Rewind: 27 STEM kits from 2015

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These STEM toys from 2015 are helping to inspire the next generation of Makers.

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STEM education has been a growing venture in schools across the country, with even the President himself making it a priority to encourage students as young as grade-school to pursue the science, technology, engineering and math disciplines. After all, these fields are changing the world rapidly within the areas of innovation, economic growth and employment. But let’s face it; these subjects don’t come easy to everyone, so how do we instill STEM in kids?

With this in mind, many startups have sought out new and exciting ways to entice the younger generation to explore their creativity and develop an interest in hands-on learning. Testament to that, here are several products from 2015 looking to inspire the next generation of Makers.

littleBits Gizmos & Gadgets

The Gizmos & Gadgets Kit is the ultimate invention toolbox, complete with motors, wheels, lights , switches, servos, buzzers and even the tools to build a remote control.

Jewelbots

Jewelbots are programmable friendship bracelets that teach girls the basics of coding.

Thimble

Thimble is a monthly subscription service that delivers fun electronic projects with guided tutorials and a helpful community.

Touch Board Starter Kit

Bare Conductive’s Touch Board Starter Kit contains everything you need to transform surfaces, objects or spaces into sensors.

Makey Makey GO

Small enough to fit on your keychain, backpack or bracelet, Makey Makey GO turns everyday objects into touchpads and combines them with the Internet. Say hello to the world’s first invention kit.

RePhone

RePhone from Seeed Studio allows Makers to create a phone themselves in minutes and hack a new way to communicate with things.

mBot

mBot is an all-in-one, Arduino-compatible robot that supports wireless communication and employs Scratch 2.0-like coding.

Ringo

Ringo is a miniature digital pet robot equipped with an accelerometer, a gyrosocope, six RGB LEDs, as well as sound and communication sensors.

Wink

Wink is an Arduino-driven robot designed to help transition students from graphical programming to more powerful written code languages. It’s also the sibling of the aforementioned Ringo.

Kano

Kano is a computer and coding kit for all ages that’s as simple as LEGO, powered by Raspberry Pi.

Primo Cubetto

Primo Cubetto is a smart wooden robot designed to teach kids the basics of coding away from the screen.

Petduino

Petduino puts a DIY twist on the old-school Tamagotchi.

STEMI

STEMI is a hexapod that can be built right at home and controlled via smartphone.

mCookie

mCookies are quarter-sized, stackable modules from Microduino that enable young Makers to bring their LEGO projects to life.

Modulo

Modulo is a set of tiny modular circuit boards that takes the hassle out of electronics.

The Crafty Robot

The Crafty Robot is a paper toy unlike any other — plug it into a USB port for 30 seconds, unplug it and you’ve got a moving robot.

Kamigami

Kamigami is an origami-style robot you can construct and program by yourself. Each one can be configured with a unique set of behaviors and characteristics through a drag-and-drop interface.

Phiro

Phiro is a LEGO-compatible robotics toy that children can play with, code and innovate in various ways.

Quirkbot

With Quirkbot, young Makers can devise and configure quirky robots (hence its name), blinking outfits and weird sounding creatures out of regular drinking straws.

Cannybots

Cannybots are LEGO-compatible, smart toy cars that introduce kids to the worlds of robotics, programming and 3D printing.

3DRacers

3DRacers is a Mario Kart-like indoor racing game that lets anyone design and 3D print their own car.

Volta Flyer

Volta Flyer is the world’s first DIY airplane kit that is solely powered by the sun.

Roby

Roby is a 3D-printed robotic machine that not only drives on four wheels, but can walk on two. If it falls, it can even pick itself up again with its pair of arms.

O Watch

O Watch is a DIY smartwatch for a kid, by a kid.

LocoRobo

LocoRobo is a cute, inexpensive robot capable of being wirelessly programmed.

KamiBot

KamiBot is a programmable, smartphone-controlled paper robot.

Pixel Pals

Pixel Pals are easy-to-build, fun educational kits that grow from a project to a friend you can program.

Fiat Lux

Fiat Lux is an Arduino-compatible kit specifically designed for unique wearable projects.

AZIBOt

AZIBOt is an open source, 3D-printed robot kit for STEM education in Africa.

Roby is an Arduino-based, 3D-printable robotic platform

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Young Makers can build their own customized, self-balancing robots as they explore programming and 3D design.

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The brainchild of Seattle startup Socially Shaped, Roby is a 3D-printed robotic machine that not only drives on four wheels, but can walk on two. If it falls, it can even pick itself up again with its two arms.

The open-source robotic platform features a programmable on-board computer along with an Arduino remote controller. Developed as a way to introduce young Makers to programming and basic electronic principles, users can customize a personality for their bot, as well as add new attributes like computer vision, sensors and voice recognition.

“Roby is not just an entertaining robot, it’s a robotic learning platform. When you build Roby you will have an opportunity to learn in a fun and engaging way,” its creators explain.

In piecing together one’s very own Roby, Makers will have the unique ability to master programming languages, explore Arduino and Raspberry Pi, acquire rudimentary skills in Linux-based operating systems, and dabble with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth communication. Moreover, a child can leverage 3D printing to put a personal touch on their design.

For its Kickstarter launch, the team has unveiled three Roby kits — Roby Junior, Roby Standard and Roby Genius — each varying in price, capabilities and levels of complexity. What’s nice is that the Maker-friendly platform is also entirely upgradeable, so that a a user can graduate from one stage to the next.

Designed for novices, Roby Junior is an autonomous, RC robot controlled by an Arduino. Aside from the Atmel based board, the kit includes a pair of DC motors, a shield to drive the motors, an ultrasonic sensor to help Roby avoid obstacles and a remote control for enhanced entertainment.

Meanwhile, Roby Standard is an intermediate set for those seeking a little more adventure. The self-balancing bot can walk (well, sort of) on two wheels and is equipped with a pair arms to help it stand up should it fall. Beyond that, it can speed down a driveway in race car-like fashion or be outfitted with a set of tracks for some off-road fun. This Roby, which is a step up from the Junior model, features an Arduino, a custom shield, an ultra-sonic distance sensor, a gyroscope for self-balance, high-grade NEMA17 stepper motors for precision, servo motors for its arms, in addition to a few other electronic components.

As a Maker progresses with their Roby, they will ultimately arrive at the aptly dubbed Genius. Like its name would suggest, this gadget packs an on-board Raspberry Pi that can carry out countless actions and respond to voice commands. Not only does this kit ship with everything found in the Standard, Genius boasts a Wi-Fi and Bluetooth module for IoT exploration, a color graphical screen, a video camera, a microphone and a speaker.

It’s always refreshing to see new DIY platforms, such as mBot to LocoRobo, emerge in an effort to introduce children to STEM-related fields. Is Roby right for you? Head over to its Kickstarter campaign, where the Socially Shaped team is seeking $25,000. Shipment is expected to begin in August 2015.

17 smart crowdfunding campaigns you may want to back this week

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Every Friday, we’re taking a look at some of the smartest, most innovative projects that have caught our attention on Kickstarter and Indiegogo over the last seven days. 

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ReVault

This smartwatch doubles as a wireless storage device that allows you to securely access and sync all your files without an Internet connection. ReVault is currently seeking $65,000 on Indiegogo.

Musio

This artificially intelligent robot will learn, adapt and grow with you and your environment. Musio is currently seeking $50,000 on Indiegogo.

SmartMatrix

This shield is an easy way to connect the popular Teensy microcontroller to RGB matrix display panels and create stunning LED visuals with just a few lines of code. Pixelmatrix is currently seeking $30,000 on Kickstarter.

Roby

This 3D-printed, Arduino-based robot kit can be modded, driven and even given a personality, all while teaching young Makers about programming and 3D design. Socially Shaped is currently seeking $25,000 on Kickstarter.

The BUTLER

This GSM and Wi-Fi-enabled video peephole/doorbell allows you to see, hear and speak to visitors directly from your smartphone. The BUTLER is currently seeking $40,000 on Kickstarter.

YotaPhone 2

This dual-screen, always-on smartphone features a fully-customizable display, hands-free messaging and e-reading for up to 100 hours on a single charge. YotaPhone is currently seeking $50,000 on Indiegogo.

Focus 3D Printer

This new 3D printer folds up like a briefcase and prints dozens of different materials. 3D By Flow is currently seeking $56,475 on Kickstarter.

LUMOPACK

This portable battery pack charges in 30 minutes and packs 6,000mAh of juice. Lyte Systems is currently seeking $50,000 on Kickstarter.

Ecoisme

This system will monitor your home’s electricity consumption and help you save money on your electric bill. Ecoisme is currently seeking $50,000 on Indiegogo.

UNplug

This Arduino-driven device employs solar energy and electronics to reduce power usage and greenhouse gas emissions. Maker Markus Löffler is currently seeking $55,000 on Kickstarter.

TZOA

This wearable enviro-tracker monitors air pollution and UV exposure to help you stay healthy and explore your environment. TZOA is currently seeking $50,000 on Indiegogo.

Switcheroo

This board gives you the ability to connect and control just about anything, from your toys to your lights, right from your your smartphone. Dangerous Things is currently seeking $18,000 on Kickstarter.

ResisTrack

This gadget serves as an automatic muscle tracker, personal trainer and social motivator. Maker Marco Zoltan Daroczi is currently seeking $78,213 on Kickstarter.

Netonos Note

This amplifier integrates with your Sonos system to extend its capabilities to include surround sound receivers, group presets, doorbell chimes and playback of short announcements through its speakers. Netonos is currently seeking $80,000 on Kickstarter.

MODR

This modular system lets you personalize and add functionalities to your smartphone. MODR is currently seeking $70,000 on Indiegogo.

Geek Out V2

This device plugs directly into your computer’s USB port and replaces its mediocre sounds with high-def quality. Geek Out is currently seeking $28,888 on Indiegogo.

mimoodz

This multi-color LED smart bulb for your home can be controlled from anywhere via its accompanying smartphone app. Smart  Gator Labs is currently seeking $33,333 on Kickstarter.

Moodmetric

This piece of smart jewelry looks to enhance your overall well-being by measuring skin conductance and tracking emotional levels. Moodmetric is currently seeking $50,000 on Indiegogo.

Did you happen to miss last week’s notable campaigns? If so, you can check them out here. Also, if your project is powered by Atmel MCUs and you’ve been featured on our blog, be sure to download the respective badges here for use in your ongoing marketing efforts.