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, is making it easy to find the perfect gift for even the hardest to shop for engineer this holiday season with handpicked gifts for engineers of all ages and abilities, from those with decades of experience to those just starting out.

“Picking out the right gift for the engineer on your list need not be a stressful time,” says Ankur Tomar, Technical Marketing Manager at Premier Farnell “Premier Farnell aims to simplify the gift-giving process by making it easy for shoppers to delight engineers, develop their skills, and turn their ideas into reality. Whether you’re shopping for a gadget collector, budding engineer, hobbyist, or professional, Premier Farnell is one-stop-shop for finding something they’re sure to love.”

Fun gifts for the young engineer:

• CODEBUG Development Board: A fun, engaging entry-level introduction to the world of coding, physical computing and electronics that’s shaped like a ladybug.
• micro:bit wear:it Development Kit: Build it, code it and wear it! This kit includes everything young engineers need to power their first wearable technology project. The versatile micro:bit enclosure is designed for mobile applications and can be used with a wrist strap, keyring or lanyard.
• MARTY the Robot: A fully programmable, Wi-Fi enabled robot who can walk, turn, dance and react to his environment. This educational kit is great for kids, makers and educators.

Essential kits for every maker, designer and engineer:

• Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ Starter Kit: A complete kit including power supply, enclosure and SD card to get started developing with the latest Raspberry Pi.
• Raspberry Pi Desktop: A revolutionary set of accessories to convert your Raspberry Pi into a functional desktop computer with Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, Real Time Clock, Camera and SSD. The new Pi Desktop displays to an HDMI interface for an authentic PC experience.
• Creality CR-10S 3D Printer: A low cost solution to 3D printing for any maker or hobbyist.

Tools and accessories for the maker who seems to have it all:

• Raspberry Pi Camera Board: An image sensor custom designed to add-on to the Raspberry Pi. Perfect for any projects that require the capturing of images with Raspberry Pi.
• Matrix Voice: An open-source voice recognition platform for the Raspberry Pi that provides developers with the opportunity to integrate custom voice & hardware-accelerated machine learning technology right onto the silicon.
• Bitscope Oscilloscope & Logic Analyzer: A full featured mixed signal oscilloscope, test and measurement system that is perfect for an experienced maker or engineer.