Codey Rocky is a next-generation programming education robot developed by Makeblock, which is supported by more than 25,000 educators in over 140 countries and locations worldwide. It is especially designed to help children intuitively understand the concepts of AI (Artificial Intelligence) and IoT (Internet of Things), which are recent trends, as they play with it.
Product Overview
The exterior of the device has a familiar panda motif, but its contents are extremely sophisticated. The device consists of two units: Codey, a detachable controller that serves as the brain, and Rocky, a caterpillar-equipped mobile vehicle that handles the footwork. When combined with Rocky, Codey becomes a full-fledged robot that runs autonomously, making full use of its sensors.
The greatest invention is its affinity with mBlock, a dedicated software based on Scratch 3.0. This allows users to incorporate advanced AI functions such as “face recognition,” “voice translation,” and “emotion analysis” into their own programs simply by dragging and dropping blocks without having to memorize complex syntax.
Summary of key points
What is Codey Rocky?
- Innovative 2-in-1 construction: separable controller and tough caterpillar body.
- Gateway for AI and IoT learning: voice recognition and weather information can be obtained through cloud integration.
- Intuitive visual programming: Scratch-based “mBlock” for instant control, even for beginners.
- A bridge to Python: Blocks can be converted to Python code with a single click, helping students move up to intermediate and advanced levels.
good point
- Rich expressiveness: 128 LED dot matrix can project hundreds of different expressions and characters.
- Unparalleled sensor density: More than 10 different sensors, including light, sound, color, and gyro, are all available from the start without additional purchase.
- High compatibility: Crisp wireless operation not only from Windows/Mac, but also from iPads and Android tablets.
points of concern
- Network dependence: Advanced functions such as AI translation and voice recognition use cloud servers, so a stable Wi-Fi environment is essential.
- Maintenance requirements: While rubber caterpillars have good gripping power, they easily entangle dust and hair and require regular cleaning.
- Too much information: Because there are so many things that can be done, it is sometimes difficult to know where to start when touching without deciding on a purpose.
Users who may be suitable for
- Parents who would like to introduce “STEM education” at home: To help students acquire 21st-century skills (logical thinking and creativity).
- Students who want to experience how AI works: Students want to verify “what it can do” by actually running AI, not by textbook knowledge.
- Educators/workshop organizers: Robust, yet scalable, making it ideal as a teaching aid for programming classes.
rough conclusion
With Panda’s partner, you can take the first step toward becoming an ‘inventor’ who unravels the true nature of the latest technology.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Price: Actual sales around 15,000 yen to 18,000 yen. Considering the wide range of sensors, the investment is well worth it.
- What can it do?: facial expression creation, autonomous driving, music performance, AI image recognition, IoT smart home experience, and Python learning.
- Which operating systems are supported?: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome OS, and almost all other environments.
- Disadvantages: Because it is an overseas product, detailed manuals may be mainly online (including English).
- What about software updates?: The developer, Makeblock, frequently updates its cloud functionality, keeping you up to date with the latest AI technology.
What is the price?
Codey Rocky’s retail price ranges from 15,000 yen to 18,000 yen (including tax). At first glance, Codey Rocky may seem more expensive than toy robots that can be purchased for a few thousand yen, but inside the robot is an ESP32 chip, a high-precision gyro sensor, a color sensor, and other components. Considering the time and cost required to assemble these parts individually as electronic construction parts and, above all, the sophisticated software environment, the cost-performance of this device as an educational device is very good.
What exactly can you do?
Beginners can start with a program in which pressing Codey’s button makes the panda say “Hello! and its eyes turn into hearts. As you get used to it, you can use Rocky’s color sensor to create an autonomous car that “runs only on black lines (line tracing)” or uses an infrared sensor to “automatically avoid running into a wall”.
In the more advanced version, it is possible to develop an emotion detection program that captures your face with a PC camera and “Codey will be happy when you smile and glow red when you get angry,” or a practical IoT gadget that “sends a message to bring an umbrella if the chance of precipitation in Tokyo tomorrow is over 50%” via Wi-Fi. It is also possible to develop practical IoT gadgets.
Can an elementary school student use it by himself?
The manufacturer recommends ages 6 and up, but the best age to enjoy logical building is around 3rd grade in elementary school. The app includes a “Learning” mode, which allows users to learn programming step by step as if they were completing a game.
For younger children, parents need to assist with the initial Wi-Fi setup and app installation, but once connected, children can continue to play for several hours using only their flexible imagination.
How about maintenance and durability?
The main body is made of high-quality ABS resin, which is durable enough not to break even if it is dropped lightly from a desk. However, the caterpillar, which is the driving unit, is made of silicon rubber and tends to pick up debris on the floor. If you feel that the movement has become sluggish, simple care is necessary, such as removing the caterpillar and washing it in water or using tweezers to remove hair stuck inside.
The battery is a lithium polymer battery, so even if it is not used for a long period of time, recharging it once every few months will extend its life.
Specifications Summary
| (data) item | Detailed specifications |
| Product name | Codey Rocky |
| External dimensions | 102 × 95.4 × 103 mm (compact size that fits in the palm of your hand) |
| weight | Approx. 450g (moderate weight and stable running) |
| main chip | ESP32 (Wi-Fi/Bluetooth support, high-speed processing possible) |
| Input sensor (Codey) | IR receiver, 6-axis gyro/acceleration, light sensor, sound sensor, potentiometer, 3 buttons |
| Input sensor (Rocky) | IR transmitter, color sensor, IR proximity sensor |
| output device | 16 x 8 LED dot matrix (for facial expressions), speaker, RGB LED indicators |
| Power supply/charging | 3.7V 950mAh lithium polymer battery / Micro USB charging |
| Continuous operating time | About 1.5 to 2 hours (can be about 60 minutes when using many sensors) |
| Languages Supported | Visual Programming (mBlock 5) / Python (text) |
| communication protocol | Bluetooth 4.0 or higher, USB, Wi-Fi (for IoT cloud connection) |
| compatibility | Can be physically combined with LEGO Technic parts, etc. |
Reviews (Word of mouth)
Good Reviews
“I bought this for my 8 year old son, but as it turns out, I (the parent), who has no programming experience, am also hooked on it with him. What is especially wonderful is the ‘sense of substance’ of the robot in front of me when I transfer the blocks I made on the PC screen and the robot moves as it should. I had my doubts about programming education that is completed only on the screen, but Codey Rocky is connected to the real world through sensors, so my child understands much faster. I was very impressed.”
“We have introduced this robot in an educational setting and it is very fast to set up compared to conventional robots. The wireless communication is stable, and it is helpful that it is hard to get mixed up even if the whole class is connected via Bluetooth at the same time. Also, the ability to generate Python code in real time in the window on the right after building logic in Scratch is the best tool to lower the psychological hurdle to text coding. The kids gain confidence knowing that the blocks they put together are actually ‘professional code’.”
Neutral and Dissatisfied Reviews
“The thing itself is 100 points, but the online manual and tutorial in Japanese are a little hard to find. The official application is in Japanese, but sometimes the translation is questionable. Also, the calibration of the color sensor on the Rocky side can be off depending on the light, so fine-tuning is required to get the line trace to run perfectly. This is good for those who can see this as a ‘trial and error learning experience,’ but if you expect perfect RC, you may have a little trouble.”
“This is a problem due to its very versatility, but the built-in 950mAh battery may not last an hour when the Wi-Fi and all sensors are fully operational. When used in class, the battery needs to be recharged frequently during breaks. Also, since the AI voice recognition relies on the cloud, in some cases it was necessary to open ports and other settings in the school’s strictly secured Wi-Fi environment. I don’t think this is a problem for home use, but care should be taken in choosing the right environment.”
comprehensive evaluation
Codey Rocky is the best educational robot available today, combining “unparalleled accessibility to the latest technology” with “high scalability”. Aside from the quality of the hardware, the most notable feature is the evolution of the “mBlock” software.
The plug-in includes functions that can be linked to Google’s machine learning engine, etc., providing a moment when the child can realize that “my robot has intelligence! This provides a moment when a child can feel that “my robot has intelligence! Although it requires some time and effort to set up the network and maintenance, it is a true educational tool that goes beyond a mere toy and teaches children the joy of working with machines.
Comparison with the talking cat-shaped robot “Mia
| Comparison items | Codey Rocky | Mia (cat-shaped robot) |
| Main Purpose | Acquisition of logical thinking and programming techniques | Healing of the mind and daily communication |
| interface | LED dot (symbol/letter), mechanical | LCD eyes (over 100 different expressions), plush |
| interaction | Obey “orders” written by the user. | AI speaks to you in autonomous “dialects”. |
| price range | 15,000-18,000 yen | 9,800 yen (tax included) ~ |
| customizability | Infinity (sensor linkage and structural modification) | Ability to change personality and dialect settings. |
| Suitable installation location | Study desk, large floor (for moving) | Corner of the desk, under the pillow (for snuggling) |
| Usage Image | Focused “dynamic learning | A “symbiosis of stillness” that heals at a moment’s notice |
Key points of comparison: Mia emphasizes “warmth that accompanies daily life. With its unique Japanese dialect of speech and affordable price of less than 10,000 yen, it is a suitable choice for those who want to easily incorporate everyday healing and familiarity into their daily lives.
👇 Talking cat-shaped robot “Mia” that speaks 47 dialects nationwide
summary
Codey Rocky is highly recommended for those with the following expectations
- I want them to think about “what to create with programming” instead of “learning programming.”
- I want people to understand the terms AI and IoT from a mechanism, not a black box.
- I want to develop great basic skills to become an engineer or creator in the future.
If your child (or yourself) wants to be freer and more active with technology, Codey Rocky will meet your expectations 120% of the time. On the other hand, if you are looking for a partner who will be a gentle presence in your life and who can say a few kind words, then Mia, the cat-shaped robot, will fulfill that role. Codey Rocky is for logic and creativity, and Mia is for emotion and healing. Why not welcome the one best suited to your lifestyle and educational policy?
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