Codi Storytelling Robot on ‘Shark Tank’: What's the cost, who are the founders and where to buy Pillar Learning smart toy?
Wouldn't you love it if an adorable 8.5-inch tall robot with big eyes could give lessons to your kids? Say hello to Codi, the storytelling robot, with antennae that light up and ears that change colors. Developed by Pillar Learning, Codi is a multi-talented robot who tells stories, builds good routines and can be a great DJ when your kids are in the mood for some fun.
With fascinating features like expressive voice, personality, soft food grade silicon and high-quality stain-resistant materials, Codi is just the perfect addition to your family. According to All Shark Tank Products, “For children from 12 months to 7 years old, Codi can act as a nightlight with calming music or play songs that will help children develop motor skills and meet specific milestones, such as starting school and meeting new friends. Codi is so smart that it has stories and tips that help children work through various emotions.”
What is Codi Storytelling Robot?
Who is Codi? “Codi is a cute, smart toy that provides a fully curated audio experience with age-appropriate content,” the official website explains. Did you know it is internet-connected to provide access to all new updates and recommendations? The website continues, “As a parent, you will have full transparency into your child's playtime, and you can have as little or as much control as you want.”
Wondering if it is safe for your little one? The official description also reads: “Codi was designed with children's usage and learning in mind and approved by parents. We’ve tested more than 20 original concepts with hundreds of parents and their children, deciding on Codi’s final design only after every child loved and wanted to play with it. All of the materials and electronic components are carefully selected to not only bring great functionality, but also is durable, easy to clean, and comfortable for your child to play with. Codi will be rigorously tested to the strictest children's product standards to ensure that it will be completely safe and secure.”
Who are the founders?
Codi is the flagship product of Pillar Learning and the educational tech startup was founded by Dayu Yang, Chris Oslebo and William Mock. In a message for the customers, Dayu — the creator of Codi — wrote on his website. “I grew up with classic PBS kids shows including Mr Rogers, Reading Rainbow, and Sesame Street. Five-year-old me loved them because they were fun, entertaining AND (I had no idea at the time) they were good for me!”
He continued, “Only recently have I fully appreciated how much Mr Rogers’ gentle words, or even just LeVar Burton's story readings, have aided in my own growth and development. As parents, and future parents, of a very technologically driven generation, I became worried that the educational entertainment of the past was on its way out.
That’s why I started Pillar Learning, Codi’s parent company. I wanted to leverage new technology to best support our future generations. At Pillar Learning, we believe in sticking to the roots of wholesome content and using technology in the right way.”
Here's a little description for the three of them from their official website:
Dayu Yang (CEO and Head of Software): Dayu holds a BA from Stanford and an MBA from Wharton. A former mobile app product manager, he leads products reaching millions of users.
William Mock (Head of Content and Education): A former kindergarten teacher and academic consultant, William has taught and advised hundreds of students and graduated with a BA from Berkeley and an MA in Education from Stanford.
Chris Oslebo (Head of Product Development): With a BA from Stanford, Chris is a former product manager at a top toy company that has developed, launched, and manufactured over 3,000 children's toys.
What is the cost?
Codi the Storytelling Robot is available at $99.99 for a holiday sale instead of the original price of $124.99. What's included in the package? It also comes with 1x Codi Robot, 1x USB Charger, 1x free standard snowsuit outfit and 1x Adapter.
There are several positive reviews on their website. While one customer wrote, “The customer service was great and our Codi been working just wonderful. My daughter take it everywhere she goes and enjoys his company,” and another said, “I love it my daughter very happy and now find someone to talk to her and easy go to bed and very good listening to Codi robot I am very happy with this technology.”
A third posted, “My son Andres is 6 yrs old and has autism he absolutely loves Codi he has made sleep time much easier and my son tried to communicate with him its awesome best investment I have made.”
Who will steal the deal?
We have a feeling that Lori Greiner could steal the deal or perhaps she might team up with another Shark to get it under her umbrella.
However, a critic on Shark Tank Blog thinks otherwise. “Codi is a clever invention and the Pillar Learning guys are smart, but I don’t think the Sharks are going to join them on their journey. For one thing, educational robots is a crowded field in the toy/education fields. A simple search for educational robots on Amazon yields dozens of results. That kind of competition often keeps the Sharks from investing,” the post reads, adding, “No robotic toy has ever done a deal in the Tank and I am afraid Codi will not be the exception.”
What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
‘Shark Tank’ Season 12 Episode 8 will premiere on December 11, 2020, from 8 pm to 9 pm ET on ABC.