Malaysian company creates drone kit for kids to learn how to assemble, code and fly

Recognising the growing interest in drones, a Malaysian company has now created an “educational” drone kit aimed at children. Meraque claims its Drone EduKit allows kids to assemble, code and fly their tiny aircraft in as little as 15 minutes.

The company says the kit was designed by former educators and child development experts, and has been tested by children. It also includes a complimentary three-hour flight session that includes learning modules about drone rules, safety, components and control technologies and how drones are used in industries.

“[The sessions] offer kids the chance to learn more about simple and complex circuits, coding and programming in a safe environment. The thrill comes in watching their drones take flight and when they pull off seamless 360-degree stunt flips!” said CEO Md Razalee Ismail, adding that the drone is customisable and teaches students physics concepts such as aerodynamics, weight distribution, lift tolerance and more.

The Meraque Quadcopter Drone Frame’s Lego-like appearance is intentional—the company says it is compatible with major building block brands. It also features digital proportional control and a six-axis gyroscope, and is made from “crash-resistant” ABS plastic. The listed specs are as follows:

• Control Distance: 100 meters
• Flight Time:10 minutes 
• Motor: 1020 brushed
• Weight: 128g
• Wheelbase: 148mm
• Components: four motors, four propellers, four extra propellers, drone hub with on-board camera, battery and battery charger

Training sessions will be held at Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology and Innovation (MRANTI) Park’s Makerslab in Bukit Jalil and EduCity in Iskandar, Johor. They are tailored for kids aged 7 to 18 and conducted by certified trainers in English and Bahasa Malaysia. Meraque says the programme can also be held in schools, colleges and community clubs with a capacity of 15 to 20 students per group.

Meraque is also expanding its Malaysian Young Generation Drone Technology Career Development Programme, launched in February. This CSR initiative—a collaboration with Kelab Rakan Udara Malaysia (KRUM), Ministry of Education schools, the MARA Junior Science College (MRSM) and MRANTI—will hold learning sessions in Selangor starting in November, following three held in Johor in April. The Drone EduKit will also be used by KRUM at all primary and secondary schools moving forward.

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