EdScratch vs Thymio Suite
EdScratch
edscratchapp.comThymio Suite
thymio.orgSide by side
| Figure | EdScratch | Thymio Suite |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Robotics Education Software | 8.9 (#1) | 7.7 (#16) |
| Founded | 2018 | 2010 |
| Headquarters | Grange, South Australia, Australia | Chemin de la Ruyère 116, CH-1020 Renens, Switzerland |
| Purpose | EdScratch is a Scratch-based, vertical drag-and-drop visual programming language for Edison robots. | Thymio Suite lets users connect to, program, configure, and update Thymio robots from a computer. |
| Support | The maker provides tutorials, troubleshooting FAQs, a warning-message guide, and contact options for support. | The maker’s support center provides documentation and frequently asked questions to help users resolve issues. |
Plans
In their own words
EdScratch
EdScratch is a free, browser-based block programming environment for Edison robots. Its vertical drag-and-drop language is based on Scratch and is described as suitable for students aged 10 and up, including those new to coding. It has versions for Edison V2 and V3, with blocks for driving, LEDs, sound, data, events, control, sensing, operators, and comments. Programs can control robot inputs, manipulate data, and use variables. A built-in bug box checks programs and displays warnings. Users can save programs to a computer and load saved EdScratch files into the online app. Edison V3 can receive programs by USB from a computer or by optical flashing from an iPad; V1 and V2 use the EdComm cable. A free lesson set offers 98 student activity options across six units, along with a teacher’s guide. EdScratch runs online on the web, Windows, macOS, iPadOS, and Android, and requires an internet connection. The interface is in English, while lesson resources are available in multiple languages.
Thymio Suite
Thymio Suite connects to Thymio robots so users can program, configure, and update them from a computer. Its desktop programming options include VPL, VPL 3, Scratch, Blockly, Python through the Thonny editor with a Thymio extension, and Aseba. VPL uses drag-and-drop blocks, and Scratch can link a robot with the Scratch stage and sprites. The product page describes Python programming as coming soon, although use through Thonny and the Thymio extension is documented. The maker offers Thymio Suite 2.4.0 for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Thymio Suite Mobile is available for iOS and Android tablets, with VPL 3 and Scratch; direct tablet connection requires Thymio 2 or later. A free simulator supports collaborative use of simulated robots by people on the same network. The Suite is free, but the desktop download requires a Thymio robot to connect and program. Mobsya describes Thymio as an open-source educational robot for learners of all ages, and its support center offers documentation and frequently asked questions.