Pyxel™ - Your Interactive Robot Pet

Many of today’s children will grow up in a world filled with coding, computers, and AI-powered technology. 

And while many parents still think of coding as long strings of complicated text typed into a computer, modern coding for children is a whole other kettle of fish. 

Today, children can learn coding using visual block-based languages like Python, Blockly, and Scratch, making the whole process far more intuitive and beginner-friendly. Each block is a button with its own function. For example, one might say “Move Forward.” All the complicated computer code that actually controls the movement is hidden behind the block, so children can focus on logic, sequences, and problem-solving instead of typing tricky code themselves.

The adorable, tail-wagging Pyxel is a playful introduction to block coding. Your child uses an app to control the robot dog by building one command after another into simple coding sequences. The command blocks can say things like “Move Forward,” “Wag Tail,” “Spin,” “Puppy Eyes,” “Sit,” or “Pee,” and the blocks snap together like puzzle pieces to create fun little coding routines for Pyxel to follow. 

The app is designed to feel intuitive and playful, with colour-coded coding blocks that help children quickly learn how different commands work together. Your child will quickly get the hang of building different command sequences and experimenting with new combinations. And once they’ve mastered the basics of block coding, Pyxel becomes a wonderfully entertaining digital pet to code, train, and play with for hours on end. 

Another brilliant feature is that Pyxel only needs internet access during the initial setup. Once the Wi-Fi connection between Pyxel and your child’s tablet, phone, or computer has been established, there’s no need to stay online. So instead of disappearing down random internet rabbit holes, your child can stay focused on coding, experimenting, and playful learning with Pyxel.

Like most coding toys, Pyxel works best with a little grown-up help while your child learns the ropes.

Features: 

• Pyxel can learn more than 30 different tricks
• Pyxel can both bark and meow — the perfect little cat-and-dog combo
• Pyxel’s facial expressions and reactions can be coded too
• Touch sensors let Pyxel react to cuddles and pats
• Sound sensors help Pyxel respond to sounds around it
• Programmable LED lights with different settings
• Programmable, wagging tail
• Pyxel’s facial expressions can be coded and customised
• The different commands can be combined in thousands of ways, giving your child a playful, hands-on introduction to controlling a robot through block coding
• Once your child has created a coding sequence in the app, it can be activated using a button on the Code Activator. Up to 6 different coding sequences can be saved in advance and triggered one after another. 
• The set includes a USB-C cable, a Code Activator for launching coding sequences, Pyxel itself, and a quick-start guide to help you get coding straight away. 
• The guide includes a QR code that makes it quick and easy to find, download, and get started with the app your child will use with Pyxel.
• If your child needs a little inspiration in the beginning, there are lots of helpful videos on YouTube and elsewhere showing fun coding sequences to try with Pyxel.
• The Code Activator requires 2 AAA batteries (not included).
• Playing with Pyxel introduces your child (and perhaps you too) to coding with Python and Blockly.

This activity supports essential skills which are great for your child's well-being and ability to learn new things:

• Strengthens logical skills and abilities.
• Strengthens your child's sense of cause-effect. It gives your child a sense of safety when they're able to predict outcomes and understand their world.

Suitable for children aged 8 yrs. to 11 yrs.

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, and the term covers a variety of play and activities which mix learning and play with an interdisciplinary approach. Also, playing with STEM-based toys and tools strengthens your child's understanding of science.

Do you know Learning Resources?

Providing children with materials that make learning fun is essential for Learning Resources - as their name suggests.

In particular, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) is at the centre at Learning Resources. For example, your child can learn to explore and experiment, build robots, and learn to code. For educators and teachers, Learning Resources is a learning goldmine. Coding dinosaurs, sorting animals, and math games can really be a breath of fresh air in the classroom.

See our selection from Learning Resources here.