Cubelets: Small Robots Teach Big Science Lessons

Cubelets are small, smart modular robots categorized into sense, think, and act. Designed by Eric Schweikhart and his team at Modular Robotics, these robots are inspired by natural systems like insect swarms. Cubelets are simple cubes that, when combined, perform complex tasks, such as moving towards an object. The goal is to encourage kids to use computational thinking to solve scientific challenges. Manufactured in Boulder, CO, Cubelets aim to build confidence in future scientists and engineers. They are being tested in science museums and schools, with plans to expand to the marketplace.

What are the three categories that Cubelets are divided into?

• Build, Create, and Destroy

• Input, Process, and Output

• Analyze, Design, and Implement

• Sense, Think, and Act

What natural systems inspire the design of Cubelets?

• Insect swarms and bird formations

• Ocean currents and tides

• Weather patterns and climate

• Mountain ranges and valleys

What is the primary educational goal of using Cubelets with children?

• To encourage computational thinking

• To teach them how to build robots

• To enhance their artistic abilities

• To improve their mathematical skills

Where are Cubelets designed and manufactured?

• New York, NY

• San Francisco, CA

• Boulder, CO

• Austin, TX

What is the ultimate aim of introducing Cubelets to children according to the designer?

• To prepare them for future scientific challenges

• To make them proficient in coding

• To teach them about historical robots

• To help them win robotics competitions