Kids Technology Crowdfunding Projects October November 2015

It has been a fab month for crowdfunded kid tech projects. There are some fantastic new robot campaigns and construction toys are well-represented too.

We have already featured some Kickstarter projects in more detail so take a look at these articles first:

• Oh Bot 2 Robot Head
• Kamigami robotic insect
• Swingy balance board games controller

And don't forget to check out last month's Tech for Kids Crowdfunding Roundup, some projects may still be available to back. And some of this month's campaigns are ending soon so be sure to check end dates for those you are interested in.

• Don't miss: Guide to backing kids tech crowdfunded projects

Construction Toys

Simbrix is a great idea that really needed to happen. They are tiny click together bricks that can be used to build pixel-art creations.

Ironing beads are really popular in our house, but yes we've had some disasters where a carefully made project gets knocked over.

And I'll confess to having melted one of the peg boards with some over-enthusiastic ironing.

Neither of these problems happen with Simbrix as no peg board is needed and the pegs stay together.

Finished Simbrix designs can be ironed together to make them permanent if you want or they can be taken apart and made into something else.

We're definitely looking forward to making some cool projects with Simbrix.

Pinblock is another cool mini construction toy that we like a lot.

Pinblock allows kids to make 2D designs or 3D structures using a single block type that comes in lots of different colours.

Pinblocks have a really simple design but when you put them together you can make some really great models.

We love that you can make role play accessories and other fun wearable items.

My kids often make items like swords and helmets with their building blocks but they have a tendency to fall apart and they're not very comfortable to wear or hold.

• For larger scale construction there's Belcro - large velcro bungees that you wrap around cardboard boxes to turn them into lifesize construction blocks.
• And Bildy which allows kids to make structures by clipping together printed boards.  

Electronics

Tinker Tie is definitely a fun way to get into wearable electronics.

It's a bow-tie shaped array of RGB LEDs that can be programmed to create colourful effects.

Tinker Tie is Arduino-compatible to kids can learn some useful skills while creating their own unique patterns and animations.

The bow-tie uses a rechargeable battery which is mounted behind the tie. Brightness is controllable which is just as well as the LEDs are very bright.

There's no reason you have to wear it as a neck tie. This would make a fun accessory for a purse or bag.

I've got a son who loves electronics and wearing a waistcoat and tie so I can definitely see the appeal.

• SnowPi is another fun electronics project - a Snowman shaped GPIO add-on for the RaspberryPi for some festive tinkering. 

3D Printing

3D printing is a fantastic technology for children to have access to. If you're looking for a 3D printer for your family then check our these Kickstarter campaigns:

• Sculpto - A toy from the future - a small low-cost 3D printer and app designed to get families started with 3D printing
• The Rever: the world's first affordable 3D printer for kids - a low-cost enclosed 3D printer with a focus on kids and safety

Robots

Definitely a fantastic month for crowdfunded robots for kids! Lots to choose from.

• OhBot2 Robot Head (detailed write-up)
• Kamigami Insectoid Robot  (detailed write-up)
• Wink - Arduino-based robot bug with lessons that introduce kids to text-based coding.
• STEMI: Build at Home Hexapod - a Hexapod kit with project based learning. STEMI has an open platform - blueprints, 3D models and source code are available. 

Books and Games

Fun ways to introduce STEM concepts to kids:

• The Wonderful World of Creatures and Code - A colourful picture book that introduces HTML and CSS to kids
• Khandhu Card Game - introduces Design Thinking to develop little thinkers
• Publish or Perish Science Game - A board game to teach the scientific method
• STEMBrainy is a science activity book and kit with a cute mouse figure

Physical Play and App Toys

We love it when tech is used to encourage kids to get active and interact with the physical world.

• Jabber: The Tossable Talking Toy - a talking toy ball with sensors that can be used to play active physical games 
• Swingy balance board games controller (detailed write-up)
• Smart Letters - smart physical wooden letters with an educational app

Gadgets

• REMI All-in-one Sleep Companion for Kids - a colour-changing night light, baby monitor, sleep trainer and lots more. 
• Torch Wifi Router for Parents - monitor and control children's access to the internet