Purdue Robot Toy Primed For Market

Ziro modules are controlled with an automated glove and are customizable.

A glove-controlled robotic toy developed with Purdue University technology that has gained national attention is on the cusp of hitting the market. Ziro is weeks away from commercialization and is being touted as a tool for learning that can hold the interest of boys and girls alike. The robotic tool kit debuted last year on Inside INdiana Business Television and was created by Purdue Professor of Mechanical Engineering Karthik Ramani. During an interview last week on Inside INdiana Business Television, Ramani told Reporter Kylie Veleta he wants mass production of Ziro to be in-state.

The product debuted last year under the name "HandiMate" and California-based ZeroUI Inc. has the exclusive licensing rights for the toy. Ramani says he says it can help spark interest in STEM fields among the next generation of innovators. He tells Inside INdiana Business Ziro could be set to hit shelves within weeks.

This kits include customizable modules, which Ramani says allows kids to bring the robot to life and control it with your hands. "We basically deconstructed robotics and made it very simple and very approachable for everyone."

You can connect to more information on Ziro and to see it demonstrated, you can click here.