Primo: Pre-Literacy Programming Robot Interface

Project:   Primo - Teaching programming logic to children age 4 to 7

Creator:  Primo

Description:  Teaching kids programming and programming logic is the In Thing these days, but one of the cooler implementations of it appears to come from the UK-based firm Primo.  They've designed a tiny robot (Cubetto) with an appealing puzzle-piece form, which can be controlled via an interface board "programmed" by putting in blocks which serve as non-verbal blocks of programming code.  It's an expensive toy, perhaps (the full assembled kit costs 160 pounds), and one which reminds me of trying to get a remote-controlled car moving, but one with a little more brainy heft.  Fun stuff.

BrickPi: Using a Raspberry Pi Computer with LEGO Bricks

 Description : Take your Raspberry Pi computer (it's about the size of a credit card), place it in the board, and you can connect the board to LEGO® motors and gears.  The case will protect as it motors on the go.

As a parent of a child who's eagerly anticipating the start of LEGO Robotics at the start of the school year, this sounds like an awesome way to have fun and learn some programming skills.  I'm not as eager about the idea of programming a robot to become a ball cannon, but that's a risk I'm willing to take.  $45 gets you the board and case (Raspberry Pi, about $25-$40, and LEGOs are your own responsibility.)