iRobot launches the Create 3 educational robot, based on the Roomba i3 series

iRobot, known for its Roomba robot vacuums, has revealed a new educational robot, the Create 3. The company has described the product as its “most capable developer platform to date”. Based on the Roomba i3 series, the robot has been designed to help people further their understanding of robotics.

According to iRobot, the kit provides developers with a lower-cost alternative to other products on the market. It’s also an out-of-the-box solution so that you can get started faster.

The robot is compatible with ROS 2, an industry-standard software that enables the communication between various robot components such as actuators, sensors and control systems. The device also comes with a Python Web Playground to let developers further enhance their coding skills. Alternatively, you can code using the iRobot Coding App.

You can connect to the Create 3 robot via Wi-Fi, Ethernet-over-USB host and Bluetooth. Like the Roomba i3, the robot has intelligent technology such as an optical floor tracking sensor and cliff detection, plus LED lights and a speaker.

The new product was announced as part of National Robotics Week. The iRobot founded celebration, which started on April 2, aims to “share the excitement of robotics with audiences of all ages”.

You can now buy the Create 3 in the US and Canada for US$299. iRobot said the kit would be available via authorized distributors in EMEA in the next few months. These stores include CreativeHUT in the UK and Lekolar in Scandinavia.

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