Sony to release programmable Toio cube robots for kids in March

Sony will make its Toio system for kids available in Japan on March 20. The system consists of small moving cube-shaped robots with controllers in the shape of a large ring. The cubes can work together, among other things.

In the video accompanying the announcement, Sony shows, among other things, that it is the intention that children cover the cubes with paper decorations or tools. A Toio set consists of two cubes of 32x32mm, a console in which the robots can be charged and cartridges can be inserted and two rings to operate the robots. The robots have RGB lighting, a three-axis gyroscope, a piezoelectric speaker and wheels on the bottom.

There is also a mat on which the robots can determine their position thanks to sensors, so that they can work together or compete with each other. The ring-shaped controller can be operated with a single hand, multiple hands or on the wrist and contains acceleration sensors. Also part of the system is a development environment, with which children can program movements. The cartridges provide various applications.

Sony will sell the set in its home country Japan from March 20 for 16,980 yen, which is converted and with VAT 165.55 euros. It is not yet known whether Toio will also be available outside of Japan, but there is already an English site with explanations.