Bring STEAM off the screen and into the real world to with Marty the Robot, the most engaging and affordable humanoid robot for education. Designed for learners as young as 4, Marty helps students build future-ready digital skills, from early foundations of coding and computational thinking to advanced concepts like variables, loops, and functions.
Unlike coding on a screen or controlling a simple rolling robot, Marty’s humanoid form brings learning to life. Students see their code come alive as Marty walks, dances, turns, kicks a ball and even wiggles their eyebrows! Each limb is individually powered, giving students a hands-on way to explore real robotics and engineering principles.
From screen-free Unplugged challenges for learners as young as 4, to Marty Controller and block-based coding in Blocks Jr and Blocks, Marty supports a smooth progression in computational thinking and programming. Students can sequence commands, visualise paths, and see their code come alive both through Marty and in-app sprites, building coding, sequencing, and problem-solving skills in a fun, engaging, and hands-on way.
Marty’s Features
1 - Humanoid Form
Marty has a personality and is full of character!
2 - Unique Walking Mechanism
Walk, turn, dance, sidestep, kick a ball, wiggle
3 - Range of Expressions
Marty’s eyebrows move to express emotions
4 - Motors with Position Sensors
Nine metal-geared smart servo motors (in legs, arms & eyes)
5 - Foot Sensors
Infrared (IR) Sensor & Color Sensor for screenless coding
6 - Quality Moulded Plastic Parts
Classroom-ready, robust and built to last
7 - Acceleration & Tilt Sensor
Found in the control board in Marty’s head
8 - Rechargeable Battery
With run time of 2-3 hours when fully charged
9 - Speaker
Marty speaks and plays sounds
Programming Languages
Marty supports progression from screen-free programming and block-based coding, to text-based programming language Python and more.
Connectivity & Compatibility
Program Marty from PC, or any Android and iOS devices, using our app. Connect using Bluetooth, WiFi, USB or I2C for custom add-ons.
LEARNING WITH
ROBOTICAL
Marty comes with an extensive library of educational resources. From curriculum-linked lesson plans to classroom-ready presentations, you’ll find it all in our Learning Portal.
To get the most out of your Marty, go to our Knowledge Base for all the ‘how to’ user guides, articles and FAQs.
curricular links
Marty is a truly cross-curricular tool, from language studies and mathematics, to health & wellbeing – there are very few subjects where Marty cannot be integrated.
Bring Coding off the Screen
Marty the Robot is designed to make learning about computer science and coding a fun and engaging experience. From introducing screen-free programming in pre-school, right through to university, Marty is a flexible learning tool that grows with your students.
Introduce your students to computational thinking with fun activities, then ease the jump to real world programming languages through a familiar platform.
Integrate with integers
Marty links to mathematics learning by creating practical opportunities. From estimating distance and angles, walking the perimeter of shapes, responding to different conditional statements, based on a range of numerical values – the possibilities are endless.
Additionally, more advanced learners can trigger events by coding loops that make use of counters or timers, which reinforces an understanding of duration and units of time.
Support Reading, Writing, Talking and Listening
Marty is a great stimulus for imaginative and informative writing. Young children who shy away from fiction, find that having a character that can perform their story is exciting and rewarding.
The older students can practice writing sequential instructions by creating blocks of code that run in order, researching commands to better understand their parameters, and practice their presentation skills when they share the challenges and successes of creating programs.
Additional Support for Learning
Robots are particularly suitable for engaging children with special educational needs: children on the spectrum respond well to the clear, consistent interactions that robots can provide.
As Marty is a humanoid robot, children form an instant connection. Marty provides an opportunity to develop communication skills and provide support for children who are keen to express their feelings and emotions with him. They often see Marty as a friend and part of the class.
Promote Cooperative Learning Experiences
Expose learners to situations that rely on communication and cooperation in order to achieve success. Paired or group programming opportunities are a regular part of a developer’s schedule. Encouraging the skills that are necessary for working as a member of a team are essential in today’s STEAM environments.
Educational Benefits of Humanoid Robots
There’s been a lot of research conducted that suggests humanoid robots (the ones that look and act like people) are great at engaging students of all ages and stages. Humanoid robots have been shown to help develop computational thinking and foster greater engagement from learners across a wide array of subjects in the curriculum. Having a human form has been proven to invoke a stronger connection and sense of ownership.
We’ve compiled a research paper that showcases the benefits of humanoid robots in education.
Funding & Grants
We know that many department budgets are tight right now – even more so during a pandemic. However, educational grants are still available at federal, regional and local levels, many from private organisations and charities. Applying for grants can be daunting and scary, so we put together a 10-step guide to help you focus, hone your grant-writing skills and get noticed by those awarding the funds.
TRY MARTY
FOR FREE
Are you looking for new STEM resources for your classroom? Robotical is loaning Marty the Robot to schools for no-obligation, two-week trials.
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