Makeblock

Last updated

Makeblock Co. Ltd.
Company type Private
Industry Robotics, education
Founded2012;12 years ago (2012)
FoundersJasen Wang
HeadquartersNanshan iPark
Shenzhen, China
Area served
Worldwide
Website www.makeblock.com www.mblock.cc

Makeblock is a private Chinese technology company with headquarters in Shenzhen, China. It develops Arduino-based hardware, robotics hardware, and Scratch-based software for the purpose of providing educational tools for learning. This includes programming, engineering and mathematics through the use of robotics. [1] [2] [3]

Contents

Makeblock's products are sold in more than 140 countries and have over 10 million users in 20,000 schools worldwide. [1] Roughly 70 percent of Makeblock's sales occur outside of China, with the United States being the largest market. [4]

Founder & CEO

Jasen Wang (Wang Jianjun - 王建军), born in 1985 at Anhui, China, says that he grew up as an "ordinary and poor child". He earned his master's degree in Aircraft Design at Northwestern Polytechnical University at the year 2010, while tinkering with robotics on the side. Wang spent a year in the workforce before founding Makeblock in 2011. [5]

Wang remains a product manager at the company. In 2013, Forbes China ranked Wang as one of the top 30 entrepreneurs under the age of 30. [6]

After founding the Makeblock brand in March 2012, $23,000 was raised in a round of funding from HAX. The company received international coverage when it launched a robotics construction platform called Makeblock during December of the same year. [7]

History

2013

Makeblock launched a crowdfunding project on Kickstarter, becoming the first-ever Chinese entity to do so. [7]

2014

Makeblock began mBlock, officially entering the educational market in February.

2015

The first launch of mBot and mDrawbot occurred in April. By December, Makeblock's products had been sold in over 80 countries, and the brand had partnered with over 1,000 educational institutions. [1]

2016

The first launch of mBot Ranger took place in March. In May, Makeblock became the exclusive robotics building platform of the RoPorter competition at The Washington Post's Transformers event. [8]

The first real experience store opened in Shenzhen in June, marking the company's first entry into the consumer mass market. At this stage, Makeblock products had been sold in over 140 countries and utilized in more than 20,000 schools.

Airblock was launched in October, followed by the release of mBlock in November. [1]

2017

Makeblock Neuron was launched in March 2017. Shortly afterwards, the product won an array of internationally recognized awards including the German Red Dot, [9] American ISDA IDEA, [10] Good Design Award (Japan) [11] and the South Korean K-Design Award. [12]

MakeX a Chinese national robotics challenge for teenagers was launched in May. [13]

In July, a partnership with SoftBank Group heralded an official entry into the Japanese market. [14] This was followed by the set up of subsidiaries in the U.S., Europe, Hong Kong and Japan in August. [1]

Codey Rocky was released in November. By December, the number of global Makeblock users surpassed 4.5 million. [15]

2018

Makeblock raised US$44 million in Series C round with a $367 million valuation. The round was led by the China International Capital Corporation (CICC) Alpha, a subsidiary of the CICC direct investment platform. [16]

Hardware

1. STEAM Kits

1.1 Codey Rocky

Codey Rocky is a robot aimed to helping children learn the basics of coding and AI technologies.

It is composed of two detachable parts. Codey is a programmable controller holding more than 10 electronic modules. Rocky is a vehicle that can transport Codey. It can avoid obstacles, recognize colors and follow lines.

Codey Rocky is programmable with mBlock 5 and with its use, users can better understand Internet of things (IoT) technologies. [17]

1.2 Makeblock Neuron

Makeblock Neuron is a programmable platform of more than 30 electronic building blocks. This product is targeted towards children and has color-coded blocks aimed at easier understanding.

Each of the blocks has various built-in features and can interact with each other. The kit also has IoT capability. [18]

1.3 Airblock

A winner of four international design awards, [19] the Airblock is a seven-module programmable flying robot. Magnetic connectors allow the drone to be assembled in different ways. It can be controlled using Makeblock's app. [20]

1.4 mBot Series

  • MBot

Entry-level educational robotic kits

MBot is a STEAM education robot for beginners. It is a teaching and learning robot designed to teach programming. Children can build a robot from scratch and learn about a variety of robotic machinery and electronic parts. It also teaches the fundamentals of block-based programming, and helps children to develop their logical thinking and design skills. [21]

  • MBot Ranger

Multiform land explorer

Part of the MBot series, the Ranger is aimed at users aged 8 and up. This robot kit consists of three pre-set construction forms which can be expanded with ten expansion interfaces. [22]

  • Ultimate 2.0

10-in-1 programmable robot kit

The most complex robot of the mBot series is aimed at users aged 12 and up. It includes an assembly guide of 10 designs that can be customized and adjusted. The kit contains more than 160 mechanical parts and modules, including Makeblock's MegaPi mainboard and is compatible with Arduino and Raspberry Pi. Along with Makeblock's block-based programming, Arduino IDE, Node.js and Python languages are supported. [23] There are also add-on packs. [24]

1.5 mTiny

mTiny is an early education robot for children. Its Tap Pen Controller is a coding tool that exercises children's logical thinking and problem-solving abilities. It brings computer programming into children's lives, using coding cards and various themed map blocks to guide the child in exploring, perceiving, and creating through interactive, stimulating, games. The continuously updated mTiny toolkit also fosters children's interest in learning math, English, music, and other subjects. [25]

1.6 Makeblock Halocode

Wireless single-board computer

Makeblock Halocode is a single board computer with built-in Wi-Fi. Designed for programming education, its design integrates a broad selection of electronic modules. Pairing with block-based programming software mBlock, Halocode offers opportunities to experience AI and IoT applications. [26]

2. STEAM pro

2.1 Laserbox

Designed for education and creation, Laserbox re-imagines and redefines laser operating performance by the use of a high-resolution, ultra-wide-angle camera together with an AI visual algorithm. The machine can auto-identify any official material and then set up the cutting-engraving parameters accordingly. [27]

2.2 mBuild

mBuild is the new series of electronic modules. It includes over 60 types of modules, supports infinite combinations, and can be used offline without further programming. Supported by both mBlock and the Mu Python editor, mBuild can be used to create interesting projects for beginners through to professionals. It facilitates learning the basics of programming, developing advanced projects, teaching AI and IoT, joining robotics competitions and much more. [28]

2.3 Makerspace

Makerspace is a programmable building block platform that encompasses electronic modules, structural parts, motors and actuators, and transmission and motion parts for gadget building. Teachers can get customized Makerspace proposals for specific curriculum needs. Coupled with Scratch or text-based coding in mBlock, Makerspace helps students participate in global robotic events like MakeX. [29]

1. mBlock 3

mBlock 3 is a block-based programming software based on Scratch 2.0. It interacts with Makeblock controller boards and other Arduino-based hardware, allowing users to create interactive hardware applications. The block-based code can be converted to Arduino C and supports various operating systems including macOS, Windows, Linux, and Chromebook. [30]

2. mBlock Blockly

mBlock Blockly allows users to learn about programming through courses designed as levels of a game. The visual programming language taught is specifically created for Makeblock's robots; the courses were designed by education professionals. [31]

3. Neuron App

The Neuron App is a flow-based programming application with IoT support. It can control over 30 electronic modules. [32]

MakeX robotic competition

MakeX is a robotics competition platform that promotes multidisciplinary learning within the fields of science and technology. It aims to promote STEAM education through Robotics Competition, STEAM Carnival, etc.

As the core activity of MakeX, the namesake MakeX Robotics Competition provides high-level competitions in the spirit of creativity, teamwork, fun, and sharing. It is committed to inspiring young people to learn Science (S), Technology (T), Engineering (E), Art (A) and Mathematics (M) and apply such knowledge in solving real-world problems. [33]

STEAM education

STEAM education is a learning movement that branched out of the STEM learning concept. Education professionals felt that STEM, on its own, missed critical attributes that are thought to be necessary for individuals to truly prosper in a rapidly changing modern society. [34] STEAM encompasses the areas of Science and Technology, Engineering, the Arts, along with Mathematics and encourages a merge of these fields in an attempt to suit the learning style of every type of student. [35]

Makeblock describes itself as a proponent of STEAM and focuses on providing hardware and software products that aim to allow students to engage in practical, hands-on learning rather than the traditional main focus on theoretical knowledge. [36]

Robotics education was perceived as a major trend during 2017. [37]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Robot</span> Machine capable of carrying out a complex series of actions automatically

A robot is a machine—especially one programmable by a computer—capable of carrying out a complex series of actions automatically. A robot can be guided by an external control device, or the control may be embedded within. Robots may be constructed to evoke human form, but most robots are task-performing machines, designed with an emphasis on stark functionality, rather than expressive aesthetics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lego Mindstorms</span> Hardware and software platform by Lego

Lego Mindstorms is a discontinued hardware and software structure which develops programmable robots based on Lego bricks.

Neuromorphic computing is an approach to computing that is inspired by the structure and function of the human brain. A neuromorphic computer/chip is any device that uses physical artificial neurons to do computations. In recent times, the term neuromorphic has been used to describe analog, digital, mixed-mode analog/digital VLSI, and software systems that implement models of neural systems. The implementation of neuromorphic computing on the hardware level can be realized by oxide-based memristors, spintronic memories, threshold switches, transistors, among others. Training software-based neuromorphic systems of spiking neural networks can be achieved using error backpropagation, e.g., using Python based frameworks such as snnTorch, or using canonical learning rules from the biological learning literature, e.g., using BindsNet.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fischertechnik</span> Construction toy

Fischertechnik is a brand of construction toy. It was invented by Artur Fischer and is produced by fischertechnik GmbH in Waldachtal, Germany. Fans often refer to Fischertechnik as "FT" or "ft". It is used in education for teaching about simple machines, as well as motorization and mechanisms. The company also offers computer interface technology, which can be used to teach the theory of automation and robotics.

Parallax Inc. is a privately held company in Rocklin, California. Parallax Inc. designs, manufactures, and sells BASIC Stamp microcontrollers, Propeller microcontrollers, microcontroller accessories, educational robot kits, and educational curriculum.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Arduino</span> Italian open-source hardware and software company

Arduino is an Italian open-source hardware and software company, project, and user community that designs and manufactures single-board microcontrollers and microcontroller kits for building digital devices. Its hardware products are licensed under a CC BY-SA license, while the software is licensed under the GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL) or the GNU General Public License (GPL), permitting the manufacture of Arduino boards and software distribution by anyone. Arduino boards are available commercially from the official website or through authorized distributors.

iRobot Create Hobbyist robot based on the Roomba vacuum cleaner

iRobot Create is a hobbyist robot manufactured by iRobot that was introduced in 2007 and based on their Roomba vacuum cleaning platform. The iRobot Create is explicitly designed for robotics development and improves the experience beyond simply hacking the Roomba. The Create replaces its Roomba predecessor's vacuum cleaner hardware with a cargo bay that also houses a DB-9 port providing serial communication, digital input & output, analog input & output, and an electric power supply. The Create also has a 7-pin Mini-DIN serial port through which sensor data can be read and motor commands can be issued using the iRobot Roomba Open Interface (ROI) protocol.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Educational toy</span> Plaything intended to stimulate learning

Educational toys are objects of play, generally designed for children, which are expected to stimulate learning. They are often intended to meet an educational purpose such as helping a child develop a particular skill or teaching a child about a particular subject. They often simplify, miniaturize, or even model activities and objects used by adults.

Lego Education is a Lego theme designed specifically for schools that concentrates sets that can be used by education institutions and includes sets that focus on Duplo and Technic themes and contain larger amounts of pieces. The theme was first introduced in 1999.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tetrix Robotics Kit</span>

TETRIX Robotics consists of two robotic kits by Pitsco Education. The two sets are the TETRIX MAX building system and the TETRIX PRIME building system. They are intended to be used as educational robotics and for competitions such as the FIRST Tech Challenge.

Physical Etoys is a free open-source extension of Etoys developed by Gonzalo Zabala, Ricardo Moran, Sebastián Blanco and Matías Teragni at the Universidad Abierta Interamericana. Etoys is an object-oriented and prototype-based visual programming language created by Alan Kay for the use in education. Physical Etoys contains the majority of Etoys characteristics. Its philosophy is "help kids model and program the real world in order to learn more about it". Physical Etoys lets different electronic devices such as Lego NXT, Arduino boards, Sphero, Kinect, Wiimote joystick, among others, be easily programmed and interact between themselves due to its block scripting system.
In 2010, Physical Etoys won the first innovation technology award given at the ESUG conference.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lego Mindstorms EV3</span>

LEGO Mindstorms EV3 is the third generation robotics kit in LEGO's Mindstorms line. It is the successor to the second generation LEGO Mindstorms NXT kit. The "EV" designation refers to the "evolution" of the Mindstorms product line. "3" refers to the fact that it is the third generation of computer modules - first was the RCX and the second is the NXT. It was officially announced on January 4, 2013, and was released in stores on September 1, 2013. The education edition was released on August 1, 2013. There are many competitions using this set, including the FIRST LEGO League Challenge and the World Robot Olympiad, sponsored by LEGO.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Intel Galileo</span> Arduino-certified single-board computer

Intel Galileo is the first in a line of Arduino-certified development boards based on Intel x86 architecture and is designed for the maker and education communities. Intel released two versions of Galileo, referred to as Gen 1 and Gen 2. These development boards are sometimes called "Breakout boards".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">ESP8266</span> System-on-a-chip microcontroller model with Wi-Fi

The ESP8266 is a low-cost Wi-Fi microchip, with built-in TCP/IP networking software, and microcontroller capability, produced by Espressif Systems in Shanghai, China.

Open Roberta is a project within the German education initiative "Roberta – Learning with robots", initiated by Fraunhofer IAIS, which is an institute belonging to the Fraunhofer Society. With Open Roberta Fraunhofer IAIS is looking to encourage children to code by using robots such as Lego Mindstorms, and other programmable hardware systems such as Arduino, BBC micro:bit, and the Calliope mini. The Cloud-approach of the Open Roberta Lab is intended to simplify programming concepts and make it easier for teachers and schools to teach how to code. Open Roberta is free and does not require any installation. The project was initially founded with €1m by Google.org. Users from up to 120 countries now access the platform.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lunar Gateway</span> Lunar orbital space station under development

The Lunar Gateway, or simply Gateway, is a space station which Artemis program participants plan to assemble in an orbit near the Moon. The Gateway is intended to serve as a communication hub, science laboratory, and habitation module for astronauts. It is a multinational collaborative project: participants include NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC). The Gateway is planned to be the first space station beyond low Earth orbit.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Comparison of single-board microcontrollers</span>

Comparison of Single-board microcontrollers excluding Single-board computers

Zhiwei Robotics Corp. is a Chinese robotics manufacturer and open source hardware provider. The company was founded in 2008 by Ricky Ye and is currently headquartered in Shanghai, China.

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