Premier Farnell, the Development Distributor, has added a full collection of educational robotics kits to their product range, offering an engaging and accessible platform for teachers to incorporate physical computing into the classroom.

A variety of kits are available from innovative suppliers including BinaryBots™, Robotical, and Wonder Workshop, suitable for children at primary and secondary education level. Whether it’s physically constructing and customising the robots or using them straight out of the box, these kits teach children the fundamentals of coding by exposing them to sensor technology, motor control and wireless communication, as well as working with microcomputer platforms such as micro:bit, in fun and engaging ways.

The BinaryBots™ starter range, designed for ages 8+, includes easy-to-assemble ‘Cardboard2Code’ beginner products designed to introduce robotics using the micro:bit. Their next level line of ‘Planet Totem’ mechanical animals, for ages 11+, can be programmed to respond to a variety of real-world actions using a specially customised sensor board. These robots are designed to be built by students and teachers to enhance engagement and imaginations. BinaryBots’ full range also has comprehensive lesson plans mapped to the National Curriculum for computing and STEM (KS2 & KS3) available for schools.

Robotical’s flagship product MARTY, is a fully programmable, wi-fi enabled walking robot compatible with a wide range of microcomputers including micro:bit, Arduino and Raspberry Pi. Designed for children 8 years and older, MARTY can be used as a standalone educational tool or, as recommended, used in groups to help children develop essential team working skills alongside coding experience. Robotical also provide supporting materials that fit a broad curriculum of Computer Science, Design & Technology, IT and Engineering education for teaching beginners through to advanced university level.

Wonder Workshop’s Dash and Cue are robust, responsive robots that are ready to go, straight out of the box. With numerous capabilities made available using multiple built-in motors, sensors, LEDs and audio features, Dash and Cue interact with students, their environment, and each other to provide an encouraging and collaborative learning experience. Wonder Workshop have designed Dash (age 6+) and Cue (age 11+) to grow with their students. Meaningful curricular and educational programs are available to support students with the development of critical and creative thinking, collaboration and communication skills.

Jonathan Smith, Head of Education at Premier Farnell, says: “Connected devices are already beginning to radically reshape our world, so it’s more important than ever that we provide young people with the tools they need to thrive and develop in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.”

“Our new range of educational robotics products, developed by dedicated companies such as Binary Bots, Robotical and Wonder Workshop offer a new and interactive way for students to develop and improve their skills in the classroom. We continue to seek new relationships with education-focused suppliers that can help us promote robotics and physical computing as a cornerstone of a well-rounded modern education.”

To learn more about Premier Farnell’s full range of physical computing and education services, including teaching resources, project ideas and curriculums, visit https://uk.farnell.com/education-services

You can also view a wide range of projects and product road tests at our online community: https://www.element14.com/community/community/stem-academy

Premier Farnell, the Development Distributor, has confirmed a distribution agreement with Leeds-based educational robotics company BinaryBots to distribute their range of STEM products through Farnell element14 in Europe, Newark element14 in the Americas and element14 in Asia Pacific.

BinaryBots specialise in developing educational robot starter kits to help teachers make Physical Computing and core STEM principles simple and fun for children aged eight years old and above. With a strong focus on accessibility and affordability, their products include a ‘Cardboard2Code’ beginners range, and the more advanced Planet Totem range of mechanical animals which can be programmed to respond to a variety of real world actions.

Everything required to develop a BinaryBots robotics kit comes in the box, including a BBC micro:bit, step-by-step instructions and online videos, and lesson plans which are mapped to the UK National Curriculum for Computing and STEM (KS2 & KS3). BinaryBots are also compatible with the Raspberry Pi.

Chris Burgess CEO and Founder of BinaryBots states: "Our crusade as a business is to give every child in the world the opportunity to learn coding and robotics, being joined on that crusade by Premier Farnell is fantastic and I look forward to seeing what we can achieve together with STEM robotics."

Hari Kalyanaraman, Global Head of Single-Board Computing and Emerging Business for Premier Farnell and Farnell element14 added: “Physical computing and digital literacy are playing an increasingly key role in preparing young people for the modern world. BinaryBots’ innovative range of robotics kits provide new ways for children to engage with STEM, and add to Premier Farnell’s extensive range of educational products. As a Leeds-based business we’re delighted to be working with them and bringing their products to a global market.”

BinaryBots are available from Farnell element14 in Europe, Newark element14 in the Americas and element14 in Asia Pacific.