A Yorkshire company, which has designed a robot to help youngsters code, has signed a deal with Alliance Entertainment in the United States.
It means the BinaryBots product will now be stocked on Walmart’s website and a number of other US retailers next year.
“The US is the world’s biggest toy market and this deal has given us a direct route into it. We are proud to be working with Alliance Entertainment and showcasing British innovation in an international market. We want to be leading the charge on engineering and coding, and flying the flag for Yorkshire in this exciting sector,” said Chris Burgess, Chris, CEO of Leeds-based BinaryBots.
The build-your-own robots teach children how to code and come with sensors, lights and speakers. Using a BBC micro:bit, they can then be programmed to move, make sounds and respond to touch.
Last year, the company received £500k from the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund.
“As parents look for fun ways to teach their children digital skills, smart toys are increasing in popularity. BinaryBots have been well received in the UK and, with the backing of our investment, they are now ready to take on America,” explained Graham Davies, investment director at Mercia Fund Managers.