New Humanoid Robot for K-5 STEAM
CreativeHUT just announced the TTS Oti-Bot, a new humanoid robot designed for K-5 STEAM education. The bot uses block-based programming and features sensors and facial recognition to teach problem-solving. The launch is part of a new, expanded partnership with TTS to bring more robotics and critical thinking resources to elementary classrooms.
The new TTS Oti-Bot is the more advanced successor to the popular Bee-Bot, a programmable floor robot that has been a staple in early education for over two decades. While the Bee-Bot teaches basic directional language and sequencing with on-board buttons, Oti-Bot introduces more complex coding concepts through a block-based programming app. Oti-Bot is equipped with a color sensor on its underside, a line follower, and programmable caterpillar tracks for precise movements. Its camera allows for live streaming to a tablet, and it can record videos, photos, and audio to internal storage, with student work organized by individual QR codes. A key feature of the Oti-Bot is its introduction to artificial intelligence through secure, local facial recognition. This allows the robot to recognize and respond differently to individual students, offering a gentle introduction to machine learning concepts without storing data in the cloud. The robot's design is modular, featuring interchangeable "tummies" that allow for a variety of STEAM activities, such as drawing with a pen holder or lifting objects. This versatility allows it to be used across different subjects, from creating geometric shapes in math to art projects. CreativeHUT, the company promoting Oti-Bot, is a creative education company that partners with schools and businesses to deliver STEAM programs. They provide resources, teacher training, and support for educational technology. Their work includes designing and building custom learning spaces like STEAM labs and makerspaces for schools and organizations. The block-based programming interface used by Oti-Bot is a common feature in modern educational robots like the Sphero BOLT and Makeblock mBot. This drag-and-drop method removes the need for complex syntax, allowing young learners to focus on computational thinking, problem-solving, and logic.
