EL SEGUNDO, Calif.,
Oct. 12, 2017 /PRNewswire/
-- Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) and Dash Robotics™ today
announced the introduction of Kamigami, an innovative
build-it-yourself robot set for kids inspired by nature's fastest
critters, bugs. This is one of the latest offerings from
Mattel, the global leader in learning and development through
play.
Kamigami is an engineering set that is easy for kids to build,
program and play. Kids can create a robotic bug in the
likeness of insects such as a praying mantis or ladybug with flat
sheets of durable plastic and a motorized base. Once assembled, the
Kamigami can be programmed through an easy-to-use app that allows
kids to customize their robot's unique movements and
reactions. Kids can design how the robot interacts with them,
its environment and other Kamigami Robots. In addition, they can
use the free companion app to drive, race, or battle their
Kamigami. The visual programming interface makes it easy to blink
lights, play sounds and maneuver around obstacles. The app
will continually offer new updates and game suggestions.
"As a company dedicated to learning and development through
play, we hope to inspire a future generation of roboticists with
Kamigami," said Sven Gerjets, Chief
Technology Officer at Mattel. "By partnering with Dash Robotics on
Kamigami, we are focused on creating product experiences that are
not only fun for kids, but also appreciated by parents for their
learning benefits."
Built by robotics engineers, Kamigami supports coding logic used
in hardware and software programming. The robotics technology was
inspired by Dash Robotics co-founders Nick
Kohut and Andrew Gillies
biomimicry work, an innovation that seeks solutions to human
challenges by emulating nature's time-tested patterns and
strategies. As Kohut and Gillies created robots that mimicked the
motions of insects and animals in their lab at UC Berkeley, they
concluded that not only could this kind of technology benefit
industries and mankind—it could also be super-fun for kids to play
with!
"With Kamigami, we're giving kids the opportunity to run their
very own robotics lab and try their hand at building something
amazing and awe-inspiring," said Nick
Kohut. "By having the opportunity to collaborate with
Mattel and their expertise, we know that the new line launching is
going to be both fun and beneficial."
Mattel's collaboration with Dash Robotics is part of the
company's effort to evolve play by developing connected technology
platforms. Dash Robotics was started by two UC Berkley Ph.D.
graduates, who previously used their expertise in robotics to
complete projects for the U.S. Army and NSF.
There will be eight types of Kamigami available at launch,
including ones that resemble lady bugs, praying mantises, scorpions
and more with the ability of users to change the look of the
Kamigami Robot with shell packs sold separately for
$9.99. The Kamigami Robot has a
3-axis accelerometer, 3-axis gyroscope, IR transmitter, two IR
sensors and tri-color LEDS. The battery is a rechargeable lithium
polymer with playtime up to 30 minutes.
Dash Robotics, in collaboration with Mattel, will debut the
enhanced Kamigami today at Amazon, Target and Toys"R"Us for
$49.99.
About Mattel
Mattel is a global learning, development
and play company that inspires the next generation of kids to shape
a brighter tomorrow. Through our portfolio of iconic consumer
brands, including American Girl®, Barbie®, Fisher-Price®, Hot
Wheels® and Thomas & Friends™, we create systems of play,
content and experiences that help kids unlock their full potential.
Mattel also creates inspiring and innovative products in
collaboration with leading entertainment and technology companies
as well as other partners. With a global workforce of approximately
32,000 people, Mattel operates in 40 countries and territories and
sells products in more than 150 nations. Visit us online at
www.mattel.com.
About Dash Robotics
Dash Robotics was founded by UC
Berkeley PhD graduates on a mission to build the backbone of
connected toy technology, find the best partners to work with, and
build high-quality, accessibly priced connected toys. We are a
group of hardcore technologists who love creating toys that wow and
surprise people. Dash is venture funded and is based in the
San Francisco Bay Area.
View original content with
multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/meet-kamigami-mattel-launches-build-it-yourself-robotics-engineering-set-300535868.html
SOURCE Mattel, Inc.