Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google


Marty the Robot Gets Makeover

  • By Dian Schaffhauser
  • 10/22/19

Marty the Robot Gets Makeover

Robotical, an Edinburgh, UK robotics company that introduced "Marty" in 2016 as a STEM learning tool, has announced a second-generation version that comes with new resources for the classrooms. "Marty 2.0," like the original one, is described as a walking robot that can be built and programmed by students. The new version is scheduled to ship in early 2020.

Marty includes WiFi connectivity, nine controllable motors and several sensors. Students can program the robot with Scratch, Python, JavaScript and ROS (an open source operating system for robots). The new edition will offer:

  • Sound and speech capabilities;

  • Improved sensors for proximity detection;

  • "Smart servos" that allow Marty to be "poseable," enabling users to teach Marty movements by moving him around;

  • A modular expansion interface;

  • A learning platform

Marty 1.0 was WiFi-compliant; Marty 2 will include WiFi as well as Bluetooth and USB compatibility. While the current version was charged with a nine-volt cable, the new one can be charged with USB C fast-charging.

Marty the Robot Gets Makeover

While the original Marty was expected to take three to four hours to build and was recommended for students 14 and older, the newer edition will take about an hour to put together and is suggested for students 10 and older. (With simplified build variants, it's also suitable for those 7 and older, according to the company.)

Teachers will gain access to lesson plans, teacher training and extra support, all workable with laptop, tablet and iPad.

About the Author

Dian Schaffhauser is a former senior contributing editor for 1105 Media's education publications THE Journal, Campus Technology and Spaces4Learning.

Featured

  • teacher holding laptop in the class at school

    80% of Teachers Are Using AI Tools in the Classroom

    In a recent survey by PreK-12 marketplace TPT, 80% of educators reported using generative AI tools in their classrooms. The majority (58%) said they use AI regularly or occasionally, while 22% have tried it once or twice.

  • kids using laptops in a classroom

    Kiddom Intros AI-Powered Tool for Differentiated Instruction

    Digital curriculum platform Kiddom has introduced Kiddom Atlas, an AI-powered tool that analyzes student work and prepares differentiated instructional materials aligned to the next day's lesson.

  • SXSW EDU

    SXSW EDU 2026: Discover How to Incorporate Technology with Impact

    With the proliferation of AI and advanced technology, education leaders have an opportunity to find and implement the right solutions to make a difference for learners. This March 9-12, SXSW EDU 2026 is your chance to discover innovative edtech, connect with trailblazing peers, and find strategies that make an impact.

  • tool icons with variety of business icons

    SETDA Releases Free EdTech Quality Action Toolkit

    The State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA) has put together a free K-12 EdTech Quality Action Toolkit that provides a framework for evaluating education technology products as well as guidance on regulatory compliance, templates for communicating with vendors, training resources, and more.