Coding
Marty the Robot
Kids program a walking, dancing humanoid robot, starting with simple commands and moving on to blocks and Python.
Marty is a small humanoid robot that walks, dances, waves and kicks on command. Robotical lays out several ways in. The youngest seem to begin with unplugged sequencing games and the Marty Controller, lining up moves like step forward, turn and wave. Blocks Jr brings icon-based coding, and the full Blocks mode, based on Scratch, adds loops, sensors and a first look at machine learning. Older kids can switch to Python for finer control over each motor and sensor. Watching the robot perform exactly the routine a child coded, or topple because a step went missing, looks like a vivid lesson in cause and effect. Judging by the examples, kids also choreograph group dances and invent games around Marty’s reactions. The publisher talks about learners from four through to older teens, so it seems built to grow alongside a family.
- Ages
- Ages 4+
- Works on
- Web browser; Windows app; macOS app; ChromeOS app; iPad app; Android app
- Topics
- Coding, Making, Movement
- Languages
- English
- Listed
- 2026-10-18
What kids do
- Line up a walk with the Marty Controller
- Choreograph a dance routine in Blocks
- Use sensors so Marty reacts to touch
- Write Python to drive each motor
Who it suits
Ages 4+. The publisher provides this age guidance.
Notes for parents
Robotical, the Edinburgh company behind Marty, offers its app on Chromebooks, Windows, Mac, iPad and Android tablets, as well as on the web.
What you need
- Marty the Robot
- Computer, Chromebook or tablet
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- Tynker Junior: Coding for Kids: Picture commands, voiceovers and themed adventures that introduce sequencing, loops and conditions.