Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Mollie Elkin is a pioneering researcher in early childhood robotics education, focusing on how young children—particularly those aged 4–7—can engage with technology through developmentally appropriate, screen-free tools. Her major contribution is the creation and implementation of the KIBO robotics kit, a tangible programming platform that uses interlocking wooden blocks to teach engineering and computational thinking without screens or keyboards. Elkin’s work demonstrates that robotics can be seamlessly integrated into preschool and Montessori classrooms, fostering foundational STEM skills during early childhood. Her most-cited paper, “KIBO robot demo” (2015, 143 citations), introduces the kit’s playful design, while “Programming with the KIBO Robotics Kit in Preschool Classrooms” (2016, 130 citations) provides empirical evidence from a pilot curriculum in an urban public preschool. Another key study, “Implementing a Robotics Curriculum in an Early Childhood Montessori Classroom” (2014, 103 citations), shows how her approach aligns with child-centered pedagogies. With over 400 total citations, Elkin’s work has shaped how educators and researchers view technology integration in early learning, making abstract concepts accessible and engaging for the youngest learners.