STEM toys are now giving way to STEAM toys, which is essentially the same idea but with 'the Arts' included. Matatalab debuts one such product during its time in Las Vegas at CES 2020. It is a coding robot that is intended for kids, ages three and up. It seeks to "teach coding in a tactile and screenless way."
The STEAM toy consists of a robotic car, which is responsive, and a wireless controller. Kids can interact with this educational toy in three ways. They can opt-in for Control Mode, in which kids can sent commands that inform the robot's movements. Secondly, the young ones can enter Coding Mode, which allows them to generate a series of commands and then hit the 'Play Button.' The STEAM toy will execute these commands in sequence. Finally, there is Sensor Mode, which enables the robotic car to detect objects, light and sound.
Hands-On STEAM Toys
Matatalab Debuts Its New Coding Robot for Ages Three and Up at CES 2020
Trend Themes
1. STEAM Toys - The inclusion of Arts in STEM toys is paving the way for STEAM toys designed for tactile and screenless learning.
2. Coding Robots - The introduction of coding robots for young children presents disruptive innovation opportunities in the education and toy industry.
3. Tactile Learning - Tactile learning is becoming an increasingly popular approach to educating children, as evident in the development of Matatalab's new STEAM toy.
Industry Implications
1. Education - Innovative learning tools such as Matatalab's STEAM toy represent an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the education industry.
2. Toy - Toy manufacturers can capitalize on the demand for educational and tactile toys by creating new products that allow kids to learn in a fun and interactive way.
3. Robotics - The development of coding robots like Matatalab's STEAM toy is indicative of a growing trend in robotics for education, entertainment, and other industries.