Many educational robots tend to be complex and expensive, or simple and cheap. Where’s the middle ground for students who want to build sophisticated things, but don’t want to pay a fortune just to get started? iRobot thinks it can reach that happy balance with its new Create 2 robot. It’s effectively a Roomba 600 series vacuum turned into a hacker’s paradise. Instead of the usual cleaning equipment, you’ll find easily accessible, clearly marked spaces that practically beg for add-on hardware.

The Create 2 is iRobot’s attempt to bring the form and abilities of the Roomba cleaning robot to students, developers, and DIY-enthusiasts. All Create 2 robots are made from remanufactured Roomba platforms (based on the Roomba 600 series), bringing the full collection of LEDs and sensors from said platform to your fingertips. This system was made for creators – students – to program sounds, behaviors, and movements in a simple learning environment. This system was made for robotics students ranging from beginner all the way to advanced – it’s functional no matter the skill level of the user. This machine is “ready to go right out of the box” – this means that while it is a Do-It-Yourself project, you can have fun with it immediately. Like right after you take it out of the package on Christmas morning, for example.