Airblock: The Modular, Programmable Drone

Airblock is a unique and award-winning educational drone and robotics kit designed by Makeblock. It's not your typical quadcopter. Instead, it's a modular, magnetic, and programmable system that allows users to build different flying and driving creations.

The core philosophy behind Airblock is to make STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) learning fun, accessible, and hands-on.

Key Features

1. Modular & Magnetic Design: The Airblock is made up of multiple lightweight, foam hexagonal modules that connect powerfully with embedded magnets. This allows for easy assembly and disassembly without any tools.
2. Two-in-One Functionality: You can build two main types of creations:
   • A Flying Drone: Arrange the modules into a hexacopter (6-rotor) configuration for stable flight.
   • A Hydrofoil: Connect the modules to a hydrofoil base, which allows it to glide smoothly and efficiently over water like a mini speedboat.
3. Safe and Durable: The main body is constructed from a soft, lightweight EPP foam material. This makes it safe to fly indoors and resilient to crashes, as it won't damage walls, furniture, or itself.
4. Visual Programming with mBlock: Airblock is designed to be programmed graphically using mBlock, a block-based programming language that is a modified version of Scratch. This allows even beginners with no prior coding experience to create complex flight patterns, control the drone's movements, and add logic to their creations.
5. Bluetooth Connectivity: The Airblock is controlled and programmed via a smartphone or tablet over a Bluetooth connection. The intuitive app provides controls for flying, as well as an interface for the visual programming blocks.
6. Expandable: The system is designed to be expandable. While the core kit is great for flying and hydrofoiling, the programmable nature and magnetic connections open up possibilities for users to invent their own creations, like a land rover or other custom robots.

What's in the Box? (Typical Kit Contents)

A standard Airblock kit usually includes:

• Main Body Modules: Six lightweight foam modules that form the core of the drone.
• Flight Controller Module: The "brain" of the drone, containing sensors, a processor, and the Bluetooth module.
• Motor Modules: Six brushless motors, each with a propeller attached.
• Power Module: A rechargeable lithium battery and its charger.
• Hydrofoil Parts: A central hydrofoil base, a rudder, and a support spine for water-based operations.
• Spare Parts: Extra propellers and other small components.
• Quick Start Guide: Instructions for building and getting started.

Who is Airblock For?

Airblock is primarily marketed towards:

• Kids and Teenagers (Ages 8+): It's an excellent educational toy that introduces them to fundamental concepts of physics, aerodynamics, and programming in a playful way.
• Educators and Schools: It's used in classrooms and STEM workshops to teach coding, robotics, and engineering principles in an engaging, project-based manner.
• Hobbyists and Makers: Anyone interested in a unique, buildable, and programmable drone that offers more than just a ready-to-fly experience.

How to Get Started (The English Experience)

The entire Airblock experience is designed to be accessible in English:

1. Download the App: Users download the "Airblock" app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app interface and instructions are available in English.
2. Assemble Your Creation: Follow the visual guides in the app or the included manual to build either the drone or the hydrofoil.
3. Connect via Bluetooth: Turn on the Airblock and open the app. The app will automatically search for and connect to the device.
4. Fly or Code:
   • Manual Mode: Use the on-screen virtual joysticks to fly the drone.
   • Programming Mode: Switch to the mBlock-based programming interface. Drag and drop command blocks to create custom flight paths, perform tricks, or automate movements.

Official Resources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it's best to refer to the official Makeblock resources:

• Official Product Page: Makeblock's Airblock Page
• Support & Tutorials: Makeblock's Airblock Support Page, which includes FAQs, guides, and video tutorials, often with English narration or subtitles.

In summary, Airblock is an innovative, educational drone that emphasizes creativity, hands-on building, and visual programming, making it a standout product in the educational robotics market.