Sony unveils KOOV robotics kit for education
Sony recently announced it will be releasing educational kits through its new Koov system that will focus on robotics and programming. "The Koov system consists of blocks and a micro controller but can be assembled into a number of different shapes and configurations depending on what you would like to build,” according to Geeky Gadgets, and is the first offering of Sony Global Education’s STEM101 curriculum, which was announced last year. "The curriculum promises to stimulate children's intellectual curiosity through new forms and styles of learning, and it provides the opportunity to learn about living as a member of society through different program types that offer various hands-on experiences. Sony Global Education aims to offer STEM101-based educational services from spring of 2016,” Sony said at the time of the announcement.

Governments and educators around the world want to teach kids coding at an early age, so many corporations are eager to help -- for a price. The latest company jumping into the trend is Sony, which just launched Koov "digital native blocks." It's the first product for Sony's new Global Education division and a big part of its STEM101 (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) endeavor. Sony describes Koov as a "robot building educational kit made up of [translucent] blocks and a microcontroller," much like Lego's Mindstorm and WeDo 2.0 kits.

Sony says that the kits encourage learners to "'Play' by building with 7 kinds of translucent blocks, 'Code' by controlling the assembled figure through the program software, and 'Create' by embracing their creative side and imagination." Other details are scant, including what the product even looks like. However, the video below shows a visual style programming language with motor controls and "if-then-else" logic, along with WeDo-style vehicles that kids can build. Another video called "stories" features a student building a guitar out of Koov blocks and then playing it as part of the "create" learning process.

To develop the kits, Sony teamed up with a Japanese company called Artec Co., which is developing the product. Sony, meanwhile, supplies the software, tech know-how, and marketing muscle. Koov will arrive sometime this summer as the first product from Sony Global Education. However, Sony has said it's just the "make" element of its "think, make and feel" program, so we can no doubt expect similar announcements down the road.