Can a child learn computer programming at the age of…five? Greek programmers give an affirmative reply. Together with his team, Finland-based researcher Theodosios Sapounidis has created an unusual toy for toddlers.

The toy named Cubes Coding uses ordinary toy blocks connected to electronic circuits. The toddler must put together the blocks, in a way that gives command to a robot to perform a task. The child gets to analyze a problem (how to make the robot perform the task), by breaking it down and taking decisions step by step. In other words, children can programme a robot by connecting the cubic commands and parameters.

“For three years, we have given the blocks to children aged 4 to 13. The results have been satisfying. The toy was fun and easy to use,” says Sapounidis. “Children cannot easily operate a computer, but they can certainly use blocks and press buttons.”

Cubes coding won international acclaim at the 2014 Open Education Challenge, organised by the European Commission, with 600 participants from 77 countries. The project has already received financial funding and will shortly be launched in the market, although the team’s goal is for Cubes coding to be introduced into countries’ education systems. The toy was also presented at the 79th Thessaloniki International Trade Fair and the Thessaloniki chapter of Google Developer Group’s 2nd Developers Fest.