Robots are so hot right now, and nothing can beat the feeling of cuddling a soft plush. So what do you get when you put the two together? Octobo, the first-of-its-kind plush robot.
Making its debut at CES 2020 this week, educational technology (edtech) startup Thinker-Tinker Inc. introduced the general availability of its octopus plush learning robot.
“Thinker-Tinker has exhibited unique skills in leveraging technology, software, and understanding of the consumer segments that can benefit from their method of smart integration,” said Ken Blakeslee, chairman at WebMobility Ventures, in a statement. “Octobo is a multimedia platform integrated into a plush toy — an Octopus — with sensors all over it, combined with games, content, apps, and storybooks plus interactive pieces to show and give to Octobo. It is, in fact, a platform for many applications [in which] human touch and cognitive association are an important element of learning, therapy, leisure, or entertainment.”
Octobo was designed to improve motor and social interaction skills through innovative sensory technology and is compatible with tablets up to 8 inches. Octobo uses interactive storytelling and a companion educational app, titled Octobo Storytime Play, to highlight different learning lessons. The robot was created to change screen time, focus on play, and introduce interactive and dynamic content — all in a soft and cuddly animal for kids.
Octobo is available now in two varieties, the standard pack and the advanced pack. The standard pack, ideal for babies ages 0-3 years, includes the plush robot, six interactive tokens, and the Underwater Adventure story kit. The advanced pack expands the starter pack challenge for kids ages 3-7 with a letter-search game and comes with 26 story tokens, a new storybook, and eight educational games. The storybook app is available via iTunes and Google Play stores.
