PloBot
Card-based educational coding robot for children ages 4+ that teaches programming logic without screens.
PloBot is a screen-free educational robot designed to teach programming logic and computational thinking to young children through physical card-based interaction. Children tap or swipe command cards — each representing a block of code — on the robot's head to chain instructions together into programs that PloBot executes. The concept was developed by former Google engineer Sean Purser-Haskell and robotics educator Rodolfo (Rudi) Cossovich of NYU, using storytelling and play as pedagogical vehicles rather than direct screen interaction, addressing concerns about excessive screen time for young learners.
PloBot launched a Kickstarter campaign in October 2016 out of Los Angeles, California, raising $39,054 from 345 backers against a $35,000 goal. The robot was designed to be accessible for children as young as four years old with no prior coding knowledge required. The card set includes movement, conditional logic, and looping commands, enabling children to explore foundational programming concepts in a tangible, hands-on way.
The project was listed on Crunchbase with a Shanghai operational address, suggesting manufacturing or development activities in China alongside US-based design leadership. The plobot.com website was last active around 2018, and the Kickstarter campaign's final update was posted in April 2018. As of 2026, there is no evidence of commercial product availability or ongoing operations, indicating the company may have wound down following the Kickstarter campaign phase.
PloBot belongs to the growing category of tangible coding toys alongside products like Bee-Bot and Cubetto, aimed at kindergarten and early elementary education markets. Its card-interface approach distinguishes it from screen-based block coding platforms and aligns with constructivist learning theory emphasising physical manipulation in early childhood education.
Primary type & automation activities this supplier delivers:
PloBot Robot
Screen-free programmable robot for ages 4+ using physical command cards to teach coding logic through play.
Contact PloBot
WEBSITE
http://www.plobot.comPHONE
+81 (0)3-6662-6595HEADQUARTERS
Japan
Company Facts
Founded
2015
Primary Role
Manufacturer
Company Size
-
Primary Region
Asia-Pacific
Annual Sales
-
Funding Stage
-
Funding Total
-
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