EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Oct. 12, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) and Dash Robotics™ today announced the introduction of Kamigami, an innovative build-it-yourself robot set for kids inspired by nature's fastest critters, bugs. This is one of the latest offerings from Mattel, the global leader in learning and development through play.  

Kamigami is an engineering set that is easy for kids to build, program and play. Kids can create a robotic bug in the likeness of insects such as a praying mantis or ladybug with flat sheets of durable plastic and a motorized base. Once assembled, the Kamigami can be programmed through an easy-to-use app that allows kids to customize their robot's unique movements and reactions. Kids can design how the robot interacts with them, its environment and other Kamigami Robots. In addition, they can use the free companion app to drive, race, or battle their Kamigami. The visual programming interface makes it easy to blink lights, play sounds and maneuver around obstacles. The app will continually offer new updates and game suggestions.

"As a company dedicated to learning and development through play, we hope to inspire a future generation of roboticists with Kamigami," said Sven Gerjets, Chief Technology Officer at Mattel. "By partnering with Dash Robotics on Kamigami, we are focused on creating product experiences that are not only fun for kids, but also appreciated by parents for their learning benefits."

Built by robotics engineers, Kamigami supports coding logic used in hardware and software programming. The robotics technology was inspired by Dash Robotics co-founders Nick Kohut and Andrew Gillies biomimicry work, an innovation that seeks solutions to human challenges by emulating nature's time-tested patterns and strategies. As Kohut and Gillies created robots that mimicked the motions of insects and animals in their lab at UC Berkeley, they concluded that not only could this kind of technology benefit industries and mankind—it could also be super-fun for kids to play with!

"With Kamigami, we're giving kids the opportunity to run their very own robotics lab and try their hand at building something amazing and awe-inspiring," said Nick Kohut. "By having the opportunity to collaborate with Mattel and their expertise, we know that the new line launching is going to be both fun and beneficial."

Mattel's collaboration with Dash Robotics is part of the company's effort to evolve play by developing connected technology platforms. Dash Robotics was started by two UC Berkley Ph.D. graduates, who previously used their expertise in robotics to complete projects for the U.S. Army and NSF.

There will be eight types of Kamigami available at launch, including ones that resemble lady bugs, praying mantises, scorpions and more with the ability of users to change the look of the Kamigami Robot with shell packs sold separately for $9.99. The Kamigami Robot has a 3-axis accelerometer, 3-axis gyroscope, IR transmitter, two IR sensors and tri-color LEDS. The battery is a rechargeable lithium polymer with playtime up to 30 minutes.

Dash Robotics, in collaboration with Mattel, will debut the enhanced Kamigami today at Amazon, Target and Toys"R"Us for $49.99.

About Mattel
Mattel is a global learning, development and play company that inspires the next generation of kids to shape a brighter tomorrow. Through our portfolio of iconic consumer brands, including American Girl®, Barbie®, Fisher-Price®, Hot Wheels® and Thomas & Friends™, we create systems of play, content and experiences that help kids unlock their full potential. Mattel also creates inspiring and innovative products in collaboration with leading entertainment and technology companies as well as other partners. With a global workforce of approximately 32,000 people, Mattel operates in 40 countries and territories and sells products in more than 150 nations. Visit us online at www.mattel.com.

About Dash Robotics
Dash Robotics was founded by UC Berkeley PhD graduates on a mission to build the backbone of connected toy technology, find the best partners to work with, and build high-quality, accessibly priced connected toys. We are a group of hardcore technologists who love creating toys that wow and surprise people. Dash is venture funded and is based in the San Francisco Bay Area.

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SOURCE Mattel, Inc.