the well-built quality and attention to detail given to the Root design. The clean matte white and smooth light grey plastic exterior gives it a fun yet elegant look.
Weighing 2.45 lbs, Root has a sturdy and balanced feel in hand. Measuring just 7.87 x 3.94 x 7.87 inches, it’s compact enough to go anywhere and not take up too much desk space when coding.
The friendly eyes double up as sensors while the mouth with programmable LED lights give Root a charming and lively character. Overall, it’s cute enough for younger kids to connect with, while not overly toy-like for older ones.
In terms of durability, the high-quality plastic seems like it can withstand minor bumps or being dropped from short heights. All the components including wheels, sensors and connectors are safely ensconced within the body without external parts that can easily break off.
Ease of Set Up
Unboxing and setting up the Root is quick and simple. Everything needed including the robot, charging cable, marker, cling sheets and whiteboard come neatly packed.
The quick start guide provides clear instructions to turn it on and connect to devices via Bluetooth. It worked smoothly with laptops, phones and tablets during testing.
The setup takes less than 5 minutes before you’re ready to start coding! Do note Root only works with the iRobot Coding platform which is accessed online through compatible browsers.
Coding Features and Functionalities
Now onto the most important part – coding capabilities! The iRobot® Coding platform that Root runs on provides an intuitive way for kids to learn real programming concepts.
It utilizes a three level system that lets them progress from graphical drag-and-drop blocks to text coding as their skills develop. The levels strike a good balance between simplicity for younger coders and sufficient challenge for teens.
Level 1: Graphical Coding Blocks
This beginner level uses visual blocks categorized by color to teach the fundamentals of coding without needing to read or write actual code. Kids can drag and snap together commands like loops, turns, lighting effects and sounds.
It’s an engaging way to learn basic programming logic with instant visual feedback. They can see Root respond with new actions as additional blocks are sequenced. This builds the confidence to experiment before moving to advanced hybrid blocks.
Level 2: Hybrid Coding Blocks
Level 2 introduces text script within the blocks to help kids grow accustomed to real code syntax. The part-graphics, part-text blocks teach how to apply coding concepts more flexibly with parameters and events.
Different conditional statements like “if/then” can be added while logical operators let you construct more complex programs. Functions can be created to reuse blocks of code more efficiently.
Level 3: Full Text Coding
The expert level uses a professional coding language based on Swift to unlock the full potential of Root . Kids learn actual text coding to create custom functions, handle variables, events and control peripheral devices.
The advanced capabilities like accessing sensors data, precision movements and Bluetooth connectivity are especially useful for teens. Support for common loops, conditional statements, Boolean operators etc builds a foundation for future text-based languages like Python and JavaScript.
Auto-Level Conversion
A special feature that makes the transition through levels smoother is iRobot’s auto-level conversion. This automatically translates programs between graphical, hybrid and text formats without loss of functionality.
So no matter which level they start at, kids can progress to higher levels and still reuse their original code. This enables a continuous hands-on coding journey as their skills mature over time.
Sensors and Components
Under the hood, Root packs some serious robotic innovation. It’s fitted with a multitude of sensors, inputs and outputs that respond to coded instructions. These allow you to control its movements, light effects, sounds and interactions.
Here are some of the main components:
Movement and Navigation:
- Two independently controlled wheels propelled by motors to execute commands for driving forward, backward, turns, spinning and more. Encoders on the wheels provide odometry data to track distance traveled.
- An accelerometer and gyroscope feeds spatial orientation data back to help navigate precise movements and turns.
Touch Interaction:
- Four capacitive touch zones on the top are responsive when tapped or held down. These work well to trigger custom coded reactions.
- Two bumper switches register collisions which can be coded with different response actions.
Visual Outputs:
- Four LED lights beneath the mouth are fully RGB color programmable to glow, pulse or transition between colors and patterns.
- Two photodetectors provide basic light-sensing ability to react to ambient light conditions.
Auditory Output:
- An onboard speaker lets you program a range of beeps, tones and alarms. It can also play back digitized audio clips.
Other:
- Battery level monitor provides feedback on remaining charge.
- Power button manages on/off state.
With so many built-in gadgets, coding possibilities are endless. You’re only limited by imagination!
Kids can start simple by coding pre-made projects that make Root draw shapes on paper through marker attachment. Soon they’ll learn to choreograph dances with timed movements and light shows.
More advanced coders can leverage the array of sensors for innovative programs like navigating obstacle courses, object tracking, remote control driving via Bluetooth and more.
Battery Life
The Root packs enough juice in the lithium ion battery for about an hour of continuous operation depending on programmed actions. Recharging to full capacity takes about two and a half hours.
That’s decent runtime for typical coding sessions. Should your kids think up elaborate behaviors that consume more power, they’ll learn about optimizing code for efficiency too!
Do note once the battery drains completely, Root needs to be recharged before it’ll turn back on. So save long programs and power it down when not in use.
Accompanying Apps and Software
The Root is programmed primarily through the iRobot Coding platform which is browser based for wide compatibility. This well-designed interface lets kids drag, drop and write code that executes functions on the robot in real time.
Scratch coding fans can rejoice too! Root ’s capabilities can be accessed via a Scratch Link extension built by iRobot. So existing Scratch scripts can now integrate interactions with Root.
For added convenience, iRobot also provides free iOS and Android apps so Root can be controlled or programmed via mobile devices. This offers portability for coding on-the-go. Do note that more advanced functions may be limited on the apps versus using the full browser interface.
Overall the suite of coding platforms offered works harmoniously to support beginner through advanced coders.
Who Is It For?
The Root coding robot caters best for children from age 6 up to teens. The graphical interface and hybrid blocks are suitable for elementary school kids starting coding. Advanced functionality keeps teens engaged as they transition to text coding.
Adults can certainly utilize Root ’s sensors for programming experiments too! Just know that the lessons and guides are tuned for younger audiences.
In terms of tech proficiency, total beginners should find the progressive three level system welcoming. The well-paced progression from visual to text coding eases them in gently. Veterans can crank it straight to the text editor for more flexibility.
Root is also great for classrooms to build computational thinking skills. Budding coders can form teams to collaborate on creative solutions while showing off cool programs.
Ultimately anyone eager to level up their coding know-how through a fun interactive platform will find immense value in the Root .
Educational Value
Educationally, the Root scores top marks for its well-structured coding curriculum. The logical skill progression reinforces computer science concepts critical for future success.
Kids grasp essential programming building blocks like loops, conditionals, variables, Boolean logic, algorithms and more. Learning through hands-on robot interactions keeps them highly motivated to progress to advanced coding.
While competitive bots focus mainly on block maze challenges, Root emphasizes the journey to mastery. Concepts get instilled through creativity-driven problem solving projects. As skills grow, kids gain the thrill of leveling up their coding superpowers.
Such fundamental training promises to nourish budding tech talents – whether for world-changing innovations or just personal growth.
Fun Factor
Let’s not forget Root delivers truckloads of fun amidst all that rich coding education! It is charmingly cute and chockfull of magical potential waiting to be unlocked.
Kids will squeal with delight when they program Root’s first light show or Sounds. Soon they’ll be choreographing intricate dances, art tableau and interactive games fueled purely by imagination.
The physical randomness when attempting newly coded behaviors adds excitement and opportunities for troubleshooting. Every coding milestone achieved raises self-esteem while deepening computational thinking aptitudes.
With so many possibilities, creating custom programs never gets old. The offline coding freedom ensures enjoyment without internet or screen dependencies too.
In our experience observing young creators, Root kept them joyfully absorbed for hours. Such thrilling edu-tainment trumps any coding tutoring.
Price and Warranty
The Root retails for $199.99 via the iRobot site or Amazon currently. That’s reasonable considering the sophistication packed into this STEM coding robot.
In terms of warranty, iRobot provides a standard 90 days coverage from purchase. This protects against defects in materials and workmanship.
Extended protection plans up to 2 years can also be purchased for $29.99. These add coverage for accidental drops and spills too.
Do note the warranty only applies for US and Canadian purchases used in those countries. So international buyers may face higher servicing costs.
For such a future-proof coding starter kit, the value justifies costs for most families serious about child development.
Pros and Cons
Here are some summarized pros (positives) and cons (negatives) based on our extensive hands-on tests of the Root coding robot:
Pros:
- Appealing design well-built
- Intuitive coding platform with 3 skill levels
- Packed with sensors and customization ability
- Auto code converter between levels
- Tangibly fun with physical interactivity
- Foundational coding concepts taught
- Browser and app based coding options
- Scratch platform integration
Cons:
- Proprietary iRobot Coding platform
- Limited battery life 1 hour max
- USA/Canada warranty only
- No user generated guides/projects (yet)
- Advanced text coding complexity
As seen, the educational pros far outweigh limitations given its introductory price class. Any shortfalls must be weighed against the tremendous value it brings for preparing future coding wizards.
Conclusion
The iRobot Root delivers a supremely fun and effective platform for engrossing kids in coding competency. Its unmatched blend of charm, approachability and technological innovation makes programming enlightenment a joy.
The 3-stage learning system enables progressive mastery while retaining project portability across levels. Packed with clever sensors and outputs, Root unlocks endless experimentation possibilities. This little robotic roommate promises to be a trusty ally in your child’s computational thinking journey ahead!
So if you have a curious young mind with latent tech tendencies, the Root coder robot is a sound investment toward their future. Beyond pure coding value, kids gain creativity confidence, problem solving grit and tenacity through each unique challenge solved.
