The company I2form, specialist in educational engineering, calls on an association from Epône for the integration of people with disabilities in order to industrialize its small educational robot.While 600 prototypes are already in use in the classroom, the first series of devices should be distributed in the fall of 2022.In the ultra-technological world of robots, Oobybot stands out.This cardboard mini-robot is sold as a kit, and its use and programming are almost child's play.The device, deployed in several CM2 classes, was designed to support students and teachers on the path to engineering and coding technologies.Already used by 600 students, it was developed by the company I2form, located in Epône (Yvelines).Today, 200 robots are on order or in pre-order: a waiting list that pushes Pascal Lazerand, the founder of I2form, to turn to mass production.“We are going to switch to industrial mode: from September, we will be working on the transfer of our skills,” he indicates.The products will thus be assembled within the ANRH association (Association for the professional and human integration and reintegration of the disabled), also located in Epône, which employs disabled workers who are specialists in the assembly and packaging of the product.I2form also plans to move into the premises of the association.For the time being, this robot is sold to local authorities for use in class, but also online on the Easytis connected object platform for around one hundred euros, as well as at the Cité des Sciences, where the company leads educational workshops around digital technology several times a year.Learning begins upon receipt of the device, which must be assembled and then programmed to operate.“The goal was to make a product that was fun, but also educational.It is transdisciplinary because it is part of so-called STEAM activities: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics,” explains Pascal Lazerand.The Oobybot project has also been financially supported by the EDU-UP system, set up by the Ministry of National Education to encourage the production of digital resources for educational purposes.The French EdTech reaches the milestone of one billion in turnoverThe so far disappointed ambitions of humanoid robotsTo reduce waste, I2form has chosen to make the delivery box a key part of the construction of the device.A card which, moreover, travels little.“We call on a company from Vernon, which gets its supplies from French forests.explains the founder.Apart from the electronics, the other parts of the kit are 3D printed from a cornstarch-based polymer."We are both Made in France, in a sustainable development approach and our collaboration with the ANRH association proves our CSR commitment" boasts Pascal Lazerand.As the industrialization of Oobybot begins, I2form is already planning to improve it by making it more durable, thanks to the integration of miniature photovoltaic panels.Although today I2form develops and markets Oobybot, the first market of this company founded in 2015 is training.“We support teachers, students and individuals in the digital world, in the form of services.The objective is to move from a simple consumer to a digital player,” explains Pascal Lazerand.The company thus provides workshops on robotics, programming and IT, provides educational resources on digital technology and raises awareness of the dangers of the connected world, such as phishing or cyberbullying.I2form generated a turnover of 100,000 euros in 2021, and currently has 3 employees: “We are a small team today, because we rely on a large network of independent trainers”, specifies the founder.The industrialization of Oobybot should however allow the hiring of new collaborators in the months to come.All rights reserved - Les Echos 2022