LAS VEGAS -- An adorable new Fisher-Price caterpillar toy aims to teach kids the basics of coding.
The company is showing off at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show the Think & Learn Code-a-Pillar, a toy that teaches kids ages 3 to 8 problem solving and sequencing. By directing the caterpillar to move in a certain pattern, it reinforces skills associated with writing code.
The toy comes with eight segments which feature a unique command icon on its surface. Each command programs the Code-a-Pillar to move in a certain way (forward, left, right, spin, make a noise and so on). The segments hook together via a USB port and the kids can select the order.
Once the segments are connected and the start button is pressed, the Code-a-Pillar will take the programmed route. While there isn't any actual computer programming taking place, the bottomline concept is similar to coding.
The toy works as a standalone, and it also comes with a companion app that encourages users to partake in challenges or experiment with different patterns.
The toy is a part of a larger trend to introduce computer skills to a demographic at a very young age. For example, a board game called Robot Turtles recently has drawn attention for its method of teaching kids the basics of coding: the child has to "write code" by using directional cards for an adult to follow and get a cartoon turtle to a jewel.
The Code-a-Pillar will officially launch in Fall 2016 and cost $49.99 for the set of eight segments (additional segments will be sold separately for an unannounced price).