Hands-on STEM learning experiences are powerful ways for kids to understand complex ideas and get excited about the subject matter. This approach can break down technical concepts into tangible metaphors and demonstrate how technology is a part of our everyday lives. 

For example, radio frequency identification is a pervasive technology, but is often overlooked. RFID uses radio waves to track different kinds of objects (e.g. key cards, packages), by sending signals across RFID tags and Readers.

Inspired by this pedagogy and RFID, Robo-tag is a two-player game that uses two RFID tag “robots” and a RFID Reader to explain how this technology works. Players use the RFIDs to unlock secret information about two mysterious robots.

Players build a RFID tag for their robot, by completing a slider puzzle and inserting an analog microchip. A metaphor for the tag’s antenna, the completed puzzle creates a path that shows how energy moves from the Reader through the tag’s antenna to the microchip. 

Players race to place their completed tag on the Reader. Once on the Reader, the identity of the robot is displayed, unlocking secret information “stored” in the microchip. A LED on the Robot also lights, demonstrating how the Reader powers the tag.

The team was inspired by vintage video games and handicraft traditions, and wanted to blend these references to create a game that was equally retro, modern, and playful.