Meet Leka: The New Multi-Purpose Educational Toy For Special Needs Kids

A startup tech company recently unveiled a new robotic smart toy that will revolutionize the way special needs kids learn, play and progress. Unlike most of its predecessors, the innovative learning tool won't be solely sold to psychiatrists, therapists and caregivers. The interactive toy will also be available to everyday parents upon its release.

Innovation Simplified

Leka, which also happens to be the company's name, is a crystal ball-like robot that helps children with developmental disorders better express themselves and interact with others. Examiner noted that Leka features a slew of capabilities that engages children and measures their educational, emotional and social progress.

✨Découverte✨ @WeAreLeka Le robot ludique dédiés aux enfants exceptionnels, un très beau projet ! #IOT pic.twitter.com/CuciCNBydV

— NOOVA (@NOOVA_OFFICIEL) May 4, 2016

"Our mission is to help exceptional children live exceptional lives by reducing the learning inequalities that many children with different developmental disorders currently deal with," Leka CEO Ladislas de Toldi told Robotics Tomorrow. Ladislas de Toldi explained that innovation has greatly increased in creating smart toys intended to help with cognitive development are already out on the market.

However, de Toldi argued that there are a few problems with these existing smart toys. For one, smart toys for cognitive development aren't "available for public use." Another issue is it's heavy price tag, ranging anywhere between $3,000 to $10,000.

Digital Trends reported that Leka has a pre-order price of $390. Toldi believes that families will get more than what they bargained for because Leka could also act as a child's companion and friend, apart from just being a regular educational device.

Features And Capabilities

Leka comes with a smartphone app for both iOS and Android devices. Once paired with a Bluetooth-enabled gadget, parents can either take control of Leka's movements or access its autonomous applications to choose what educational activity it will perform.

"What is so exciting about Leka is that it will allow for greater progress when children are not in a therapist's care, especially with the use of the monitoring platform and the data it captures," said ABC Connect therapist Tiffany Plock. She further explained the benefits that smart toys have for special needs kids.

"I see this tool as becoming instrumental in a child's growth to allow the best of both worlds," Plock explained. "[In] therapy with professionals as well as in-home support."

When Leka releases in early 2017, it will include 7 main capabilities. These are Hide & Go Leka, Picture Bingo, Traveling Leka, Remote Control Leka, Alarm Clock, Time-Timer and Night Light.