We love getting new robot kits, and Codey Rocky was a welcome addition to the family. We were enamored with its compact, user-friendly design, which combines durable materials with an sleek look tailored for young users.
Codey Rocky supports blocked-based and Python programming, which allows for a smooth shift as skills advance. We also appreciated its educational value, fostering critical thinking and introducing kids to STEM concepts through play. Let’s explore!
Overview of Makeblock Codey Rocky
Makeblock Codey Rocky is an innovative educational robot designed to teach children coding and robotics in a fun and interactive way. With its user-friendly interface and versatile coding capabilities, Codey Rocky is the perfect tool for kids to explore and experiment with programming concepts.
Though robot is designed for younger users, it certainly has a wider appeal. As my 6 year old and I were putting it through it’s paces, our 9 year old came in from the other room and wanted to get in on the action. I was having fun with it as well, and will freely admit to playing with Codey Rocky when the kids weren’t around.
Key Takeaways
- Codey Rocky boasts a user-friendly design and durable construction.
- Codey Rocky is praised for its educational value, enhancing computational thinking and problem-solving skills and logical thinking in children.
- It supports block-based and Python programming, catering to various skill levels and learning styles.
- The robot offers a wide range of activities, from DIY projects to robot soccer, fostering creativity and teamwork.
- Codey Rocky’s compatibility with LEGO, and features like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, make it a versatile educational toy.
Unboxing Cody Rocky
After exploring the innovative features of Codey Rocky, we’re now ready to open the box and see what this educational robot has to offer firsthand. As we lift the lid, the anticipation builds for the hands-on exploration and coding adventures we’re about to embark on. This interactive companion promises not just lessons in coding, but a doorway to unleashing creativity and tackling engaging challenges.
Here’s what’s in the box:
- Codey Rocky Robot: The head is the “Codey” piece and the body is “Rocky.”
- Color Cards: These cards are to put in a path for Codey Rocky to run over and use the infrared sensor to determine the color and light up the LED to match.
- USB Charging Cable: Essential for keeping our interactive companion powered up.
- Quick Start Guide: Basic instructions for charging and other resources.
- Lanyard: Keep Codey close
- Safety and Warranty Information: Ensuring our exploration isn’t only exciting but also safe and informed.
Design and Build Quality
Codey Rocky doesn’t require construction like many of the Makeblock Robots (check out the Mbot Neo or Ranger to get an idea.) The head has an adorable panda shape and slides into the body where a magnet locks it in place.
The “Rocky” base unit has four wheels and treads for traction on a wide variety of surfaces. We had no problems on kitchen tiles, hardwood, or carpets around the house.
We found the design to shine in these areas:
- Durability: Codey Rocky feels solid and can stand up to the inevitable bumps and drops enthusiastic kids are going to give it. Its sturdy design guarantees it’ll remain a reliable companion through countless coding adventures.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The robot sports a sleek, engaging design that immediately captures attention. Its friendly appearance, facial expressions, and sound effects make it approachable for kids, encouraging interaction and exploration. The combination of form and function here is a big win.
- Ergonomics: Codey Rocky’s design is tailored for young users. Its size and shape fit comfortably in little hands, making it easy for kids to carry, manipulate, and explore its features. This thoughtful ergonomics extend beyond mere aesthetics, enhancing the overall user experience and interaction.
Key Features of Codey Rocky
Codey Rocky stands out with its fun emotional expressions , setting it apart from other educational robots (and mBots.)
Sensors and Modules
There are a number of electronic modules built into the head (sound sensor, Light sensor, voice sensor, gyroscope, IR Transmitter/Receiver) which allow for some fun programming and play options.
This means users aren’t just coding in a vacuum; they’re programming a robot to interact with its environment. Whether it’s finding obstacles, recognizing colors, or following lines, the real-world application of code becomes tangible, making the learning experience all the more engaging and rewarding.
There’s an LED screen that makes up the face of the robot, and is a big part of the design. Codey has a number of emote commands available in the code that can be expressive. Combine that with the sound effects it can play, and it can start to feel a bit like a robot pet.
Pandas are our son’s favorite animal, and he was immediately in love with the sleek black and white aesthetic and panda vibe of this robot’s appearance.
This little bot is designed for hands-on programming, making it perfect for those of us who are always on the lookout for innovative ways to engage with technology.
LEGO Compatibility
It’s no secret we love LEGOs, and Codey Rock offers building block compatibility. It may not be obvious at first, but the holes on the back and wheels are for LEGO Technic pins and axles, which you can build on with regular bricks from there.
You can see in the photo above with a LEGO tower built up from the back and some pieces on the wheels. You can build some pretty complex and interesting structures and have fun with it!
Programming Capabilities
Like most Makeblock Robots, you can directly remote control Codey Rocky via the app or optional game controller style remote without doing any programming. If you want to get more involved (and you will) in what the robot can do, you’ll start flexing some basic coding skills.
This robot is designed with the novice in mind, yet it doesn’t skimp on the depth of programming concepts it can introduce. It supports both a block-based programming interface, which is ideal for beginners, and Python for those ready to take their coding skills to the next level.
The block-based programming environment, powered by mBlock, is fairly intuitive and used across many of their robots. It allows users to drag and drop code blocks to create sequences, making it a breeze for kids and beginners to grasp the basics of coding logic and structure.
mBlock 5 Software
mBlock 5 is a programming software platform designed to facilitate the transition from block-based coding to Python programming for students. It offers an intuitive and user-friendly interface that allows kids to easily create and program their own projects.
Shifting from block-based coding to Python is seamless within the same platform, encouraging users to evolve their coding skills. Python is a popular choice due to its simple and easy-to-read syntax. Python is widely used in the industry and provides a great foundation for further learning.
The software’s features include a visual programming editor for block-based coding, a text-based programming editor for Python programming, and a comprehensive set of hardware and software tools for building and coding electronic projects.
I love the split screen view between the blocks and text editor. You can drag new code blocks in and see how that affects the text. It’s a great way to learn and grow while coding.
mBlock 5 plays can ease the learning process by providing a smooth transition from visual coding to text-based programming. It allows students to develop a solid understanding of coding concepts through its interactive and hands-on approach.
Educational Value: Learning with Codey Rocky
Codey Rocky is an engaging robot that offers much more than just a fun time; it’s a tool that engages kids in a way they don’t realize they’re learning. Sitting on our kitchen floor stringing blocks of code together, my son looked at me and proclaimed, “Dad, this is fun.” That’s what it’s all about.
While we were playing, he was learning things like:
- Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Codey Rocky challenges kids to think logically and creatively. By working through coding tasks, they learn to approach problems systematically, enhancing their problem-solving skills.
- STEM Education: This robot is a fantastic introduction to the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Through hands-on experience, kids gain a deeper understanding of these subjects, sparking an interest that could lead to future academic and career pursuits in these fields.
- Collaboration and Communication: Often, learning with Codey Rocky happens in groups, which encourages children to collaborate. They share ideas, work together to overcome challenges, and communicate effectively, skills that are invaluable both inside and outside the classroom.
Codey Rocky would be great for STEM labs, summer camp projects, home school, Robotics or coding clubs, etc.
You’ll find plenty of ideas and educational resources on the Makeblock website that you can build projects or lesson plans around. You’ll also find education packages especially designed for larger groups or classroom use.
Pros & Cons
What we like:
We were impressed by its blend of educational value and engaging design, offering play based learning for budding programmers or kids who just like to remote control a fun robot. Here’s what stood out to us:
- User-Friendly Interface: We found its drag-and-drop programming interface accessible, making it easy for kids to start learning coding principles without feeling overwhelmed.
- Versatile Learning Tool: Codey Rocky serves not just as a toy but an all-encompassing educational device, introducing kids to AI and IoT concepts in a digestible manner.
- Engaging and Fun: Its ability to transform coding lessons into interactive games and stories captivated us, ensuring that learning remains a joyful experience for kids.
- LEGO Compatibility: Anytime our kids can integrate LEGOs into their play, they’re happy.
What we found frustrating:
The quick start guide was very quick with little in the way of instructions other than getting the robot turned on and getting started with the software. The “Getting Started Activities” on the Makeblock website will get you heading in the right direction.
Once we started programming Codey Rocky, we were able to upload code but Codey wasn’t performing the actions. We struggled with it through the app for a bit before trying from the mblock software on a PC. We didn’t have any success until we updated the firmware from the PC (the app told us we were up to date and did not push down the latest firmware.)
Once we got the firmware updated from the PC, we were good to go and our son was having fun watching Codey scoot around and make faces and sounds that he programmed through the block editor.
Occasionally Cody Rocky experiences connection issues, and times out connecting via Bluetooth. Have patience and try again, and it should pick up a connection.
Wrap Up – Codey Rocky Coding Robot
After spending some time with the Makeblock Codey Rocky programmable robot, we’re genuinely impressed. It’s a versatile robot toy that includes rich learning resources, engaging projects, and robust design have made our journey both educational and fun.
From fostering teamwork, inspiring creativity, learning coding fundamentals, DIY projects, or creative play, Codey Rocky offers boundless opportunities for learning and growth – and FUN!
Despite facing some setup challenges and connectivity issues, we believe it’s a solid investment for parents and educators looking to spark a love for STEM and robotics in young minds. It’s hands-on programming at its best, making complex concepts digestible and engaging.
We wholeheartedly recommend Codey Rocky as an educational gift, classroom or home school tool, or a fun toy for robot loving kids.
Check out Makeblock’s other robots and STEM Kits!
