DJI has launched a new ground drone that will teach kids how to code and program a robot. It’s called the RoboMaster S1 as a reference to RoboMasters, a robotic competition for students that the company is running in China since a few years. The small tank is equipped with a camera, 360-degrees wheels that give it a complete freedom of movement, and it can be controlled remotely via an app in FPV mode. Kids (and adults who will use their kids as an excuse to play with it) can also tinker around with Python or Scratch 3.0 code to make the RoboMaster S1 roam around on its own and perform special maneuvers.
Thanks to its computer vision software, the drone is able to recognize gestures and track objects, while its 31 sensors will help it map the environment around it. The small gun on top of it can also shot gel-beads projectiles, which can be used against other players in battle mode. The toy comes in a kit that the customers need to assemble together almost from scratch with the help of online guides and video tutorials. RoboMasters S1 will be available initially only in the U.S., China and Japan. Unfortunately the company hasn’t shared any news yet about the possibility of a European launch.