EdScratch

EdScratch is a visual programming workspace built specifically for Edison educational robots. It is best suited to classroom learners aged 10 and over, including students starting without coding experience. Its combination of robot-focused blocks and an unusually substantial free curriculum is persuasive, provided your class can work online and in English.

Overview

EdScratch turns Scratch-style, vertical drag-and-drop blocks into programs for Edison V1, V2 and V3 robots. Students can control inputs, manipulate data and create variables without typing conventional code. That keeps the first steps approachable while still introducing events, control flow and data concepts. Variable names must use English letters, numbers and underscores and cannot begin with a number, a restriction teachers should explain before students develop naming habits.

A built-in bug box checks programs and shows red or yellow warnings. For beginners, that is a useful prompt to inspect a suspicious block or sequence, although it is guidance rather than an automatic solution to every programming error. Work can be saved to a computer and loaded back into the online app, helping students move between sessions.

Key features

Nine block categories cover drive, LEDs, sound, data, events, control, sensing, operators and comments. The selection is broad enough for movement, sensor-driven behavior, structured sequences and introductory data work, while remaining focused on Edison hardware rather than trying to be a general coding platform.

The free EdScratch lesson set contains 98 student activity options across six units, accompanied by a teacher's guide. That gives educators a ready progression from first exercises to more involved robot challenges and reduces the preparation burden. EdScratch projects and challenges are also used with the EdCreate Edison robot creator's kit, making it a natural fit for classes already using that ecosystem.

Connectivity depends on the robot and device. Edison V3 accepts programs from a computer over USB or from an iPad by optical flashing; Edison V1 and V2 use the EdComm cable. V3 USB programming uses WebUSB, supported by Chrome and Edge but not Firefox or Safari, so browser choice matters in a school deployment.

Support includes tutorials, troubleshooting FAQs, a warning-message guide and contact options. EdScratch is developed by Microbric Pty Ltd using open-source software maintained by the Scratch Foundation; the Foundation does not sponsor or endorse the product.

Pricing

PlanPriceWhat it includesEdScratchfreeFree use with an Edison robot, browser access and no additional software requiredThere is one plan, with no trial period because the product is free. It suits schools, clubs and families that already own compatible Edison hardware and need a no-cost programming environment. The price does not cover the robot itself, and browser-only use means it is not a substitute for an offline desktop package.

Platforms

EdScratch runs in a web browser on Windows, macOS, iPadOS and Android, and the online app is usable on iOS and Android devices. Dedicated mobile apps are not currently in development. An internet connection is required, with no offline or downloadable version in development.

For Edison V3 computers, the maker lists Chrome, Edge and Opera. V3 iPad use and Edison V1/V2 support include Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge and Opera. In practice, choose Chrome or Edge when V3 USB programming is required; Firefox and Safari cannot provide that WebUSB connection.

Who it's for

EdScratch is a strong starting point for learners aged 10 and up, especially first-time coders working with an Edison robot in a teacher-led setting. The lesson set and guide give educators substantial structure, while the visual blocks let students concentrate on robot behavior before moving to text-based syntax.

It is less suitable for classrooms with unreliable internet, devices restricted to Safari or Firefox for V3 USB work, or learners who need a non-English interface. Schools wanting a broad robotics platform beyond Edison hardware should also look elsewhere.

Pros and cons

Pros

98 activities in six units: a substantial free curriculum and teacher's guide support planned instruction rather than isolated experiments.

Robot-specific block coverage: drive, sensing, LEDs, sound, events, control and data connect programming ideas directly to Edison behavior.

Beginner-oriented warnings: the bug box highlights potential problems with red or yellow messages for students to investigate.

Broad device reach: browser access spans Windows, macOS, iPadOS, Android and the major listed browsers.

Cons

Online-only operation: internet access is mandatory and there is no offline or downloadable edition.

English interface: the application itself is currently English-only, which can limit accessibility even though lesson resources exist in multiple languages.

V3 browser constraint: USB programming needs WebUSB through Chrome or Edge, excluding Firefox and Safari.

Edison dependence: the environment's value is tied to compatible Edison V1, V2 or V3 robots and related connection hardware.

Alternatives

Choose PictoBlox instead if you need Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web and Windows coverage and a free individual, non-commercial plan, with commercial use handled separately.

ROBO Pro Coding is a free app for readers who want programs saved locally and in the cloud across Android, iOS, Linux, macOS and Windows.

Pick mBlock for a free platform that combines block-based and Python coding with AI and IoT features across web and desktop and mobile platforms.

VEXcode suits users seeking free VEXcode VR access with blocks, 15 basic-graphics playgrounds, curriculum, activities and online resources.

Choose FinchBlox for a free robotics coding option from BirdBrain Technologies.

Ozobot Classroom is the better fit for educators wanting a free teacher portal with 700 lessons.

Sphero Edu provides free app and web access when you have a compatible Sphero robot.

Thymio Suite is a free desktop download for programming a connected Thymio robot.

For a wider comparison, browse Robotics Education Software.

Verdict

Choose EdScratch for an Edison-based class that wants approachable block programming and a ready-made, 98-activity teaching sequence at no software cost. Look elsewhere if offline access, a non-English interface, unrestricted browser choice or support for robots beyond Edison is essential.