Color Commands
Today, when kids play with technology it’s usually a solo endeavor. (Read = antisocial.) That’s the problem Maker Nader Hamda noticed watching his two daughters. They were both playing a popular mobile game, each confined to her own screen.
Nader was inspired to create Ozobot, a toy that infuses technology with the social aspects of family game night. And he made it educational, too.
This tiny robot reads colors and responds with different movements. Ozobot will follow the instructions you create. Make it advance, retreat, spin, speed up, dance, and more. It can learn hundreds of different commands.
With the included app, kids draw colored lines on a tablet for Ozobot to obey. But Ozobot works on plain old paper, too. Use fat markers to tell it exactly what to do.
As they’re teaching Ozobot to obey, kids are actually being taught. They’ll learn logic and basic coding skills as they decipher how to direct its moves. And best of all, this toy encourages kids to interact with other real-life members of the family.
Nader
Hello Grommeteers,
We want kids to be more social & interactive when they play with technology. Ozobot teaches robotics & coding through fun, creative and social games. We are standing by to answer any questions you may have.
Patricia
12/2/2014 12:19 PMLooks like young teens in the video is this interesting to them, we have a young teen and would love to give this if it keeps her interest.
Nader – Special Guest
12/2/2014 12:59 PM@Patricia What is great about Ozobot is that it appeals to many different age groups, whether you are 8 or 40 years old. Ozobot is great for young teens because it can be used with an iPad or tablet. You can also play with it by yourself, or with your friends and family!
Theresa
12/2/2014 12:23 PMIs there a suggested minimum age for this product?
Nader – Special Guest
12/2/2014 1:03 PM@Theresa We have seen Ozobot being used by children of many ages, but we do recommend it for 8+
Wendy
12/2/2014 12:45 PMYes, would really like to know if suitable for my 7 year old twin nephews. They are bright and curious and love to play together
Nader – Special Guest
12/2/2014 1:29 PM@Wendy The product works for all ages, but it has been tested for 8+. As far as your nephews loving to play together, this is the perfect gift because it allows them to play and work together while also learning logic and basic coding skills.
Tom
12/2/2014 12:49 PMDo you get one robot per order? I was also wondering if they break easily. Thanks.
Nader – Special Guest
12/2/2014 1:38 PM@Tom Yes, you receive one Ozobot per package. Each Ozobot also comes with a charger, case, skin, and a pre-made track. While we don't suggest you throw the Ozobot around, it is drop tested. The case that comes with the Ozobot also allows you to carry it around with you and keep it safe.
Trisha
12/2/2014 1:01 PMHow many in package? Battery operated? Fragile? Repairable? Delivery by Christmas?
Matthew – Grommet Team
12/2/2014 1:44 PM@Trisha Hi Trisha! This will absolutely be delivered by Christmas. We have them ready to ship in our warehouse now!
Nader – Special Guest
12/2/2014 1:49 PM@Trisha You Receive one Ozobot per package. Each Ozobot also comes with a charger, case, skin, and a pre-made track. Ozobot has a built-in rechargeable LiPo battery. You can charge Ozobot using the included Micro USB cable by plugging it into any USB port or outlet. It takes about 30 min to charge the robot and it can operate continuously close to 90 min on a single charge. Ozobot is drop tested and we do include a case that helps keep it safe when you are carrying it around with you. If any issues do arise with your Ozobot, you are welcome to call our office or e-mail us and one of our team members will personally work with you on getting the issue resovled.
James
12/2/2014 1:52 PMIs there a cost related to downloading the app?
Nader – Special Guest
12/2/2014 2:00 PM@James Hi James! The app is completely free to download . We also just released a new app called OzoGroove that allows you to program your Ozobot to dance to your favorite music. This app is also free to download.
Trisha
12/2/2014 2:26 PMWe have a birthday December 17th any way to get it by then?
Matthew – Grommet Team
12/2/2014 2:40 PM@Trisha Hi Trisha, if you order now, the items should arrive by that date, but sometimes the different carriers can have delays which are out of our control. While you should be fine using Ground shipping, to be certain you can always ship via expedited options. If your order is delayed, you can reach out to our customer support team at [email protected] with any comments, questions or concerns.
Beth
12/2/2014 2:52 PMCan the actions performed for each color be changed? Or are they fixed at what the developers decided? If we had two Ozobots, could they be following different instruction sets? Can the apps be downloaded before purchase to explore the possibilities? Is there a web site to see more technical information? Can we buy a kit and then an extra Ozobot?
Nader – Special Guest
12/2/2014 4:02 PM@Beth Those are great questions Beth! The actions performed for each color can not be changed on the current version of Ozobot. You can check out the different codes that Ozobot can read and respond to in the Grommet Description details.
The apps can be downloaded before purchase to be able to get a general idea of how to use the apps, but you will need an Ozobot to complete the experience of the app. We will post some instructional videos on YouTube that will help you get your Ozobot up and running. Each Ozobot that is sold comes with a charger, track, skin, and case. Each bot can not be purchased without these accessories.
Beth
12/2/2014 5:00 PM@Nader Thank you for the answers. I went to your web site and read more. I also downloaded OzoGroove for my iPhone to get an idea of how that works. My original iPad (reasonably) cannot run Ozobot. As a computer science professor, I'm looking at it for encouraging kids in different ways.
Nader – Special Guest
12/2/2014 5:58 PM@Beth OzoDraw works with iPads and Tablets that are 9" or bigger and have the auto-focus feature. That may be why you are not able to download it on your iPad. But Ozogroove does not require a screen size so you can download it to most smartphones as well as your tablet or iPad.
We love that you are exploring the option of using Ozobot in the classroom! It was great talking to you and if you have any more questions, please don't hesitate to contact us. And if you introduce Ozobot to your students, we would love to hear any feedback that you have!
C.
12/2/2014 4:39 PMWhat is the warranty?
Nader – Special Guest
12/2/2014 4:45 PM@C. We offer a 90-day return policy with proof of purchase
Michelle
12/2/2014 4:46 PMWhat a fantastic idea!! Ordering one now and have a feeling I will be ordering another after my other son sees it!
Nader – Special Guest
12/2/2014 5:24 PM@Michelle Thanks Michelle! Let us know how your son likes Ozobot!
Ryan
12/2/2014 5:17 PMHow to Draw the Perfect Path:
Ryan
12/2/2014 5:18 PMOn Drawing Code:
Ryan
12/2/2014 6:56 PMOzoGroove is now available through the free app to make Ozobot dance.
Lynne
12/2/2014 7:43 PMI saw it being used on a smart phone. Then it was picked up & put on the table where it moved around. How does this interact with a smart phone?
Nader – Special Guest
12/2/2014 8:09 PM@Lynne Hi Lynne! We have a new app called OzoGroove that allows you to program your Ozobot to dance to your favorite music. You can download this app on your smartphone, tablet, or iPad. Say, for instance, you were using your smartphone to access the app. You would go into the app and pick a song for your Ozobot to dance to. Then you would select Ozobot's dance moves. Once you are finished you set Ozobot on your screen and upload those moves through a series of flash codes. Ozobot can memorize up to 500 different codes at one time! Then all you have to do is press the dance button and Ozobot will execute those moves that you just created.
Since Ozobot already uploaded the codes, it does not have to stay on the phone screen to dance. You can set Ozobot on any flat, hard surface and watch it move! You can also program 2 to 5 Ozobots to dance at the same time depending on whether you are using a smartphone or tablet.
JOE C
12/2/2014 10:10 PMI'm 65 and this thing caught my attention :)