Sony creates robotic toy to help cultivate STEM education market in China

Japanese tech company Sony Group Corp has unveiled its latest programming educational kits in China as the company aims to expand its presence in the STEM, science, technology, engineering and mathematics education market.

As a kind of programmable robotic toy, Toio is targeted at kids from kindergarten, primary school and educational institutions in China, so as to help cultivate the creativity and imagination of children.

The Toio system consists of two robotic cubes that are equipped with sensors and can be controlled by a ring-shaped knob. A simple twist of the wrist will change the direction of the cubes and children are able to customize the cubes by adding their own creations.

Zhao Wei, general manager of Sony China's education business division, said the newly launched educational kits feature 40 curriculums related to programming at a variety of difficulty levels for different age groups.

Children can learn about compressive programming knowledge while playing, she said, adding Sony has cooperated with local partners to further tap into China's burgeoning STEM market.

fanfeifei@chinadaily.com.cn