Vortex - A New Robot Teaches Kids About Coding (Single Pack)

SKU: ROB0129 Brand: DFRobot

Retired Product

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This product has been retired. It is no longer available, but this page has been kept for reference.

Introduction

 

Vortex is a revolutionary product for children. It is a smart and responsive robot that kids can play with and program. Using the Vortex and apps, kids can play different games, learn about robotics, and even create their own.
 
 

Take Vortex out of the box, pair it to smartphones (iOS & Android) via Bluetooth, and it is ready to run. The inbuilt computer and sensors keeps Vortex moving around, letting you maneuver it by simply tapping the screen, and interacting with various commands and game objects. Vortex features four pre-installed games: Bumping Fight; Virtual Golf, Driving, and Robot Soccer, all designed to be fun and intuitive to play. You can play against other people or the AI.
 
 



Two or more robots compete in a head-to-head match following the basic rules of traditional sumo matches. Each Vortex will keep rotating and dart forward when button is pressed. The sole purpose is a pushing match between players to force others out of the arena, and the last one who stays in the arena will be the winner. The fun really begins in the chaos mode where players can choose to fight in alliance or solo.
 
 



Do you want to practice golf with a robot? This application provides a user interface to play and record your shots during your practice as if you were in a golf course. Change golf clubs by hitting according to instructions. You can see your hits simultaneously with Vortex as the moving ball. At the end of the game, players are awarded points based on performance, and they can share and compete with other players.
 



Turn your home into Daytona, Silverstone, or even Dakar Rally. Driving features a continuously expanding tracks, 4 uniquely tuned Vortex racers, and over 50 props. Instead of stimulating driving experience in the software, this game comes with Real-Time Sensing, Time Trials, Ghost Challenges, and innovative Augmented Reality technology, allowing you to race anyone, anytime, anywhere.
 



Take part in the most immersive robot soccer game and show that you are the best on the pitch. Team up with your friends, take control of your robot player and defend the goal. Starting with a rookie, you’ll need to improve your handling and tactics and to compete against others for the championship. The game can be played with 2 to 22 players at the same time.
 

We believe kids can benefit a lot from robotics, in identifying their own challenges, learning how stuff works, solving new problems, motivating themselves to complete a project, working together, inspiring others, and sharing with others. That’s why we created Vortex to be more than just a toy.
 

Vortex is open-source. It is compatible with Arduino and Scratch. It can see and speak by using infrared, grayscale and sound speakers. Vortex can find its way around obstacles, detect lines, and report to you.
 

Vortex is programmable, and to do it you only need an iPad. Creating a dodgeball game is as simple as dragging and dropping couple of function modules into a visual workspace and tapping upload. Vortex also comes with pre-set courses that teach how to make use of its built-in capabilities, such as recognizing hand gestures, navigating around obstacles and avoiding drop-offs.
 
 
A robot, powered by Arduino/Scratch

A game

A piece of moving music  

A puppet show  

A tank  

A vacuum cleaner  

A moving camera  

A dog feeder/annoyer  

Pretty much anything else, because Vortex is open source!
 
 

1. Play engaging games anytime, anywhere  

2. Be creative and invent: Vortex is completely open source, modify it in any way you like

3. Simple steps, graphical programming, and instant play  

4. Personalize your robot: You decide what your Vortex will look like  

5. Sleek, cute, harmless: a perfect gift for your loved ones
 

This product is listed in:

Retired

Product Comments

Exact shipping can be calculated on the view cart page (no login required).

Products that weigh more than 0.5 KG may cost more than what's shown (for example, test equipment, machines, >500mL liquids, etc).

We deliver Australia-wide with these options (depends on the final destination - you can get a quote on the view cart page):

  • $3+ for Stamped Mail (typically 10+ business days, not tracked, only available on selected small items)
  • $6+ for Standard Post (typically 6+ business days, tracked)
  • $10+ for Express Post (typically 2+ business days, tracked)
  • Pickup - Free! Only available to customers who live in the Newcastle region (must order online and only pickup after we email to notify you the order is ready). Orders placed after 2PM may not be ready until the following business day.

Non-metro addresses in WA, NT, SA & TAS can take 2+ days in addition to the above information.

Some batteries (such as LiPo) can't be shipped by Air. During checkout, Express Post and International Methods will not be an option if you have that type of battery in your shopping cart.

International Orders - the following rates are for New Zealand and will vary for other countries:

  • $11+ for Pack and Track (3+ days, tracked)
  • $16+ for Express International (2-5 days, tracked)

If you order lots of gear, the postage amount will increase based on the weight of your order.

Our physical address (here's a PDF which includes other key business details):

Unit 18, 132 Garden Grove Parade
Adamstown
NSW, 2289
Australia

Take a look at our customer service page if you have other questions such as "do we do purchase orders" (yes!) or "are prices GST inclusive" (yes they are!). We're here to help - get in touch with us to talk shop.

Have a product question? We're here to help!

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