October 24, 2014 (Powerhomebiz.net) PCS Edventures Inc. expanded into the retail market on Monday with a new robotics product known as RiQTM: Robotics Intelligent Quotient, an ArduinoTM compatible robot that ships with various sensors, DC motors, fischertechnikTMbuilding elements, and the PCS Brain™ robotic microcontroller. A powerful feature of the robot is the cross platform programming environment, known as the Cortex™, that allows anyone to program the robot on Windows and Apple computers as well as on tablets running iOS or Android. The PCS Cortex is one of the first programming environments to enable wireless programming on tablet devices creating a low cost platform for robotic students and hobbyists. Alternatively for classroom use, the Discover Robotics curriculum and robotics kit allows children to have a standardized system that can be implemented district-wide in an instant.
Discover Robotics and RiQ directly address the needs in the American education system for integrating STEAM education into existing school curricula. Andrew Brooks of Brookline’s Beaver Country Day School, and MIT PhD holder, admitted they are currently trying to implement engineering education in every grade level. Across the nation robotics is seen as the way of the future to engage children, while communicating key engineering skills. News stories have been widespread recently on implementing this knowledge into schools, and now a cost-effective and complete system can be purchased and instituted complete with curriculum. While RiQ is most applicable to the home and maker community, the Discover Robotics package is prepared and ready for classrooms.
RiQ, the new robotic learning sensation from PCS Edventures features lights, sensors, motors, and other elements to inspire and engage students in STEAM topics.
Robert Grover, PCS CEO, said “The entire EdventuresLab staff has done a remarkable job launching this retail offering for the coming holiday season. They have developed an exciting way for kids to learn real programming skills at home or in the classroom using one of the most exciting and engaging learning tools – a robot! Over the past six months I have had the pleasure of watching students work with the prototypes of this product and saw it evolve into its final polished form. For our shareholders, I am very pleased to see a revenue generating channel coming online that will help offset what is typically a slow time of year for our institutional sales.”
While products in the robotic kit market have various elements of the PCS solutions, these kits are the first that integrates seamlessly with existing materials such as LEGOTM and fishertechnikTM, while having optional onboard mounts for wood or steel. The onboard PCS Brain™ is a modified Arduino Uno design that includes a high powered motor shield for driving DC motors and servos, built-in speaker, LED indicators, Bluetooth modules for multiple platforms, and easy to use cables and connectors that make getting started with robotics easy. It also makes it easy for advanced users to migrate into the more complex coding environment of the Arduino IDE, also Bluetooth enabled for the RiQ system.
RiQ and Discover Robotics take full advantage of in-class tablets, allowing kids to control and program from either iOS or Android based tablets wirelessly. Programming and control can also be achieved through Windows and Mac direct connections.
The exciting part of these new products is that they are easy enough for the classroom setting, but powerful enough that hobbyists want to get their hands on the PCS Brain™ which has been designed to offer far more than other ArduinoTM compatible robotics kits on the market. These robotics solutions have the power to usher in a standardization that doesn’t currently exist, much like when iMac’s were first brought into schools in the early 2000’s. These robotic learning solutions will be ubiquitous among classrooms, makers, and homes teaching the next generation how to build, the next generation.
Curriculum for Grades 4-8 is included in Discover Robotics. Shown here, one student uses a tablet to easily program the robot.
Hobbyists, Home Educators, and Makers see RiQ at the following URL:
http://riqrobot.edventureslab.com
Educators, See the PCS Discover Robotics solution at the following URL:
http://www.edventures.com/discoverrobotics
About PCS Edventures!
PCS Edventures!.com, Inc. (PCS) designs and delivers educational products and services to the K-16 market that develop 21st century skills and is celebrating it’s 25th year. PCS programs emphasize hands-on experiences in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) and have been deployed at over 7,000 sites in all 50 United States and 17 foreign countries. Additional information on our STEM products is available at http://www.edventures.com.
PCS Edventures is headquartered in Boise, Idaho, and its common stock is listed on the OTC Markets under the symbol “PCSV.”
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934, actual results could differ materially from such statements.
Contact Information
Investor Contact: Robert Grover 1.800.429.3110, robert@edventures.com
Investor Relations Web Site: www.edventures.com/investors