STEM is hot...at least as a buzzword and concept. The concept of increased focus for our kids on Science Technology Engineering and Math is certainly a wonderful idea. STEM or STEAM (add some Art into it) skills can expand the possibilities of what the next generation can accomplish.

The problem is, how do you teach STEM skills in a way that is both educational but also entertaining enough to keep kids interested. Sony Global Education is looking to achieve this goal with KOOV - a robotics and coding kit.

With a tag line of Play, Code, Create - KOOV sounds like a winner on paper...but unless you make paper airplanes, paper doesnt matter. While KOOV is currently on Indiegogo - we were able to get our hands on a unit to fully test out and review.

Please watch our full review of the KOOV Robotics and Coding Kit from Sony -

Lets be honest, there is no shortage of robotics kits that teach block based programming. Marketers have been quick to realize that STEM sells and suddenly there are a slew of robotics and coding kits flooding the market.

What sets KOOV apart from many of the other robotics kits is the way it combines robotics, coding, teaching, building and sharing. Kids who are into Lego and other constructions toys, will instantly be drawn to the building aspect of KOOV. Daughter more of a logical coder? She will love the educational aspect of the app and the easy way digital code can be brought to life with a physical robot.

In short, KOOV does an excellent job of combining the digital aspect of coding with the physical aspects of building and watching robotic creations come to life. The sharing aspect of the app will be a hit with kids because their generation is totally connected and live to share.

We could go on and on about STEM, the need for our children to learn more coding, the future of jobs, etc. The thing is - none of that matters if the kids get bored with a toy and dont play with it.

KOOV is engaging and fun and while we could list out all its impressive tech features - we consider fun to be the most important factor when it comes to kids. Dont confuse fun with frivolous. Sony doesnt sugar coat or dumb down the programming - the block based coding is the real deal and can get complex. Luckily, kids will happily learn complex things...if it means getting their robotic 2 headed monkey to do a backflip.

KOOV Robotics and Coding Kit from Sony is Now on Indiegogo

Disclosure: We were compensated for producing the video - all views and opinions are our own and Sony did not review or edit our video.

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KOOV Robotics and Coding Kit Review - Fun, Educational or Both? - HuffPost