Cute coding

To get Cubetto moving, children place colour-coded blocks that represent directions and commands into a wooden board. At the push of a button, the robot makes its way along the pre-programmed route.

In addition to teaching the basics of computer programming, the playset helps to develop STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematical) skills without the use of a screen. Based on the open-source electronics platform Arduino, the tactile, Montessori-approved product is particularly valuable as a tool to help disabled children strengthen their sequencing and communication skills.

Cubetto has been exhibited at MoMA Design Store, the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, sold to schools in Chicago, libraries in Maryland and the French Ministry of Education, and received the backing of high-profile investors such as Randi Zuckerberg, former director of market development at Facebook.