- The following is content from the press release -
(President: Naoto Shimura) is working to develop and market products for programming education, a new perspective on learning. As one of its efforts, the company will release Japanese versions of "Matatalab Pro Set" and "Matatalab Sensor Add-on," STEAM and programming toys developed by Matatalab of China, on September 14. These STEAM and programming toys, which can be played with and learned by children as young as 4 years old, naturally nurture logical thinking and programming skills through fun play.
Matatalabo Pro Set" Programming, music, shapes... and lots of fun and creativity!
MatataLabo is a palm-sized robot that allows children as young as 4 years old to learn programming. Without using a computer, you can create a program to move the robot by simply combining various types of blocks. While creating a program to control the robot through trial and error, such as arranging the blocks, moving the robot, rearranging the blocks if they are different, and so on, the child learns how to make sense of what kind of movements and how to combine them, how to improve them, and how to develop the ability to think logically, i.e., to cultivate "programming thinking. In other words, it helps develop the ability to think logically, or "programmatic thinking.
The "Matatalabo Pro Set" includes not only blocks for programming robots to move, but also blocks for creating music and drawing shapes. The diverse functions stimulate children's creativity and allow them to experience programming and STEAM education* while having fun.
STEAM education: An educational approach that integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics with Arts (liberal arts and fine arts).
Music blocks that allow you to set each note of "Do Re Mi Fa Solasi" can be used to create music.
Blocks that change the angle at which the robot rotates can be used to draw shapes.
Matatalabo Sensor Add-on" Extension set to further expand the range of programming
Matatalabo Sensor Add-on" is a set that can be used with "Matatalabo Pro Set" to further expand the range of programming. It comes with a controller that allows you to remotely control the robot with buttons and coding. It also includes blocks that use sensors and LEDs, allowing you to enjoy more advanced programming.
Product Name] Matatalabo Pro Set
Suggested Retail Price] 34,800 yen + tax
Launch date] September 14, 2020
Ages] 4 years old and up
Contents
1 matatabot, 1 command tower, 1 control board, 1 set of coding blocks, 1 nature map, 3 challenge books, 3 artist training cards, 3 music training cards, 1 charging cable (USB Type-C cable), 3 pens, 8 obstacles 8 objects, 3 flags, 1 instruction manual
https://www.kumonshuppan.com/programming/programming-syousai/?code=54745
Product Name] Matatalabo Sensor Add-on
Suggested Retail Price] 11,500 yen + tax
Launch date] September 14, 2020
Ages] 6 years old and up
Contents
1 controller, 1 set of coding blocks, 1 charging cable (USB Type-C cable), 1 user guide, 1 challenge book, 1 quick start guide, 1 color card
*The separately sold "Matatalabo Pro Set" is required to use "Matatalabo Sensor Add-on".
https://www.kumonshuppan.com/programming/programming-syousai/?code=54750
*We also have "Matata Lesson Sets" exclusively for educational institutions and corporations, and curriculum for instructors.
Matata Lesson Sets 1 and 2 are sets of educational materials for educational institutions and corporations. Lesson Set 1 covers the basics of coding, while Lesson Set 2 includes more STEAM education, such as music and crafts, in addition to programming learning. Curriculum for instructors is also provided to facilitate the teaching process.
Product Name] Matata Lesson Set 1
Suggested Retail Price] 5,000 yen + tax
Launch date] September 14, 2020
Age Range] 4 to 9 years old (approximate lesson target)
Contents
Lesson bags and stickers for lessons 1-20 (stickers for each lesson are included in the lesson bag), 1 coding block card, and 2 maps
*Use with "Matata Labo Pro Set".
Product Name] Matata Lesson Set 2
Suggested Retail Price] 5,000 yen + tax
Launch date] September 14, 2020
Age Range] 4 to 9 years old (approximate lesson target)
Contents
5 textbooks, 1 coding block card, 5 card sheets, 4 maps, 11 stickers, 1 computer sheet, 1 matatabot sheet
*Use with "Matata Labo Pro Set".
*"Matata Lesson Sets 1 and 2" are products exclusively for educational institutions and corporations, and are not for sale to the general public. The curriculum for instructors (free of charge) is available only to educational institutions and corporations that have introduced the "Matata Lesson Set".
At the Childcare Expo West held in Osaka on July 6 and 7, 2021, we found a wonderful programming resource for young children. It is a STEAM and programming toy called "Matata Labo." The command blocks are large enough to handle and made of break-resistant plastic, and the stage where the programs are placed is large enough to be easily maneuvered. The product itself has been on the market since September of last year, but due to the Corona disaster, it was not until May of this year that we were able to handle the product on a full scale. Let's take a look at what kind of product it is, based on the release at the time of its launch.