Birdbrain Technologies
BirdBrain Technologies designs and sells hands-on STEM learning robots (Finch, Hummingbird Bit), app-connected math manipulatives (Owlet), and building kits (Strawbees) for K-12 schools, districts, libraries, and families, with free curriculum and software supporting adoption.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2010
- HeadquartersPittsburgh, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Birdbrain Technologies does
BirdBrain Technologies is a privately held educational technology company (BirdBrain Technologies LLC, Wisconsin-domiciled) founded in 2010 by Dr. Tom Lauwers at Carnegie Mellon University's CREATE Lab, and operating as part of the RW Thrive family of STEM brands under the CreXo umbrella. The company designs, manufactures, and sells hands-on STEM learning tools — most prominently the Finch Robot 2.0 (grades K-College), Hummingbird Bit Robotics Kit (grades 4-12), Owlet Math Tools for grades K-5, and Electric Motors Catalyst Kit (grades 3-6) — and in September 2025 expanded into K-8 building kits via the acquisition of Strawbees. Products are built around the micro:bit programmable core (Finch Robot 2.0 and Hummingbird Bit) and support icon-based, block-based, and text-based programming (Snap!, MakeCode, Python, Java, BirdBlox, FinchBlox, Quorum), as well as AI/ML activities via Google Teachable Machine and robot-free AI lessons for Code.org.
Revenue is generated primarily through hardware sales of classroom solutions priced at $650-$3,000 per classroom on multi-year contracts, alongside direct-to-consumer e-commerce, channel sales through the CreXo/RW Thrive distribution network, and a free U.S. Finch Robot loan program that has reached 1,400+ organizations and 250,000+ students (250+ free curriculum resources support adoption). All companion software and apps are free, making the software a freemium loss-leader that drives hardware attachment. The customer base is concentrated in K-12 schools, districts, and educators across the U.S. and globally, with adjacent reach into higher education, libraries/community organizations, and homeschool families. Operations span an Eau Claire, WI headquarters (privacy/legal entity), a Pittsburgh-based engineering/R&D office rooted in CMU's CREATE Lab, and a team of approximately 16 named employees; R&D has been sustained by National Science Foundation STTR grants (~$1M disclosed across 2016 and 2018) and university research collaborations.
Birdbrain Technologies firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Birdbrain Technologies
- Legal name
- BirdBrain Technologies LLC
- Website
- https://birdbraintechnologies.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2010
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- BirdBrain Technologies designs and sells hands-on STEM learning robots (Finch, Hummingbird Bit), app-connected math manipulatives (Owlet), and building kits (Strawbees) for K-12 schools, districts, libraries, and families, with free curriculum and software supporting adoption.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Birdbrain Technologies industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Educational Robotics
- NAICS
- Doll, Toy, and Game Manufacturing (33993)
- SIC
- Games, Toys & Children's Vehicles (No Dolls & Bicycles) (3944)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Robotics Learning Platforms (EDAFANAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Robotics Kits, Parts & Lab Equipment Providers (Education-Focused) (EDAMADAN), AI & Machine Learning for Robotics Programs (EDAMADAK), AI/ML Learning Platforms for Students (EDAFANAE), Math & STEM Learning Technology (incl. Coding/Robotics Platforms) (EDAJAMAG)
Keywords
Where Birdbrain Technologies is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Pittsburgh
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Birdbrain Technologies business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations
Revenue model
- Hardware Sales: Primary revenue from selling physical products including robotics kits, robots, math manipulatives, and building kits to schools, districts, and individuals. Products are sold as individual kits and classroom solutions (class packs).
- Classroom Solutions: Bundled classroom packages at various price points ($650-$3000 per classroom) that include multiple products and support materials for school-wide adoption.
- Free Software Ecosystem: All companion apps (FinchBlox, BirdBlox, GlowGrid, Cube3, etc.) and learning platforms are free. This supports hardware sales by enhancing product value and differentiation.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Multi-year contract | Hummingbird Bit Robotics Kit - Grades 4-12 |
| Unit Pricing | Multi-year contract | Finch Robot 2.0 - Grades K-College |
| Unit Pricing | Multi-year contract | Owlet Math Tools - Grades K-5 |
| Unit Pricing | Multi-year contract | Electric Motors Catalyst Kit - Grades 3-6 |
| Unit Pricing | Multi-year contract | Strawbees STEAM Kits |
Go-to-market motion4 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels7 records
Birdbrain Technologies product offering
Product offeringCore offering
BirdBrain Technologies designs, manufactures, and sells programmable educational robots and STEM learning kits (Finch Robot 2.0, Hummingbird Bit Robotics Kit) along with hands-on math manipulatives (Owlet Math Tools), engineering kits (Electric Motors Catalyst Kit), and building kits (Strawbees) for K-12 classrooms, higher education, and homeschool use. Products integrate with micro:bit and support multiple programming languages (Snap!, MakeCode, Python, Java, BirdBlox, FinchBlox) and are backed by free curriculum, lesson plans, and professional development resources.
Product overview
BirdBrain Technologies is an educational technology company that develops a portfolio of hands-on STEM learning tools for classroom and home use. The core product line includes the Hummingbird Bit Robotics Kit (grades 4-12) for creative robotics and STEAM projects, the Finch Robot 2.0 (grades K-College) for computer science education, Owlet Math Tools (grades K-5) combining physical manipulatives with digital apps for math education, and the Electric Motors Catalyst Kit (grades 3-6) for engineering mechanics. In September 2025, BirdBrain acquired Strawbees, expanding into K-8 building and construction kits. The company also offers AI & Machine Learning curriculum for grades 4-12 and operates a free Finch Robot loan program. All products are backed by research from Carnegie Mellon University's CREATE Lab and supported by free professional development, tutorials, and curriculum resources.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Owlet Math Tools: App-connected manipulatives for grades K-5 that make abstract math concepts hands-on, including Glow (LED matrix) and Cube (sensor-enabled tower) tools.
- Hummingbird Bit Robotics Kit
- Finch Robot 2.0
- Electric Motors Catalyst Kit
- Strawbees
Products and services
- Finch Robot 2.0 An educational robot for grades K-College with low floor, high ceiling design supporting icon, block, and text-based coding. Features include 7+ hour battery life, pen mount for drawing, line-tracking, light/obstacle/sound sensing, full color LEDs, plastic brick adapter, and integration with AI/ML activities via micro:bit.
- Hummingbird Bit Robotics Kit A creative robotics kit for grades 4-12 that allows students to design, build, and program personally meaningful robots using sensors (light, distance, sound, dial), actuators (LEDs, servos, buzzer), an accelerometer, compass, LED screen, and radio communication. Supports BirdBlox, Snap!, MakeCode/JavaScript, Python, and Java.
- Owlet Math Tools App-connected manipulatives for grades K-5 that make abstract math concepts hands-on. Includes Glow (12x12 LED matrix with dials and buttons for arithmetic and fractions) and Cube (sensor-enabled tracks for place value, money, and decimal exploration), both connecting via Bluetooth to apps that provide immediate feedback and teacher reporting.
- Electric Motors Catalyst Kit A hands-on STEM exploration and problem-solving kit for grades 3-6 featuring 50+ reusable parts including electric motors, wooden components, and hardware. No programming required; focuses on engineering and mechanics principles.
- Strawbees Hands-on STEM building kits for K-8 students featuring modular connectors that link straws and cardboard. Includes STEAM kits (230-piece Starter Kit, 4,000+ piece Classroom Kit), Robotic Inventions Pack for micro:bit integration, and a Strawbees Classroom platform with 250+ curriculum-aligned activities mapped to NGSS, ISTE, and CSTA standards.
Quantifiable outcome
- 250,000+ students have programmed a Finch Robot through the loan program
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Birdbrain Technologies
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Birdbrain Technologies technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration12 records
AI capability8 records
Feature5 records
Birdbrain Technologies partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Carnegie Mellon University CREATE LabcoreProducts developed from 2005-2010 at CMU's CREATE Lab. Founder Dr. Tom Lauwers completed his doctoral research there. Ongoing research collaboration and university connection. Owlet Math Tools developed in collaboration with CMU's CREATE Lab with NSF funding.
- CreXo (RW Thrive)coreParent company of BirdBrain Technologies. CreXo is a family of STEM brands. RW Thrive serves as parent company providing distribution and distribution network for BirdBrain products. Strawbees joined the BirdBrain Technologies family in September 2025.
- Google (Teachable Machine)coreAI activities use Google Teachable Machine for creating machine learning models. Students create image, audio, pose, and gesture recognition models that integrate with BirdBrain robots.
- Code.orgcoreBirdBrain created robot-free AI lessons for Code.org AI Initiatives. Provides AI education curriculum for classrooms without access to physical robots.
- micro:bit Educational FoundationcoreBoth Finch Robot 2.0 and Hummingbird Bit use micro:bit as their programmable core. Partnership enables accessible, affordable robotics platform.
- CreateAI (micro:bit Foundation)coreHour of AI program uses CreateAI platform with micro:bit v2 for gesture recognition AI education. Enables robot-free AI learning with just a computer and micro:bit.
- CMU's Telepresence Robot Kit (TeRK)minorRemote Robots feature was inspired by the TeRK project at CMU's CREATE Lab from 2006-2008. Original concepts adapted for modern educational use.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Birdbrain Technologies competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Wonder Workshop: Maker of Dash, Dot, and Cue educational robots for K-12 coding and STEM. Direct competitor in K-8 STEAM robotics with a similar school-district sales motion and curriculum-supported model.
- Sphero: Educational robotics company (BOLT+, indi) acquired by littleBits, selling programmable robots and STEAM kits into K-12 classrooms. Same buyer (teachers/districts), same category, similar curriculum-bundled pricing model.
- Ozobot: Sells small educational robots (Evo, Bit) used for K-12 coding and STEM lessons. Directly competes with Finch/Hummingbird in computer-science and robotics classroom purchases.
- Makeblock: Maker of mBot, Codey Rocky, and STEAM robotics kits for K-12. Directly overlaps with Finch/Hummingbird in coding-and-robotics classroom products, often at lower price points.
- K'NEX Education: Sells building-based STEM kits for K-8 classrooms, overlapping with Strawbees and Electric Motors Catalyst Kit in construction/mechanics STEM spending categories.
Broad incumbents
- VEX Robotics: Educational robotics provider with VEX 123, IQ, and V5 lines plus the VEX Robotics Competition. A larger incumbent with deeper competition ecosystem and broader high-school penetration than BirdBrain.
- LEGO Education: Division of LEGO selling WeDo, SPIKE Prime, and MINDSTORMS into schools globally. A larger incumbent with broader retail/distribution, broader curriculum, and larger marketing footprint.
Others
- Code.org: Non-profit that drives K-12 computer-science adoption including the Hour of AI; a strategic content/curriculum partner (and competitive threat as a free entry point) that channels demand for tools like Finch and Hummingbird.
- micro:bit Educational Foundation: Foundation behind the micro:bit hardware at the core of Finch 2.0 and Hummingbird Bit. Not a direct competitor but the most strategically important technology partner / ecosystem enabler for BirdBrain.
Emerging players
- Tinkering Labs: Maker of hands-on STEM exploration kits (e.g., Electric Motors Catalyst Kit is co-marketed with BirdBrain) for grades 3-6. Closest adjacent peer for the non-coding mechanical-engineering portion of BirdBrain's portfolio.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Birdbrain Technologies social profiles
Digital presenceBirdbrain Technologies compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
Birdbrain Technologies financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Birdbrain Technologies leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles10 records
Birdbrain Technologies subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Birdbrain Technologies funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Birdbrain Technologies M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Birdbrain Technologies
What does Birdbrain Technologies do?
BirdBrain Technologies designs, manufactures, and sells programmable educational robots and STEM learning kits (Finch Robot 2.0, Hummingbird Bit Robotics Kit) along with hands-on math manipulatives (Owlet Math Tools), engineering kits (Electric Motors Catalyst Kit), and building kits (Strawbees) for K-12 classrooms, higher education, and homeschool use. Products integrate with micro:bit and support multiple programming languages (Snap!, MakeCode, Python, Java, BirdBlox, FinchBlox) and are backed by free curriculum, lesson plans, and professional development resources.
Is Birdbrain Technologies a public or private company?
Birdbrain Technologies is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Birdbrain Technologies founded?
Birdbrain Technologies was founded in 2010. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Birdbrain Technologies based?
Birdbrain Technologies is headquartered in Pittsburgh, United States, in the North America region.
How does Birdbrain Technologies make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Hardware Sales are the primary driver. The others are classroom Solutions and free Software Ecosystem.
Who are Birdbrain Technologies's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Wonder Workshop, Sphero, Ozobot, Makeblock and K'NEX Education. Broad incumbents are VEX Robotics and LEGO Education. Others are Code.org and micro:bit Educational Foundation. Tinkering Labs is listed as an emerging player.
Does Birdbrain Technologies have an API?
No public API is recorded for Birdbrain Technologies.
What industry is Birdbrain Technologies in?
Birdbrain Technologies's product category is Educational Robotics. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAFANAB, Robotics Learning Platforms, with a secondary code of EDAMADAN, Robotics Kits, Parts & Lab Equipment Providers (Education-Focused). Its NAICS code is 33993 and its SIC code is 3944.