“All Ukrainians are innovating right now,” says Nanit Robotics Founder Vladyslav Konov, as we discuss his latest creation.

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Vlad, a Ukraine-based engineer, entrepreneur and educator, introduced his ed-tech robot, Nanit, to the U.S. during CES® 2023. This is a kit, designed for all ages (big kids too!). Users can create, literally, a hundred robots from the components provided. For beginners, it’s an easy process, based on snapping blocks together.

And tutorials and add-ons, available with the kit, allow the user to grow and continue learning.

They can also create their own applications–because Nanit is open-source!

For Vlad, Nanit is the latest step in his creative journey.

He’s been creating robots–and teaching others to do so–since 2016, according to his LinkedIn page. Just one of his innovations was the creation of a first-of-its-kind robotics school in Ukraine. (He is also the founder and CEO of RoboHouse, Ukraine’s international laboratory of robotics, electronics and programming.)

Nanit, though, is much more than an educational “toy”.

Vlad is introducing a version for adults who have never worked with robotics. As he demonstrated during our conversation, “building a robot” is a simple snap-together process with his kit.

And his overall vision is to train students for professions that don’t yet exist, but will be a reality in the future. As well as helping adults keep pace with technology and rebuilding a better world.

Vlad shared the story of Nanit Robotics, explained some of the ways the kit can be used and offered a closer look at a future in which robotics can facilitate bringing ideas to life.

Here’s where you can follow and connect with Vlad and his Nanit Robotics team:

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nanitrobot
2. LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/81301257
3. Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nanit_robot/
4. Website nanitrobot.com 

On this edition of Over Coffee® we cover:

• How Vlad first became inspired to pursue robotics as his life’s work;

• The biggest challenge Vlad found in his journey, as a Ukraine-based innovator;

• The story of the Nanit robot (this is a kit that can make, literally, 100 robots easily!)

• A “demonstration” of how we create a robot from the Nanit kit;

• Vlad’s vision for Nanit Robotics, beyond the kit’s use in schools;

• A “really funny” use case one user put into effect with open-source Nanit;

• Why the kit is as easy as connecting blocks, for non-technical users;

• How the video books which go with the robot get young learners engaged in problem-solving;

• What Vlad enjoys most, about the creative process of bringing Nanit to life;

• Why Ukraine excels at innovation; –

• How best to support Ukraine’s innovators;

• Vlad’s experience exhibiting at CES® 2023 (he was one of a dozen innovators from Ukraine, according to CES®’s webpage!);

• His future vision for Nanit (this is a global vision!);

• When the kit might be available in the U.S.;

• What Vlad prefers for the setup of smart homes;

• One of the most interesting lessons he himself has learned from teaching and creating robotics within the past year;

• How robots fit in with the better future world he envisions.