Makeblock

Makeblock is a Shenzhen-based Chinese technology company focused on STEAM education, robotics, programming, and hands-on engineering learning. Founded by Jasen Wang in 2012, the company developed from a hardware-building platform into a broad education ecosystem combining mechanical construction parts, Arduino-compatible electronics, programmable robots, visual coding software, classroom resources, competitions, and professional maker tools. The company’s central proposition is that students can learn science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics by designing, assembling, programming, and testing physical systems. Its products are intended for several experience levels, from early-childhood coding activities to advanced robotics, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, and makerspace projects. Makeblock’s software generally emphasizes block-based programming derived from the Scratch learning model, while selected products also support Arduino development, Python, JavaScript-related workflows, or other text-based programming environments. Wang, who studied aircraft design and had an interest in robotics, established the company after working briefly in industry. Makeblock raised early funding from HAX and attracted international attention through a 2013 Kickstarter campaign. Its early construction platform helped establish the brand among hobbyists, educators, and makers, while subsequent products moved the company toward consumer and institutional education markets. The mBot family, introduced in 2015, became one of its best-known entry points for teaching robotics and programming. Other major launches included mBot Ranger, Ultimate, Airblock, mBlock, Makeblock Neuron, Codey Rocky, mTiny, Halocode, Laserbox, and later mBuild-oriented systems. Makeblock serves both direct consumers and schools. Its educational offering includes classroom kits, teacher support, curriculum-oriented proposals, software, professional development, and robotics events. The MakeX competition platform extends the brand beyond product sales by providing organized robotics challenges and STEAM activities for young people. The company has also established physical retail and experience-store initiatives and formed international operations or partnerships, including an announced relationship with SoftBank connected with its Japanese market entry. According to the referenced company description, Makeblock products have reached more than 140 countries, with users reported in more than 20,000 schools and a user base exceeding 10 million. The United States has been identified as its largest market, and approximately 70 percent of sales were reported as coming from outside China. These figures are descriptive company information rather than independently verified current financial disclosures. Makeblock remains a private company and is not known from the supplied material to have a public stock listing. The brand is positioned between accessible consumer coding toys and more capable educational or professional maker systems. Its products commonly use modular hardware, visual programming, sensors, motors, wireless connectivity, and reusable construction elements so that learners can progress from guided activities to open-ended projects. Makeblock therefore operates not as a conventional automobile company, despite the supplied industry code, but as an education-technology and robotics brand whose principal market is learning through physical computing.

Makeblock was founded in Shenzhen in 2012 by Jasen Wang, also known as Wang Jianjun. Wang had studied aircraft design at Northwestern Polytechnical University and pursued robotics projects alongside his academic work. After a short period in employment, he created Makeblock as a platform for constructing programmable machines from modular mechanical and electronic components. The company received approximately US$23,000 in early funding from HAX, and its initial robotics construction platform gained wider attention through a Kickstarter campaign in 2013. The early business was closely associated with the maker movement and Arduino-compatible hardware. Makeblock supplied structural parts, motors, controllers, sensors, and software that allowed users to build robots and other interactive devices. Over time, the company increasingly oriented its product design and communications toward education. This shift connected its hardware with programming instruction, engineering practice, classroom projects, and the developing STEAM education movement. A major turning point came in 2015 with the launch of mBot and mDrawBot. The mBot gave beginners a guided way to assemble a functioning robot and program it using a visual coding environment. The range expanded in 2016 with mBot Ranger, a more capable multi-form vehicle platform, as well as Airblock, a modular flying robot. Makeblock also released mBlock software, linking Scratch-style programming with its physical controllers and robots. The company opened its first experience store in Shenzhen in 2016, reflecting an effort to reach consumers beyond specialist maker communities. In 2017, Makeblock launched Neuron, a modular electronic platform using color-coded blocks and combinations of sensors, outputs, and connectivity features. The company also established MakeX, a robotics competition and STEAM activity platform designed to give students opportunities to apply engineering and programming skills in team-based challenges. A partnership with SoftBank supported the company’s entry into Japan, while subsidiaries or operations were established in the United States, Europe, Hong Kong, and Japan. Codey Rocky, a small educational robot aimed at coding and introductory artificial intelligence concepts, was released later that year. The company reported that its global user base had exceeded 4.5 million by December 2017. Makeblock’s later portfolio broadened across age groups and technical levels. mTiny addressed early-childhood learning through a tangible coding pen, cards, maps, and guided activities. Halocode offered a wireless single-board computer for programming education, including artificial-intelligence and Internet-of-Things exercises. Ultimate provided a more advanced multi-configuration robot kit compatible with Makeblock’s own tools as well as Arduino and Raspberry Pi-related workflows. Laserbox extended the business into digitally controlled fabrication, using camera-based recognition and software-assisted cutting and engraving. The mBuild family continued the modular-electronics concept with a wider selection of connected blocks and support for both visual and Python-oriented programming. Makeblock has maintained a dual market model. Consumer products are sold through international channels, while schools and institutions can receive classroom kits, curriculum proposals, teacher support, and access to robotics events. The company has reported distribution in more than 140 countries, use in more than 20,000 schools, and more than 10 million users, with the United States described as its largest market and most sales occurring outside China. In 2018, it announced a US$44 million Series C financing round at a reported US$367 million valuation. Makeblock remains a private company whose identity is built around educational robotics, physical computing, and project-based STEAM learning.

• 2018

  Series C financing

  [1]Makeblocken.wikipedia.org

  Makeblock announces US$44 million in Series C financing at a reported US$367 million valuation.

• 2017

  Neuron, MakeX, and Codey Rocky

  [1]Makeblocken.wikipedia.org

  The company expands its modular electronics line, starts MakeX robotics activities, enters Japan with SoftBank-related support, and releases Codey Rocky.

• 2016

  Expansion into experience retail and new platforms

  [1]Makeblocken.wikipedia.org

  Makeblock launches mBot Ranger, opens its first Shenzhen experience store, and releases Airblock and mBlock.

• 2015

  mBot and mDrawBot launch

  [1]Makeblocken.wikipedia.org

  The company introduces a beginner educational robot and a drawing robot platform.

• 2013

  Kickstarter launch

  [1]Makeblocken.wikipedia.org

  Makeblock launches a crowdfunding project and gains international visibility for its construction platform.

• 2012

  Makeblock is founded in Shenzhen

  [1]Makeblocken.wikipedia.org

  Jasen Wang establishes Makeblock and develops its modular robotics construction platform.

• 2012

  Early HAX funding

  [1]Makeblocken.wikipedia.org

  The young company receives an early funding round of approximately US$23,000 from HAX.

A modular, hands-on STEAM learning ecosystem spanning beginner coding products, classroom robotics, advanced maker hardware, software, and competitive robotics.

• Educational robot · 2015

  mBot

  mBot is an entry-level educational robot designed to introduce children to mechanical assembly, electronics, sensors, motors, and block-based programming. Learners build the robot from a guided kit and then control it through Makeblock’s software environment. Its structured construction process and relatively accessible programming model make it suitable for beginners, home learning, and introductory classroom robotics.

• Educational robot · 2016

  mBot Ranger

  mBot Ranger is a more capable robotic vehicle platform for learners generally aged eight and above. It supports three preset construction forms and provides expansion interfaces for additional components. The platform is intended to teach robotics concepts through driving, sensing, mechanical experimentation, and programmable behaviors while giving students more room to modify the basic designs than an entry-level kit.

• Advanced robotics kit

  Ultimate

  Ultimate is an advanced multi-configuration programmable robot kit with guided designs and more than 160 mechanical parts and modules. It uses the MegaPi controller and can be used with Makeblock’s visual programming tools as well as Arduino IDE, Node.js, and Python-oriented workflows. The kit is aimed at older learners, makers, and educators seeking open-ended mechanical and software projects.

• Coding and AI education robot · 2017

  Codey Rocky

  Codey Rocky combines a detachable programmable controller with a mobile robotic vehicle. Its electronic modules support activities involving coding, sensing, obstacle avoidance, color recognition, line following, and introductory artificial intelligence or Internet-of-Things concepts. The robot is programmed through mBlock and is designed to connect abstract software lessons with visible, physical behavior.

• Early-childhood coding robot

  mTiny

  mTiny is an early-learning robot that teaches sequencing, logic, and problem solving through a tangible Tap Pen Controller, coding cards, themed maps, and interactive games. Rather than requiring a conventional screen-first coding workflow, it lets young children explore programming concepts through physical manipulation and guided activities that can also connect with mathematics, language, music, and other subjects.

• Programmable electronic modules · 2017

  Makeblock Neuron

  Neuron is a color-coded modular electronics system containing more than 30 types of programmable building blocks. Modules can be combined to create interactive projects and can support connected-device and Internet-of-Things activities. Its visual organization is intended to reduce the barrier to understanding circuits and programming while still allowing learners to progress toward more complex creative and engineering projects.

• Wireless educational computer

  Halocode

  Halocode is a wireless single-board computer designed for programming education. With built-in Wi-Fi and connections for electronic modules, it supports lessons and projects involving coding, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things. Its integration with mBlock allows beginners to start with visual programming while providing a route into more advanced computational and connected-device activities.

• Programmable flying robot · 2016

  Airblock

  Airblock is a modular flying robot built from detachable motor and control modules joined by magnetic connectors. The modules can be arranged into different forms and controlled through a mobile application. Its design combines construction, flight, programming, and experimentation, making it a consumer-facing example of Makeblock’s effort to turn robotics principles into accessible creative projects.

• Programming software · 2016

  mBlock

  mBlock is Makeblock’s visual programming environment for connecting Scratch-style coding with the company’s robots, controller boards, and electronic hardware. Earlier versions were based on Scratch 2.0 and could translate block programs into Arduino C. Later workflows support broader robotics, artificial intelligence, and Internet-of-Things learning, helping users move from graphical programming toward text-based development.

• Digital fabrication equipment

  Laserbox

  Laserbox is a laser cutting and engraving system aimed at education, makers, and creative production. Its camera and visual-recognition approach is intended to identify supported materials and help configure cutting or engraving parameters. The product broadens Makeblock’s portfolio from educational robotics into fabrication tools for schools, makerspaces, and project-based creative work.

• Electronic module platform

  mBuild

  mBuild is a modular electronics platform with more than 60 types of modules, including sensors, controllers, actuators, and other components. It is designed for combinations ranging from simple offline projects to advanced robotics, artificial intelligence, and IoT applications. The platform works with mBlock and the Mu Python editor, supporting progression from beginner visual coding to more advanced programming.

• No public controversies documented in the supplied evidence

  Source

Read more

• 2017MakeX Robotics Competition

  China · International

  Makeblock launched MakeX as a robotics competition and STEAM activity platform for young people, combining team challenges with science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics learning.

  Outcome. MakeX extended the brand into events, curriculum-linked activities, and competitive robotics rather than limiting it to hardware sales.

  Source
• 2013Kickstarter Makeblock campaign

  International

  Makeblock used Kickstarter to present its modular robotics construction platform to an international maker and education audience.

  Outcome. The campaign increased international visibility and helped establish the brand outside China.

  Source

• 2018

  Raise Series C growth financingOther

  Background

  Makeblock was expanding its international education, consumer, and product operations.

  Action taken

  The company announced a US$44 million Series C round led by CICC Alpha at a reported valuation of US$367 million.

  Aftermath

  The financing provided reported growth capital, although the supplied references do not provide subsequent financial results.

  Series C financing and reported valuation. US$44 million financing; reported valuation of US$367 million (2018)

  Source

• 2017

  Build an ecosystem around STEAM activities and competitionsStrategy

  Background

  Makeblock was developing beyond standalone kits and needed ways to support repeated educational engagement.

  Action taken

  The company launched MakeX, a robotics competition platform, alongside Neuron and additional classroom-oriented hardware.

  Aftermath

  Makeblock gained an events and program layer that complemented its products and reinforced its STEAM education positioning.

  Source

• 2017

  International expansion through Japan and overseas operationsM&A

  Background

  The company was increasing international sales and sought local infrastructure in important education and consumer markets.

  Action taken

  Makeblock announced a partnership with SoftBank connected with entry into Japan and established operations or subsidiaries in the United States, Europe, Hong Kong, and Japan.

  Aftermath

  The company strengthened its international operating footprint; the supplied material does not describe these arrangements as acquisitions.

  Source

• 2016

  Expand from hardware into a software and consumer ecosystemStrategy

  Background

  The company sought to connect its robots and modules with accessible programming tools and reach customers beyond specialist makers.

  Action taken

  Makeblock released mBlock, launched additional robots including Airblock and mBot Ranger, and opened its first Shenzhen experience store.

  Aftermath

  The brand broadened its consumer, classroom, and software presence while continuing to serve maker-oriented users.

  Source

• 2015

  Move toward structured educational robotics with mBotProduct launch

  Background

  Makeblock’s early identity was rooted in modular maker hardware, but the company was increasingly targeting schools and beginner learners.

  Action taken

  The company launched mBot as a guided educational robot intended to teach assembly, electronics, robotics, and visual programming.

  Aftermath

  The mBot family became a central entry point for Makeblock’s education-focused product portfolio.

  Source

1. 1Makeblocken.wikipedia.org
2. 2Makeblock official websitemakeblock.com
3. 3About Makeblock ｜Global STEM Education Companymakeblock.com
4. 4Search – Makeblockmakeblock.com
5. 5Robot Kits & STEM Toys for Kids to Foster Creativity & Hands-on Ability | Makeblockmakeblock.com