The caterpillar-like toy works by actually taking the most fundamental concepts of programming and breaking them down into a format that would both entertain and (almost surreptitiously) educate a young human. The Code-a-Pillar has eight segments, each of which have a different command icon that controls how the toy moves or acts (forward, left, turn, generate a noise, etc). Children choose how to connect the eight parts, and once they push start, the caterpillar moves according to its “programming.”
Fisher-Price will also make available three extension packs, each costing $15, which will further the possibilities for the caterpillar. The coding gadget for tots is only one of a number of toys Fisher-Price has planned for its Teach & Learn line.
Of course, a number of other toys and games have sought to interest children in computer science and programming. But this particular toy may be geared towards the youngest demographic yet.
More details are expected to be released in the upcoming New York Toy Fair, but a spokesperson for the toy company told The Verge that ambitious parents could find the Code-a-Pillar in stores as early as July. So if you’re looking for your kid to become the next great tech star, consider this toddler coding toy.
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