UK based learning technology startup, Maker Club have just launched their range of 3D printed robots on crowdfunding site, Indiegogo. Their creations teach code, electronic engineering and design to young makers, while allowing more seasoned pros the chance to design bots from scratch and sell on their site.
With their modest goal of £10,000 well on the way to being smashed, Maker Club founder, Simon Riley believes that everyone can and should, be building robots,
“They’re such great learning tools, you learn how electronics work, the basics of 3D design and then how to code them up. Hands on learning is so important for young people and robots allow for the ultimate cross-curricular experience”
The robots are controlled using a smartphone app connected to an Arduino-based chip called, The MakerConnect, it allows generic control of hexapods, quadcopters, RC cars and pretty much anything remote controlled, so that anyone can create a 3D structure and use the technology to wirelessly move it. The tech also allows for the sharing of sensor data on the bots themselves, opening the possibility of using them to gather data, compare and display it in a variety of forms.
Through their Indiegogo campaign, Maker Club will launch a fully fledged online learning platform that will intuitively teach robotics and code in collaborative, ‘gameified’ lessons, making it less intimidating and lowering the bar for entry.
The company hopes they can start accepting submissions for others robotic creations very soon, eventually looking to become a marketplace and learning hub for all 3D printed robotics.
