Based on Scratch Blocks, a Visual Programming Language, Code Lab Makes it Easy for Kids to Create Fun Content for Cozmo

SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwired - June 26, 2017) - In a technology-fueled world learning to code has quickly become a cherished skill, empowering kids to become creators of the technology that they use and enjoy. However, the current tools that are meant to inspire robotics programming offer a lackluster and disjointed experience, often lacking access to high-level functionalities that can help transform an aspiring child into a full-fledged programmer. Anki, the consumer robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) company, today announced Cozmo Code Lab. It's a simple and intuitive visual programming language that allows Cozmo owners to easily tap into his advanced robotics technology to program the physical robot. Dragging and dropping blocks into a sequence in Code Lab will trigger related actions from Cozmo in the physical world. Code Lab is available now to all Cozmo owners as a free software update to the Cozmo app.

"Everything we do at Anki is in an effort to advance the state of robotics, whether that is kids learning coding for the first time, or Ph.D. students solving complex computer vision challenges in a lab with Cozmo," said Boris Sofman, CEO and co-founder at Anki. "With the launch of Code Lab, Cozmo now helps kids develop the logic and reasoning skills that programming requires. Based on the Scratch Blocks project, a collaboration between MIT Media Lab and Google, we now have a powerful tool that gives anyone interested in learning to code a robot the opportunity to unleash their creativity. There's simply no consumer robotics platform available like Cozmo."

Delightfully Intuitive. Easy to Execute.

Cozmo Code Lab provides opportunities for thoughtful and logic-based play as kids are challenged to approach programming much like a real programmer. Writing sophisticated programs requires a programmer to define a set of rules to solve an issue. Code Lab challenges kids to find a solution to prescribed prompts by moving the blocks into an appropriate sequence. It also allows them to experiment with Cozmo to create whatever content they can imagine. Each block represents a specific action, movement, or animation including:

Code Lab for Cozmo is based on Scratch Blocks, a project of the MIT Media Lab, used by millions of people around the world. With Code Lab, Cozmo owners can start out with very simple programs, but then move into extremely sophisticated coding projects like creating entirely new games for the robot.

Check out Cozmo Code Lab Videos Here and Here

About Cozmo

Cozmo refuses to sit tight and wait for the fun to begin. He's ready to play. The more Cozmo gets to know his human friend, the more skilled he becomes as new abilities and upgrades are unlocked. The free-to-download Cozmo app, which runs on compatible iOS, Android, and Kindle Fire devices, comes packed with gameplay content and constantly introduces new ways to play. Cozmo even brings his own toys to the game -- three interactive Power Cubes that he's willing to share. So whether he's playing with his Cubes or challenging his human friend to one of the many games he ships with, he's always ready for action. New Cozmo abilities and game modes are introduced via free software updates, which ensures that the relationship between Cozmo and his human friend stays fresh year-round.

Supporting Resources

About Anki

Anki is harnessing robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) to deliver magical experiences that push the boundaries of the human experience. Founded in 2010 by three Carnegie Mellon Robotics Institute graduates, Anki creates consumer experiences using cutting-edge technology that was once confined to robotics labs and research institutes. For three years in a row, Fast Company has named Anki one of the top 10 most innovative companies in robotics. Sales of Anki OVERDRIVE and Cozmo have catapulted the company's products into the category of top four best-selling premium toys ($75+) of the 2016 holiday season, according to The NPD Group. For more information, visit http://www.anki.com.

Anki and Cozmo are trademarks of Anki, Inc.

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Anki Delivers Powerful Robotics Programming Platform for Kids With Cozmo Code Lab - Marketwired (press release)