Anki Cozmo — Specs & Review
Specifications
| Brand | Anki |
|---|---|
| Model | Cozmo |
| Year | 2016 |
| Category | Companion, Educational |
| Autonomy | fully-autonomous |
| Environment | indoor |
| Price (USD) | $149–$199 |
Key features
- 4.3" x 0.9 lb dimensions
- 30 fps VGA camera
- 128 x 64 LCD display
- 1 GHz ARM Cortex-A9 processor
- 4 motors, 50+ gears
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- Compatible with iOS/Android
- Includes charging dock, 3 Power Cubes
What is it?
Cozmo is a small, interactive robot developed by Anki, launched in 2016. Designed as a companion and educational tool, Cozmo engages users with its expressive LCD screen "face," built-in wheels, and a range of sensors and cameras. It can move around, interact with its environment, and be programmed using Code Lab, a graphical interface based on Scratch Blocks. (ankibots.wiki)
Who is it for?
Cozmo is tailored for children aged 8 and above, serving as both a toy and an educational device. It offers a fun and engaging way to learn coding and robotics through interactive play and programming challenges. (support.anki.bot)
Key specs
- Dimensions: Approximately 4.6 x 4.2 x 2.7 inches (11.8 x 10.7 x 6.9 cm)
- Weight: 1.56 pounds (0.71 kg)
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon
- Battery Life: 60–90 minutes per charge
- Charging Time: 20–30 minutes
- Camera: 30 fps VGA
- Sensors: Facial recognition, touch sensors
- Mobility: Treads for movement
- Display: 128 x 64 resolution facial screen
- Audio: Built-in speaker
How it compares
When compared to its successor, Vector, Cozmo is more focused on interactive play and learning coding through short sessions. Vector, released in 2018, offers more advanced features such as voice recognition, autonomous navigation, and the ability to respond to commands, making it more suitable for users seeking a robot that can assist with tasks like setting timers or checking the weather. (support.anki.bot)
In comparison to other educational robots like Sphero's Bolt, Cozmo offers a more personalized experience with its expressive face and interactive games, while Sphero Bolt focuses on programmable robotics and STEM education.
Limitations
- Connectivity: Requires a direct Wi-Fi connection to function.
- Facial Recognition: May not always accurately recognize faces.
- App Dependency: Heavily reliant on the Cozmo app for interaction and programming.
- Support: Anki ceased operations in 2019, which may affect long-term support and availability of updates. (axios.com)
Despite these limitations, Cozmo remains a charming and engaging robot that offers a unique blend of play and learning opportunities.
FAQ
What programming languages can I use to code Cozmo?
Cozmo can be programmed using the Cozmo SDK, which supports Python. This allows users to create custom behaviors and interactions for the robot.
Does Cozmo require an internet connection to function?
Yes, Cozmo operates via Wi-Fi and requires a continuous internet connection to interact with the Cozmo app and perform its functions.
Can Cozmo recognize multiple users?
Cozmo utilizes facial recognition to identify and remember individual users, allowing it to interact differently with each person.
Is Cozmo suitable for children?
Cozmo is designed for users aged 8 and up, offering an engaging way to learn coding and robotics through interactive play.
What is included in the Cozmo package?
The Cozmo package includes the robot, a charging dock, and three interactive Power Cubes for play and programming.