EDITION: INTERNATIONAL U.S. MÉXICO ARABIC TV: CNNi CNN en Español Set edition preference Sign up Log in Home Video World U.S. Africa Asia Europe Latin America Middle East Business World Sport Entertainment Tech Travel iReport /* STORY PAGE SPECIFIC CSS */.cnn_stryspccvrgehdr { background:#fff url('http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/.e/img/3.0/mosaic/bg_speccov_hdr.gif') 0px 0px repeat-x; }.cnn_stryspcvh1 { position:relative; height:74px;background:transparent url('http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/.element/ssi/story/3.0/banner/intl.make.create.innovate.inc/make.create.innovate.jpg') 50% 0px no-repeat;overflow:hidden; }.cnn_stryspcvh2 { font:bold 10px/12px arial;color:#666;padding:0 0 2px 0; }.cnn_stryspcvh3 { font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-size:18px; line-height:21px; }.cnn_stryspcvh4 { position:absolute; z-index:1000; float:left;margin:30px 0 0 10px;display:inline; }.cnn_stryspcvh5 { float:right;margin:30px 10px 0 0;display:inline;text-align:right; }.cnn_stryspcvh20 { padding:0 0 2px 0; }.cnn_stryspccvrgebot { height:3px; background:#e6e6e6; }.cnn_stryspccvh6 { width:100%; height:74px; text-align:center; left:0; }.cnn_stryspccvh6 a { display:block; margin:0 auto; width:304px; height:74px; }Part of complete coverage onMake, Create, Innovate
PrintEmailMore sharingMakeblock: open source 'Lego for adults' By Jack Millner, for CNNDecember 19, 2012 -- Updated 1610 GMT (0010 HKT) | if (typeof cnnArticleGallery=="undefined"){var cnnArticleGallery={};if(typeof cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList=="undefined"){cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList=[];}}var expGalleryPT00=new ArticleExpandableGallery();expGalleryPT00.setImageCount(6);expGalleryPT00.setAdsRefreshCount(3);//cnn_adbptrackpgalimg("Robot kits for grown-up kids ", 1);.cnn_html_slideshow_metadata > .cnn_html_media_utility::before{color:red;content:'>>';font-size:9px;line-height:12px;padding-right:1px}.cnnstrylccimg640{margin:0 27px 14px 0}.captionText{filter:alpha(opacity=100);opacity:1}.cnn_html_slideshow_media_caption a,.cnn_html_slideshow_media_caption a:visited,.cnn_html_slideshow_media_caption a:link,.captionText a,.captionText a:visited,.captiontext a:link{color:#004276;outline:medium none}.cnnVerticalGalleryPhoto{margin:0 auto;padding-right:68px;width:270px}
As well as mechanical components, a range of sensors are available with Makeblock kits. In this photo, a robot with tracks has a proximity sensor fixed to the front, so it won't crash into walls.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":true,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":1,"title":"Robot kits for grown-up kids "}
Makeblock has a wide variety of applications, from cute Wall-E-type robots to a complicated "XY-stage" that can be programmed to draw. Various components are available including grippers for robotic arms. cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":2,"title":""}
Makeblock appeals to the childhood builder in you. Here a four-legged "crawler" robot is powered by a simple motor. cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":3,"title":""}The threaded slot design means you don't need nuts to connect Makeblock modules, and the hole spacing corresponds to that of Lego bricks, making the two compatible. cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":4,"title":""}Aluminum beams are available in varying lengths and form the main structure of any Makeblock robot.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":5,"title":""}Makeblock founder Jasen Wang always dreamed of making robotics accessible to normal people. This robot can be remotely controlled with a smartphone via bluetooth.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":6,"title":""}HIDE CAPTIONRobot kits for grown-up kids <<<
The threaded slot design means you don't need nuts to connect Makeblock modules, and the hole spacing corresponds to that of Lego bricks, making the two compatible. cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":4,"title":""}
Aluminum beams are available in varying lengths and form the main structure of any Makeblock robot.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":5,"title":""}
Makeblock founder Jasen Wang always dreamed of making robotics accessible to normal people. This robot can be remotely controlled with a smartphone via bluetooth.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":6,"title":""}HIDE CAPTIONRobot kits for grown-up kids <<<
1
2
3
4
5
6>>>Event.observe(window,'load',function(){if(typeof(cnn_adbptrackpgalimg) == 'function' && typeof(cnnArticleGallery) != 'undefined'){cnn_adbptrackpgalimg(cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[0].image,"Makeblock's 'Lego for Adults'");}});STORY HIGHLIGHTSNew robotics kit billed as "Lego for adults" gives grown-ups the chance to relive youth using 21st century technologyCreator of Makeblock Jasen Wang says open source hardware is the future of the 'Maker' revolution Construction toys appeal to adults as well as children, and play is fundamental to learning, say experts(CNN) -- It's being billed as "Lego for adults" and could mean your fondness for construction toys may no longer be just a guilty pleasure.
The new robotics kit created by China-based Makeblock provides all you need to relive your childhood, with nearly 100 Lego-compatible mechanical and electronic components.But this time around you're building robots for real, assembling modules that can create walking spider robots, beverage bots, or even your very own Wall-E."Makeblock is an aluminum version of Lego bricks," explains Makeblock founder Jasen Wang. "Like Lego, parts can connect to each other easily and flexibly, but you don't need nuts to make the connections, since we have a clever threaded slot design."All the pieces slot together in a construction process designed to be easy and intuitive, says Wang."We've done some work to make the electronics and software more friendly to beginnersJasen Wang, Makeblock founder"We've done some work to make the electronics and software more friendly to beginners. We use uniform modular connectors with color tags to help you make the right connections, and we plan to have a smartphone app to let beginners interact with their robots without any programming."Read: Liquid air future fuels garage inventorConstruction toys like Lego capture the imagination of children and adults alike, says UK psychologist Jon Sutton."As children, Lego taught us to follow rules, but also to discard them," says Sutton, who has written about the psychology of Lego."Lego is a simple, uniform, non-representational material that can be transformed into the most complex, individual objects representing the wildest of fantasy worlds."The fantasy world of play is increasingly being harnessed in education across the board, not just in robotics, says Jeff Schwarting, founder of SuperFunner, an organization that seeks to aid education through "gamification.""There's a growing belief that play may be tied to learning -- but it's wrong. Play is learning," says Schwarting.var currExpandable="expand113";if(typeof CNN.expandableMap==='object'){CNN.expandableMap.push(currExpandable);}var mObj={};mObj.type='video';mObj.contentId='';mObj.source='international/2012/12/18/make-create-innovate-raspberry-pi.cnn';mObj.videoSource='CNN';mObj.videoSourceUrl='';mObj.lgImage="C:\Program Files\ABS\Auto Blog Samurai\data\candientuviet\The news\121218114647-make-create-innovate-raspberry-pi-00001407-story-body.jpg";mObj.lgImageX=300;mObj.lgImageY=169;mObj.origImageX="214";mObj.origImageY="120";mObj.contentType='video';CNN.expElements.expand113Store=mObj;
Watch Raspberry Pi inventor on MCI "Play provides a safe environment which embraces trial and error, eliminating fear of failure and encouraging experimentation, which leads to greater understanding of how things work and greater confidence in one's ability to confront challenges."Makeblock appeals to this sense of creativity, but it's not just analogous to Lego, it is Lego-compatible, says Wang."The basic hole distance in our platform is the same as the basic dimensions in Lego, both are 8 mm, so it's possible to attach Lego blocks to Makeblock parts. Makeblock is an open platform, compatible with many other parts and systems, we don't put any limit on people's imagination," Wang says.Read: Mine Kafon: The low-tech tumbleweed minesweeper"Open source means we work closely with a large, smart community, which will help us to improve product designs. Customers will also get additional technical support from the community and other resources such as code."Building robots is a creative process that should be accessible to everyone, he adds."I wanted to create a platform that is strong, flexible and practical, for people to turn their ideas into success, to build some real thingsJasen Wang, Makeblock founder"Our goal is to help people turn their ideas into reality, help them to be more creative. Creating is no longer something that just the geeks can do, but also people without professional backgrounds," says Wang.Despite having a masters degree in aircraft design and being a DIY and robotics enthusiast, even Wang found available robotics kits difficult to follow. He was also unimpressed with their flimsy design.Read: 'Shutter shades' create new fashion code"I don't like plastic kits, because they look like toys, and most of the applications built by plastic kits are just for fun, without practical use," he says. Wang resolved to make his own kits, with solid design and an open-source philosophy."I wanted to create a platform that is strong, flexible and practical, for people to turn their ideas into success, to build some real things."Wang believes open-source hardware will follow the popularity of open-source software, as people want to create more physical things."The hardware era is coming now. People live in the real physical world, not in the digital world. The popularity of 3D printers is an example of this," he says.Wang's kits provide all the components you need to jump-start your home robotics career. Whether you want to build a mini tank or a 3D printer of your own, Makeblock has the parts and just like with Lego, your imagination does the rest.0Comments »
PrintEmailMore sharingvar OB_permalink='http://edition.cnn.com'+location.pathname;var OB_langJS='http://widgets.outbrain.com/lang_en.js';var OB_widgetId='AR_1';var OB_Template="cnnedition";if (typeof(OB_Script)!='undefined'){OutbrainStart();}else{var OB_Script=true;var str="cnnad_createAd("730968","http://ads.cnn.com/html.ng/site=cnn_international&cnn_intl_pagetype=mmst&cnn_intl_position=607x95_adlinks&cnn_intl_rollup=technology&page.allowcompete=no¶ms.styles=fs","95","607");cnnad_registerSpace(730968,607,95);
Part of complete coverage on Make Create Innovate Liquid air future fuels garage inventor December 7, 2012 -- Updated 2247 GMT (0647 HKT)
Watching Peter Dearman at work amid the clutter of his workshop, it's easy to see why one of his sons refers to him as a "nutty professor."The $40 tumbleweed minesweeperNovember 29, 2012 -- Updated 1804 GMT (0204 HKT)
An Afghan designer has developed a low-cost, wind-powered, mine-detonating device inspired by the toys he played with as a child. How Tetra Pak took over the world November 27, 2012 -- Updated 2225 GMT (0625 HKT)
CNN's Nick Glass explores the history and technology of the Swedish company that changed the way we think about food.Small, but perfectly formedNovember 9, 2012 -- Updated 1823 GMT (0223 HKT)
Danish company Widex are pioneers of a manufacturing process which is helping create the smallest hearing aids in the world. Mind-controlled chopper aids learningNovember 23, 2012 -- Updated 1032 GMT (1832 HKT)
A toy helicopter controlled by nothing but brainwaves could be available to the public just in time to hover under this year's Christmas tree. A gripping tale of struggle and success October 26, 2012 -- Updated 0802 GMT (1602 HKT)
It´s the ultimate repair tool. A silicone material which molds like playdough, bonds to almost any surface before becoming a super-strong, durable rubber. The little cube that changed the worldOctober 11, 2012 -- Updated 0923 GMT (1723 HKT)
There's only one solution in over 43 quintillion possible combinations, but that didn't stop the Rubik's Cube's becoming a runaway success. Singing robots and homemade biofuelOctober 12, 2012 -- Updated 1327 GMT (2127 HKT)
Maker Faires showcase some of the best DIY inventions and inventors under one roof. CNN visited a recent event in New York. Will 'Li-Fi' be a light bulb moment? September 28, 2012 -- Updated 1324 GMT (2124 HKT)
German physicist Herald Haas thinks his idea for creating a new wireless broadband using light waves could transform connectivity. Controlling computers with your eyesSeptember 25, 2012 -- Updated 1121 GMT (1921 HKT)
Take two video-game consoles and some horn-rim spectacles and what do you get? A device which lets your eyes control a computer screen. Strokes of luck ... and geniusSeptember 24, 2012 -- Updated 1149 GMT (1949 HKT)
Many of the medicines and materials we take for granted were happened upon by chance. Take the quiz to test your knowledge. 'Teach young people to be innovative'September 24, 2012 -- Updated 1719 GMT (0119 HKT)
Robert Ness says governments need to invest more in promising young scientists and encouraging risk-taking.
[TECH: NEWSPULSE]Most popular Tech stories right nowFake eagle video, real Obama photo go viralViolence, video games and the holidaysSites to go dark for Sandy Hook victimsGoogle struggles to give away $10 millionIs the pay phone making a comeback?Explore the news with NewsPulse »cnnad_createAd("625961","http://ads.cnn.com/html.ng/site=cnn_international&cnn_intl_pagetype=mmst&cnn_intl_position=336x280_adlinks&cnn_intl_rollup=technology&page.allowcompete=no¶ms.styles=fs","280","336");cnnad_registerSpace(625961,336,280); Loading weather data ...
Home | Video | World | U.S. | Africa | Asia | Europe | Latin America | Middle East | Business | World Sport | Entertainment | Tech | Travel | iReport Tools & Widgets | RSS | Podcasts | Blogs | CNN Mobile | My Profile | E-mail Alerts | CNN Radio | CNN Shop | Site map | CNN Partner Hotels CNN en ESPAÑOL | CNN Chile | CNN México | ??????? | ??? | ??? | Türkçe 
© 2012 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms of service | Privacy guidelines | Ad choices
| Advertise with us | License our content | About us | Contact us | Work for us | Help CNN TV | HLN | Transcripts 
cnnad_ugsync();var cnn_edtnswtchver="edition";msQueueManager.init('requestFrame',ms_blankURL);$$('.cnn_sectbincntnt2 ul').each(function(bulletlist,idx){while(bulletlist.getHeight()>145){bulletlist.childElements().last().remove();}});if(ms_isLoggedIn()){CNN_setCookie('CNN_member',true,854400,'/',document.domain);}// This code is not really related to JSMD. It was simply a convenient place to add a quick hack to all pages that use this SSI.// removes a cookie that grows too large and causes a 400 error// CNN-17021 try {document.cookie = "mrvPages=http://www.cnn.com; expires=Fri, 13-Apr-1970 00:00:00 GMT; path=/; domain=" + document.domain;}catch(e) {}var jsmd=_jsmd.init(),pageURL=location.href.toLowerCase();if (pageURL.indexOf("/.element/ssi/ads.iframes/")==-1&&pageURL.indexOf("/doubleclick/dartiframe.html")==-1&&pageURL.indexOf("/search/")==-1){if (_jsmd.plugin.gQuery("refresh")){jsmd.trackMetrics("dynamic-autoRefresh","autorefresh","cnn-autorefresh");} else if (_jsmd.plugin.gQuery("is_LR")){} else if (cnn_metadata.template_type_content!="gallery"){jsmd.send();}}/*globals CNN_CB*/$j(document).ready(function () {'use strict';loadChartbeat("tech", "Jack Millner, for CNN");CNN.initFlipperTicker();});var cnn_sharebarconfig = {'url' : 'http://www.cnn.com/2012/12/19/tech/robots-lego-adult-toys/index.html','analytics' : 'o','instances' : 2,'platform' : 'd','plugincodes' : {'facebook' : '','googleplus' : '','twitter' : 'Tweet','linkedin' : ''}}window.cnnWidgetBaseURI = 'http://z.cdn.turner.com/cnn/.element/widget';