[embot+ Review] Cardboard Starts Talking? An In-Depth Explanation of the Next-Generation Robot Kit That Has Evolved

embot+ is the latest model of a robot kit for programming education developed by “e-Craft,” which was born out of NTT DoCoMo’s new business creation program. Its most distinctive feature is that the robot’s body is made of “familiar cardboard. Unlike commercially available finished robot toys, the process of assembling, decorating, and creating a one-of-a-kind original robot by the user is at the core of learning.

Product Overview: What is embot+?

The basic structure consists of core electronic parts (main board, servo motors, LEDs, etc.) housed in a special cardboard case. This model, a major update from the previous “embot,” is equipped with a new speaker, which allows the robot to speak any language and sound effects through programming. This adds not only “movement” but also “voice” as a new means of expression, making it possible to develop more emotional robots.

The programming environment uses a dedicated application. Five levels are available, from the “block type” for beginners to the “flowchart type” for learning full-scale algorithms. This tool is a milestone in modern STEAM education, combining the analog creativity of crafts with the digital logical thinking of programming.

embot+（エムボットプラス）

plus.embot.jp

Summary of key points

What is embot+?

• Fusion of craftwork and programming: A self-made kit to shape a robot from scratch, using familiar cardboard as a material.
• Addition of a talking function: The long-awaited speaker allows users to direct with their own recorded or synthesized voices.
• Unparalleled expandability: Enhanced connection ports allow simultaneous control of up to three sensors or motors, each sold separately.
• Versatile device support: Can be operated not only on iOS/Android tablets, but also on PCs and Chromebooks through the browser version.

good point

• Customizability without limits: The cardboard material allows children’s fantasies to take shape, such as combining candy boxes and empty cans.
• Learning design that doesn’t let students fall behind: Five levels allow students from preschoolers to junior high school students to challenge themselves according to their individual level of proficiency.
• Trial and error” without fear of failure: Unlike expensive precision robots, the sense of security of being able to “fix it” with scissors and tape encourages proactive modification.

points of concern

• Fate of paper material: Since the body is made of cardboard, the joints tend to sag easily after prolonged use or intense play.
• Importance of battery management: Since running the system at full capacity consumes a lot of power, the use of an AC adapter is recommended for stable learning.
• Unique ecosystem: Due to the unique format of the application specifications, a separate learning curve is required when migrating to general languages such as Python in the future.

Users who may be suitable for

• Loves to make things! Elementary school students: Curious children who are immersed in crafts and want to “move them around” even more.
• Parents who want to foster science-based thinking: Those who want their children to understand programming “concepts” not only on the screen but also through physical movement.
• For those looking for a topic for free research: High-quality presentations are possible on the three axes of craft design, assembly ingenuity, and program logic.

rough conclusion

embot+ is a “hands-on creative kit that allows children to give physical form to their rich imagination and breathe ‘life’ (intelligence and voice) into the crafts they create.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the price?

The MSRP for the starter kit is 9,680 yen (including tax). The price has increased by about 3,000 yen from the previous model, but considering its evolution as an educational device, with a speaker unit as standard equipment, additional sensor expansion ports, and a new circuit board with even greater stability, it offers more value than its price.

What kind of robots exactly will you be able to make?

Starting with a basic humanoid robot, depending on the programming, you can create practical tools such as “a guard dog robot that greets you when you approach,” “a nightlight that glows when it gets dark,” and “an alarm clock that shouts at a set time. Depending on the programming, you can also try your hand at mechanical creations that focus on physical structures, such as a “four-legged walking monster” or an “automatic guided vehicle that distributes candy.

What operating systems and devices are supported?

Currently supported are iOS (13-18), Android (8.0 or higher), Chromebooks (Chrome OS), and Windows (via the latest browsers such as Microsoft Edge), covering almost all environments popular in educational settings and at home. We recommend using a tablet device with a large screen size and intuitive operation for the most effective learning experience.

What is the biggest difference between your previous work, “EMBOT”?

The biggest difference is in “expressiveness” and “number of connections.” The embot+ can emit “words” and “sounds” directly from the main unit, enabling narrative programming. In addition, the input/output ports have been enhanced, and in addition to the standard two servo motors, optional sensors (temperature, humidity, distance, etc.) and up to three additional motors can be added, making it possible to build more complex and large-scale systems.

Is there anything that needs to be prepared separately at home?

Four AAA alkaline batteries are required to power the kit. In addition, basic stationery such as cutters, scissors, glue, and double-sided tape, as well as decoration materials such as colored pens, masking tape, aluminum foil, and empty boxes, will allow for an unlimited range of fun.

Will it be evaluated as a free research project for school?

It will be evaluated very highly. The students can present not only “I made a kit,” but also “Why did I make it move this way (programming intention),” “What modifications did I make to the design (design innovations),” and “How did I improve the failed parts (debugging process)” in a summary. This is an excellent teaching material as proof of logical thinking.

Specifications Summary

Details of Reviews (Word of Mouth)

Opinions based on real-life experiences were extracted from official reviews, social networking sites, and feedback from educators in Japan and abroad.

Good rating (points of satisfaction)

• A child’s creativity explodes. “At first, the robot followed the instructions, but a week later, it merged with a box of tissues and became a giant monster. With expensive plastic robots, I would have said, ‘Don’t do it, it will break,’ but this is cardboard. The biggest advantage is that I can keep modifying it without fear of failure.” (Source: embot official store Customer Review )
• Voice gives it a “personality. “Now that it has a speaker, it can record and play back its own voice. Just by the robot saying ‘good night’ in its own voice, it seems to become not just a machine but an irreplaceable best friend to the child. The emotional connection it creates has increased retention in learning.” (Source: Amazon.co.jp embot+ sales page Review )
• Highly complete as a programming education. “The design is excellent, with the levels finely divided from 1 to 5. At first, you line up icons with your fingers. At the end, you can easily move up to a flowchart format that makes full use of complex variables and conditional branching. Since the flow of logic is visible, I learned on my own without my parents having to teach me.” (Source: Excerpt from e-Craft official user survey results )

Areas for improvement/issues (points of concern)

• Complaints about battery drain and contact. “When running multiple motors at full capacity, even with new dry cell batteries, you may feel underpowered after a few hours. If I were going to do serious programming, I should have bought a set of AC adapters (sold separately) from the start to avoid the hassle of replacing batteries.” (Source: Rakuten Books Product Review )
• Wear and tear of cardboard joints. “I was so engrossed in crafting that I repeatedly disassembled and reassembled the parts, and the cardboard inserts became too stiff. I can fix it by reinforcing it with cardboard and masking tape, but I wish spare parts for the joints were more cheaply distributed.” (Source: Reddit r/robotics submission thread )
• Instability of Bluetooth connection. “In an environment with many other electronic devices around, pairing sometimes breaks down. Restarting the app solves the problem, but I would like to see the connection stabilized, as once the focus is lost, it can be demotivating for the child.” (Source: Google Play Store App Review )

Overall Evaluation: Attractiveness and Challenges of embot+

The true value of embot+ lies not in manipulating the finished product, but in the cycle of “daring to break the finished product and rebuild it. The use of inexpensive, ubiquitous cardboard for the body allows for a freedom of thought that eclipses physical constraints.

The durability of materials, which is often cited as a challenge, can also be an opportunity to learn “maintenance needs” from a different perspective. Reinforcing with cellophane tape, fixing with bond, and sometimes cutting parts out of a new empty box. Through this experience of “fixing things with our own hands,” we learn to recognize technology not as a black box, but as an object that we can control. This is the greatest educational asset that embot+ offers.

Comparison with the talking cat-shaped robot “Mia

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 incorporate everyday healing and familiarity easily.

👇 Talking cat-shaped robot “Mia” that speaks 47 dialects nationwide

【公式】ミーア | 全国47の方言を話すおしゃべり猫型ロボット

mia-cat.com

Summary: Definition of target audience

Ultimately, we can confidently recommend embot+ to families who

• Children who have a strong desire to “make something with their own hands! Children who have a strong desire to “make something with their own hands!
• Parents who want their children to enjoy learning programming as “an extension of crafts,” rather than just classroom learning.
• Those who are looking for a “one-of-a-kind, personalized partner” that cannot be found in ready-made products.

If you want to skip the hassle of assembly and learning and just enjoy chatting with a warm partner that is complete from the start, then the cat-shaped robot Mia, which speaks the dialects of all 47 prefectures in Japan, is a strong candidate. However, if you want to awaken your child’s “talent as a developer,” do not hesitate to pick up an embot+.

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