What Robolink does

Robolink is a privately held San Diego-based educational technology company founded in 2012 that designs and sells programmable drones and AI-enabled robotics kits for K-12 STEM, computer science, and career technical education (CTE). Its core product line centers on the CoDrone EDU family — a programmable drone with seven sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, barometer, range, color, optical flow), Blockly and Python programming environments, and RF connectivity supporting up to ten drones simultaneously. The June 2026 launch of CoDrone EDU Plus adds dual front-and-downward cameras with computer vision and autonomous decision-making capabilities for foundational AI learning, and was recognized as a CES 2026 Innovation Awards Honoree. The company also sells the Zumi self-driving AI car kit, which uses TensorFlow and OpenCV to teach machine learning and computer vision concepts.

Robolink monetizes primarily through one-time hardware sales (individual kits priced $179.99–$314.99; classroom packs of 12 or 18 drones priced $3,599–$6,799.99) and ancillary professional development sessions ($499 per two-hour course for up to twelve educators). Distribution runs through a direct e-commerce site accepting school purchase orders with net-30 terms, supplemented by the REC Foundation Aerial Drone Competition (for which CoDrone EDU is the official drone) and event-driven demand generation at ISTE and CES. Customer segments include K-12 schools and districts, JROTC programs (served by a dedicated compliant sourcing edition), summer/after-school programs, and competition teams. The company claims to be trusted by 9,000+ US schools and 4,000+ schools worldwide, with 20,000+ students taught personally and 1,500+ competition teams.

The business operates with 11–50 employees, is self-funded primarily through Kickstarter crowdfunding (~$700K aggregated across 2015–2017 campaigns, including $230K for CoDrone Pro in 2016), and holds no institutional venture capital or parent ownership per disclosed sources. Curriculum, lesson portal (Robolink Learn/Basecamp), and platforms (Drone Lab coding environment) are COPPA and FERPA certified, and hardware is Section 889 compliant for federal funding channels. Major strategic relationships include Texas Instruments (technology collaboration on CoDrone EDU Plus), REC Foundation (competition partnership), and curriculum partners such as Take Flight and SREB.

Name

Robolink

Legal name

Robolink, Inc.

Website

https://robolink.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2012

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Robolink designs and sells programmable drones and AI-enabled robotics kits — CoDrone EDU, CoDrone EDU Plus, and Zumi — to K-12 schools, JROTC programs, and competition teams, monetizing via classroom hardware bundles, professional development, and an REC Foundation competition partnership.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Educational Robotics

NAICS

Educational Support Services (611710), Elementary and Secondary Schools (6111), All Other Schools and Instruction (61169)

SIC

Games, Toys & Children's Vehicles (No Dolls & Bicycles) (3944)

akta.pro primary industry

Robotics Learning Platforms (EDAFANAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Math & STEM Learning Technology (incl. Coding/Robotics Platforms) (EDAJAMAG), Drones, UAVs & Aerial Robotics Programs (EDAMADAJ), AI/ML Learning Platforms for Students (EDAFANAE), AI & Machine Learning (Foundations & Applied) (EDAMACAG), Learning Device Ecosystems & 1:1 Program Solutions (Devices, MDM, Charging) (EDAJAMAL)

Keywords

• Educational robotics kits
• STEM education drones
• Programmable drone kits
• AI learning robotics
• K-12 STEM curriculum

Headquarters

HQ city

San Diego

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations

Revenue model

1. Hardware Sales: One-time sales of programmable drone kits (CoDrone EDU, CoDrone EDU JROTC edition), robotic cars (Zumi), replacement parts, accessories, and classroom packages. Products are sold individually or as classroom bundles (12-pack, 18-pack) with or without professional development.
2. Professional Development Services: Virtual professional development sessions (2-hour courses) for educators learning to use CoDrone EDU and Zumi in classrooms. Sessions are sold at $499 per course for groups of up to 12 educators. Included free with classroom package purchases.
3. Competition & Event Products: Sales of Aerial Drone Competition game elements, mission kits, and field accessories for the REC Foundation competition program. Revenue from competition registration fees is managed by REC Foundation.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Robolink designs and sells programmable educational drones (CoDrone EDU, CoDrone EDU JROTC, CoDrone EDU Plus) and an AI self-driving car kit (Zumi) for K-12 STEM and computer science classrooms. Offerings are bundled as classroom packs and paired with standards-aligned curriculum (Robolink Learn), a web-based coding platform (Drone Lab), and virtual professional development for educators.

Product overview

Robolink offers a portfolio of programmable robotics and drone kits for educational settings, centered around the CoDrone EDU family (including JROTC edition and new Plus variant), the Zumi self-driving AI car, and supporting platforms including Robolink Learn (Basecamp) lesson portal, Drone Lab coding environment, and the Aerial Drone Competition program with the REC Foundation. The ecosystem includes bundled classroom packs, professional development services, and curriculum aligned to STEM/CS/CTE standards. The CoDrone EDU is the flagship product—a drone programmable in Blockly and Python with 7 sensors, while CoDrone EDU Plus adds cameras and AI capabilities. Zumi teaches AI concepts through a buildable self-driving car using TensorFlow and OpenCV.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• CoDrone EDU A programmable educational drone for K-12 classrooms featuring 7 programmable sensors, programmable lights and sounds, and a Smart Controller with LCD screen. Supports Blockly and Python programming via the web-based Drone Lab environment. Priced from $249 per individual kit.
• CoDrone EDU (JROTC Edition) A variant of CoDrone EDU designed for Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) programs with components sourced from alternative manufacturers to satisfy JROTC funding and Section 889 sourcing requirements. Identical performance to the standard edition with USB-C ports and different power configuration. Priced from $314.99 per individual kit.
• CoDrone EDU Plus An upgraded programmable educational drone with dual front-facing and downward-facing cameras for computer vision and AI foundational learning. Includes physical camera cover, encrypted storage, and camera controls. Co-designed with educators and compliant with COPPA and FERPA.
• Zumi A buildable self-driving AI car kit that teaches AI/ML concepts through computer vision, facial recognition, gesture recognition, and autonomous navigation. Built on Raspberry Pi Zero with TensorFlow and OpenCV, programmable in Blockly and Python. Priced at $179.99.
• CoDrone EDU Classroom Packs Bundled classroom packages of multiple CoDrone EDU drones with Smart Controllers, rechargeable batteries, dual-battery chargers, replacement propellers, motors, frames, and optional professional development. 12-pack from $3,599 and 18-pack from $5,399.
• Professional Development Virtual professional development training for educators covering product setup, piloting, programming in Blockly and Python, classroom management, and troubleshooting for CoDrone EDU and Zumi. Sold at $499 per 2-hour course for up to 12 educators; included free with classroom package purchases.
• Aerial Drone Competition Program An annual drone competition program run in partnership with the REC Foundation, featuring piloting challenges and autonomous flight missions for grades 5-12. Teams of 3-5 students compete in piloting teamwork, autonomous flight, piloting skills, and communication missions. Robolink supplies the official drone hardware and competition game elements.

Quantifiable outcome

• 9,000+ US schools and 4,000+ schools worldwide trust Robolink products
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability5 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and moderate.

• Texas InstrumentscoreTechnology or IntegrationOngoing collaboration with Texas Instruments. CoDrone EDU Plus is part of this collaboration and features Texas Instruments technology. The partnership enables educational drone technology with enhanced computing capabilities for STEM learning.
• REC FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOfficial partnership for the annual Aerial Drone Competition. Robolink provides the official competition drone (CoDrone EDU) while REC Foundation manages event registration, judging, and competition logistics. The competition offers piloting challenges, autonomous flight missions, and communication evaluations for grades 5-12.
• US ArmyminorOthersPartner organization shown on Robolink website. Nature of partnership not detailed in available source material.
• US Air Force JROTCcoreOthersJROTC edition of CoDrone EDU was specifically created to meet JROTC funding requirements. The special edition uses components sourced from different manufacturers to comply with sourcing restrictions.
• ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education)moderateGTM or Marketing PartnerCoDrone EDU Plus announced at ISTE 2026 conference in Orlando, Florida. Robolink has Booth 2522 with hands-on demonstrations, educator-led sessions, and sponsored networking events.
• San Dieguito Union High School District (SDUHSD)moderateStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry partnership supporting CTE program. Students at Canyon Crest Academy worked with Robolink engineers on drone choreography projects including programmed lights, coordinated movements, and GUI development. Partnership contributes to district's top ranking in California's College/Career Readiness Indicator.
• MiraCosta College, Palomar College, Grossmont CollegemoderateStrategic or Co-development PartnerSDUHSD's college partners for Early College Credit program. While not directly Robolink partnerships, they represent the broader CTE ecosystem that includes Robolink drone education.
• Take Flight CurriculumminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThird-party CTE curriculum partner offering drone-related career curricula that integrates with CoDrone EDU. Note: utilizing third-party curricula may void product warranty.
• Robot Operations with CoDrone EDUminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThird-party CTE curriculum partner providing robot operations coursework using Robolink products.
• Advanced Career Curricula (SREB)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSouthern Regional Education Board (SREB) partnership offering advanced career curricula that may incorporate drone education.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• DJI (DJI Education / RoboMaster): DJI offers RoboMaster and other educational drone/robotics products targeting K-12 and university STEM programs. Directly competes with CoDrone EDU in programmable educational drones with deeper capital and broader catalog.
• Sphero: Sphero makes programmable educational robots (SPRK+, BOLT, indi) for K-12 STEM, serving schools and districts with curriculum and PD. Closest direct competitor on programmable robotics kits and school channel model.
• Wonder Workshop: Wonder Workshop (Dash, Dot, Cue) provides K-8 programmable educational robots with curriculum and PD sold to schools. Comparable on form factor, target segment (K-8 STEM), and school channel GTM.
• Makeblock: Makeblock (mBot, Codey Rocky, Airblock) sells programmable STEAM education robotics kits to schools worldwide. Directly competes in the K-12 STEM robotics kit category with hardware + curriculum + PD bundling.
• VEX Robotics: VEX Robotics offers programmable robot kits (VEX IQ, VEX V5) and a global VEX competition platform for K-12. Directly comparable as educational robotics kits with competition flywheel, though with ground robots rather than drones.

Broad incumbents

• Parrot Education: Parrot offers educational drones (discontinued AR.Drone, Anafi) historically used in K-12 STEM programs. Broader consumer/enterprise drone incumbent; less direct competition today but a category reference point for educational drones.
• Pitsco Education: Pitsco Education offers a broad catalog of K-12 STEM kits, robotics, and curriculum sold through school purchase orders. Comparable on direct-to-school distribution model and CTE curriculum focus.
• LEGO Education: LEGO Education (SPIKE Prime, WeDo, MINDSTORMS) is a broad incumbent in K-12 STEM robotics kits, with deep school penetration, standards-aligned curriculum, and global PD networks. Wider portfolio than Robolink but overlaps on programmable classroom robotics.

Emerging players

• BirdBrain Technologies: BirdBrain Technologies (Hummingbird Bit, Finch Robot) provides programmable K-12 robotics kits with curriculum and PD. Niche overlap on educational robotics in schools but smaller scale and different product form factors.

Others

• Tynker: Tynker is a K-12 coding/STEM curriculum platform that integrates with various robotics including drones. Adjacent enabling partner rather than direct competitor; could be a curriculum integration complement for CoDrone EDU.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/robolinkinc
• Facebookfacebook.com/RobolinkInc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/robolinkinc
• Instagraminstagram.com/robolinkinc/?hl=en

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds4 records

Investors2 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Robolink