Dash Robot Refactor

Focus was engaged to update the hardware and firmware of Dash, an award-winning educational robot developed by Wonder Workshop. Dash teaches children the basics of coding and STEM concepts through interactive play. The project involves migrating the design from the older nRF51822 platform running ThreadX to the new nRF54L family running Zephyr with nRF Connect SDK. This upgrade consolidates the functionality of multiple subsystems into a single, more powerful chip, enhancing performance and simplifying the design. Focus leverages its deep expertise in hardware and embedded software to ensure a seamless transition, maintaining Dash’s hallmark affordability and rich feature set.
Zephyr
Bootloader
DFU
C
PCB Prototyping
Low Power
Manufacturing
Bluetooth
T&M
Dash Robot Refactor
01

About the Client

Wonder Workshop is a Silicon Valley-based startup specializing in education and robotics

Known for their innovative robots Dash and Dot, the company aims to make coding accessible and enjoyable for young learners worldwide.

Backed by prominent investors, Wonder Workshop has become a leader in STEM education, integrating robotics into classrooms and homes to foster creativity and problem-solving skills.

Wonder Workshop chose Focus due to its reputation as a Nordic Trusted Design Partner and its expertise in hardware design, embedded software, and cost-efficient solutions.

Focus | About the Client

01

About the Client

Wonder Workshop is a Silicon Valley-based startup specializing in education and robotics

Known for their innovative robots Dash and Dot, the company aims to make coding accessible and enjoyable for young learners worldwide.

Backed by prominent investors, Wonder Workshop has become a leader in STEM education, integrating robotics into classrooms and homes to foster creativity and problem-solving skills.

Wonder Workshop chose Focus due to its reputation as a Nordic Trusted Design Partner and its expertise in hardware design, embedded software, and cost-efficient solutions.

Focus | About the Client
02

About the Problem

Wonder Workshop aimed to update Dash’s hardware to keep pace with technological advancements and maintain its market-leading position as part of its continuous evolvement.

The challenge was to migrate from the existing nRF51822 to a more advanced platform, enhancing performance while preserving cost efficiency—a critical factor given Dash’s competitive pricing.

The complexity lay in integrating the new nRF54L15 chip, using its enhanced performance to centralize various subsystems, thereby reducing the component count and improving reliability.

Wonder Workshop required a partner with deep knowledge of Nordic Semiconductor technologies and extensive experience in high-volume, low-cost manufacturing.

02

About the Problem

Wonder Workshop aimed to update Dash’s hardware to keep pace with technological advancements and maintain its market-leading position as part of its continuous evolvement.

The challenge was to migrate from the existing nRF51822 to a more advanced platform, enhancing performance while preserving cost efficiency—a critical factor given Dash’s competitive pricing.

The complexity lay in integrating the new nRF54L15 chip, using its enhanced performance to centralize various subsystems, thereby reducing the component count and improving reliability.

Wonder Workshop required a partner with deep knowledge of Nordic Semiconductor technologies and extensive experience in high-volume, low-cost manufacturing.

03

Working Methodology

Focus approached the project using an Agile development methodology, emphasizing close collaboration with Wonder Workshop throughout the process.

The team started with an in-depth analysis of the existing hardware design.

Key milestones include initial prototyping, iterative testing, and system validation, ensuring each stage meets stringent performance criteria.

Focus’s expertise as a Nordic Trusted Design Partner played a critical role, allowing for efficient debugging and optimization of the new platform.

The project also incorporated rigorous testing in simulated real-world scenarios to validate the system’s performance.

Focus | Working Methodology

03

Working Methodology

Focus approached the project using an Agile development methodology, emphasizing close collaboration with Wonder Workshop throughout the process.

The team started with an in-depth analysis of the existing hardware design.

Key milestones include initial prototyping, iterative testing, and system validation, ensuring each stage meets stringent performance criteria.

Focus’s expertise as a Nordic Trusted Design Partner played a critical role, allowing for efficient debugging and optimization of the new platform.

The project also incorporated rigorous testing in simulated real-world scenarios to validate the system’s performance.

Focus | Working Methodology
04

The Solution

The solution involves transitioning Dash from the nRF51822 chip to the latest nRF54L family.

This upgrade allows Dash to consolidate various functionalities—such as Bluetooth communication, sensor data processing, and motor control—into a single, more capable platform.

Focus develops custom firmware to leverage the enhanced capabilities of the new chip, optimizing power consumption, response times, and overall system efficiency.

The updated design retains all of Dash’s beloved features, including interactive movement, voice recognition, and sensor-driven behaviors, while also future-proofing the robot for additional features and expandability.

Focus’s experience in designing for low-cost, high-volume manufacturing ensures that the upgraded Dash remains competitively priced.

04

The Solution

The solution involves transitioning Dash from the nRF51822 chip to the latest nRF54L family.

This upgrade allows Dash to consolidate various functionalities—such as Bluetooth communication, sensor data processing, and motor control—into a single, more capable platform.

Focus develops custom firmware to leverage the enhanced capabilities of the new chip, optimizing power consumption, response times, and overall system efficiency.

The updated design retains all of Dash’s beloved features, including interactive movement, voice recognition, and sensor-driven behaviors, while also future-proofing the robot for additional features and expandability.

Focus’s experience in designing for low-cost, high-volume manufacturing ensures that the upgraded Dash remains competitively priced.

05

The Results

The updated Dash robot is still under development.

05

The Results

The updated Dash robot is still under development.