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Otto: A Coding Robot for Kids, Families, and Classrooms

June 2, 2021

Introducing Otto: a coding robot for kids and adults to learn programming, activate STEAM thinking, and discover the world of robotics.

Otto: the 3D Printable, DIY Coding Robot Kit for All Ages

Coding robot kits are bridges to the skills of tomorrow. The right coding robot will help you learn and practice programming, robotic assembly, and mechanical & electronic engineering. It can activate STEAM thinking & problem-solving skills, and make for exciting projects for all ages.

But what really makes a coding robot stand out from the competition? For some, it might be the functionality or complexity of the robot. Others might be looking for the right coding robot for the classroom, or for the right price tag. 

At Otto, we believe it’s all of the above and more that distinguishes our coding robot from the rest. Otto is a simple robot for beginners and experts alike to experience the world of robotics. You can assemble Otto with one of our Builder’s Kits, or opt to 3D print Otto’s external parts.

Bring Otto to life with simple or advanced coding languages (from Blockly, to Arduino, Python and more). You decide depending on your skill level and what programming language you believe best supports your coding robot.

Getting started with Otto coding robot kits

Getting started with Otto is easy. Otto’s line of robots come in Builder’s Kits (with everything you need for assembly), or Maker’s Kits (for 3D printing). 

In every Builder’s Kit, you receive all external parts, circuitry, boards, motors, and tools to construct your coding robot. There is no complicated engineering or soldering required, and easy-to-follow instruction manuals guide you through the process.

Otto Maker’s Kits exist for our 3D printing enthusiasts, hobbyists, and teachers. Completely open source, Otto is highly customizable. Change Otto’s appearance, choose your favorite colors, or expand on Otto with new sensors, motors, or functional parts.

Whatever you decide, the assembly process takes no more than 1-2 hours when you have all the parts of your coding robot. If choosing to 3D print Otto, add 8 hours (or less, with a high-end 3D printer). 

3D print and personalize Otto

For 3D printing Otto, our library of free .STL files includes all the resources you need for printing its external parts. 3D print everything from Otto’s head to its casing, arms, and legs. 

Want to add a custom antenna, extra sensors, or new body parts? 3D model and print custom components, or customize various design elements to give your Otto a truly unique personality. The possibilities for Otto are only limited by your imagination!

Need proof? Just scan all the latest submissions in Otto’s Remix Competition. Our community never ceases to amaze. In fact, they have been so active we’ve now made our Inventor’s Competition a permanent program. 

Who will be our next challenge winner? Maybe it’s you? Put your design and 3D printing skills to the test, and join the competition today.

Program Otto with beginner to advanced coding languages

After constructing your coding robot, you decide on the programming language that best fits your skills and your Otto.

Are you trying to learn how to code, or are you teaching beginner-level programming? Otto Blockly makes for a great introduction into the world of coding. This visual, block-based coding language allows users to learn programming in a fun, intuitive way. It also serves as a stepping stone to text-based programming, showing lines of Arduino (C/C++) alongside the visual blocks.

For more challenging projects, write code for Otto directly in Arduino, or deploy more advanced programming languages like Python. Borrow from our open source library of apps and functions in open development, or write your own unique programs for Otto to carry out.

Need some assistance coding? We have our own Otto Scratch AI ,providing help through artificial intelligence. With Scatch AI, even absolute beginners to coding can start programming like a professional developer. We even have online coding courses to get you started.

Remote control Otto via app on any Android or iOS device

Otto’s app for remote control runs via Bluetooth on any Android or iOS device, providing complete control over your robot. How the remote control works is simple. 

After you’ve downloaded the app and connected to Bluetooth, Otto is ready to come to life. The user interface shows Otto’s range of commands, and a selection of various dance steps. You can experiment with each command to find the perfect set of dance moves for Otto. 

Then, you have control over the robot’s speed, with commands to make Otto move through its routines faster or slower. You can also command the robot to beep, buzz, whir, and make its robot sounds during its processes.

This coding robot can even show emotion. Remote control Otto to command a range of gestures and responses. It can look excited, or scared. Otto can faint, or look enamored. It can get grumpy like everybody from time-to-time, or mimic your mood of the day. You decide.

Join Otto’s thriving Builders’ Community

Otto DIY is more than just a simple coding robot. We’re an active and thriving community of robot enthusiasts and hobbyists the world over. Join our Builders’ Community to collaborate and share, or simply to find inspiration on your next project.

Need help getting started? Maybe you’d like to introduce robotics in the classroom? We also have Otto Academy with resources on everything from design to building, programming, and customization. 

Want to discover more? Contact Otto with any questions you might have. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram. Keep track of Otto’s adventures, and get all the latest news on our coding robot for all ages.