MENDES: A design for STEAM Education in China
MENDES ROBOT is a comprehensive educational robot that designed for kids aged 7-14 to learn about technology, coding and the future. The appearance of our robot is adorable, alien and accessible, which can attract students from the very beginning of the teaching. The assembling of the robot is also convenient that it only takes about 12 steps to fully assemble the whole thing. What’s more, we use advanced flipped-classroom and peer-collaboration idea to help the students to be immersed in the classroom, having a better and holistic understanding of robots.
To create a smooth experience for kids and their learning partner, the robot has been designed considering 4 orders including symbols, objects, activities and system.
The biggest difference between Mendes and other robots is the two extraterrestrial tentacles of different sizes, chic shapes and smooth lines. Of course, children can also think of them as a pair of big flashing eyes. In any case, they allow Mendes itself to firmly grasp the attention of the children, enhance their interest in learning, and contribute to the process of robot programming learning.
Under the premise of cute styling, Mendes also brings a sense of future and technology. While the upper body was designed as the organic body, the lower body was in semi-integrated tough structure, combined with the angular language of the robot to form a small technical armor, which creates an infinite futuristic sense for Mendes.
All the corners and sheets on the robot are treated with rounded corners, which reflects the care for the children. A variety of materials including UV Curable Resin, ABS, and translucent acrylic were selected to help students understand the relationship between appearance and correspondin functional areas. In terms of surface treatment, We use the contrast of bright and matte finish, and the strong color to make the whole work come true to life.
Every child is a born performer and we believe that children have boundless potential. Therefore, the Mendes kits have a lot of small things for children to create, including sonic guide, storybooks, coloring dolls, personalized stickers, wheels and arms set by 3D printing etc.
All these elements allow the robot to attract children in every stage and to help them fully understand the essence and the value of technology, at the same time, open their mind. I hope that by this process of continuous success, they could acquire knowledge as well as an unique experience.
