iRobot Root RT1 — Specs & Review
Specifications
| Brand | iRobot |
|---|---|
| Model | Root RT1 |
| Year | 2021 |
| Category | Educational |
| Autonomy | semi-autonomous |
| Environment | indoor |
| Price (USD) | $199–$229 |
| Weight | 0.34 kg |
| Dimensions | 13cm L × 13cm W × 3.2cm H |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth |
| Works with | iOS, Android, Chromebook |
| Rating | 4.6/5 (1124 reviews) |
| Country of origin | US |
Key features
- Drives on whiteboards (magnetic), floors, and any surface
- 3-level coding progression — blocks through Python/Swift
- Integrated marker holder — draws while programming
- Developed by Harvard Wyss Institute
- Single robot covers K-12 full curriculum
- Root Coding app with CSTA-aligned curriculum
- Sold via edu.irobot.com
What is it?
iRobot Root RT1 is a pedagogically exceptional K-12 coding robot — the only robot that drives on both floors and vertical whiteboards, with a three-level coding progression covering the full school age range on one device.
Who is it for?
- K-12 schools wanting a single robot platform from kindergarten through high school
- Teachers wanting whiteboard + floor coding in integrated lessons
- STEM programs seeking the most curriculum-aligned coding progression available
Key specs
- Surface: Magnetic — vertical whiteboard, floor, any surface
- Drawing: Built-in marker holder
- Coding levels: Level 1 (graphical), Level 2 (hybrid), Level 3 (Python/Swift)
- App: Root Coding (iOS, Android, Chromebook)
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Origin: Harvard Wyss Institute (iRobot acquired 2019)
- Purchase: edu.irobot.com direct or education distributors
Limitations
- Education channel purchase — not on Amazon
- Whiteboard use requires appropriate magnetic surface
- Higher price than budget coding robots
FAQ
How much does the iRobot Root RT1 cost?
The price of the iRobot Root RT1 ranges from $199 to $229, depending on the purchase source and any applicable discounts.
What is the iRobot Root RT1 used for?
The iRobot Root RT1 is primarily used as an educational coding robot for K-12 schools. It offers a unique learning experience by allowing students to code with a progression from graphical blocks to Python and Swift on the same device.
What are the key specifications of the iRobot Root RT1?
The iRobot Root RT1 features a magnetic base that allows it to operate on vertical whiteboards and horizontal floors. It includes a built-in marker holder for drawing and supports three coding levels, with the highest being Python and Swift, designed for grade K-12.
Who is the iRobot Root RT1 intended for?
The iRobot Root RT1 is designed for K-12 schools looking for a singular robot platform that covers the entire educational range from kindergarten to high school. It is also suitable for teachers who want to integrate lessons that involve both whiteboard and floor coding.
How does the iRobot Root RT1 compare to other coding robots?
Unlike many budget coding robots, the iRobot Root RT1 offers a sophisticated three-level coding progression that escalates from visual programming to text-based coding with Python and Swift. It is also the only robot that can operate on both surfaces, expanding its usability in educational settings.
What are the limitations of the iRobot Root RT1?
One limitation of the iRobot Root RT1 is that it must be purchased through educational channels, such as edu.irobot.com, and is not available on mainstream platforms like Amazon. Additionally, effective use on whiteboards requires the appropriate magnetic surfaces.