EdScratch

EdScratch is a free, browser-based visual programming environment for Edison robots. Its vertical, drag-and-drop blocks are based on Scratch, and the online environment is described as suitable for students aged 10 and up, including those new to coding. Users can select versions for Edison V2 or V3 and work with nine block categories: drive, LEDs, sound, data, events, control, sensing, operators and comments. Programs can control robot inputs, manipulate data and use variables. A built-in bug box checks programs and displays warning messages to help identify errors. Programs can be saved to a computer and loaded back into the online app. Edison V3 can receive programs by USB from a computer or by optical flashing from an iPad; V1 and V2 use the EdComm cable. Microbric provides a free lesson set with 98 activity options across six units, plus a teacher’s guide. EdScratch works online on web, Windows, macOS, iPadOS and Android, but requires an internet connection. Its interface is in English, while lesson resources are available in multiple languages.

EdScratch combines a visual coding environment with robot-specific lessons and troubleshooting guidance. Its online-only access and English interface are key considerations for learners and teachers.

EdScratch suits students aged 10 and up, including learners without prior coding experience, and educators using Edison robots. It supports Edison V2 and V3, with programming instructions also described for V1.

Overview

EdScratch is a visual programming environment built for Edison robots, with drag-and-drop blocks instead of typed code. It suits students aged 10 and up, especially beginners learning with a robot and a teacher-led curriculum. Its focused tools and free lessons make it a practical classroom option, provided learners have reliable internet access.

Key features

Nine block categories cover movement, lights, sound, data, events, control, sensing, operators and comments. Students can program robot behavior, work with inputs and data, and create variables without leaving the visual environment. That range supports meaningful robotics exercises, though EdScratch is tailored to Edison rather than a general-purpose coding workspace. Variable names also have a small constraint: they can use English letters, numbers and underscores, but cannot start with a number.

The built-in bug box checks programs and marks potential errors with red or yellow warnings. For new coders, that offers a useful prompt to revisit a program and locate trouble; it is a guide to errors, not a substitute for learning how to debug. Users can save programs to a computer and reload them in the online app, which helps preserve and resume work.

Teaching support is a notable strength: the free lesson set includes 98 student activity options across six units, alongside a teacher’s guide. The lessons give educators a ready structure for introducing the blocks, while students can work through activities without requiring prior coding experience.

Connection depends on the robot and device. Edison V3 can receive programs from a computer over USB or from an iPad through optical flashing; V1 and V2 use the EdComm cable. V3 USB programming relies on WebUSB, which works with Chrome and Edge, not Firefox or Safari. Browser support also varies by setup: the maker lists Chrome, Edge and Opera for V3 computers, and Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge and Opera for V3 iPad and V1/V2.

Pricing

EdScratch is free to use with an Edison robot. The free plan provides browser access and requires no additional software, making it an accessible choice for classrooms that already have compatible robots. There is no free trial because the software is free; the trade-off is that access remains online and requires an internet connection. The maker says no offline or downloadable version is in development.

Platforms

EdScratch runs in a web browser and is usable on Windows, macOS, iPadOS and Android devices. The mobile experience is the online app rather than a dedicated iOS or Android application. English is the only interface language, although lesson resources are available in multiple languages; that may limit use for learners who need menus and controls in another language.

Who it's for

EdScratch is best suited to teachers and students aged 10 and up who are programming Edison V2 or V3 robots and want a visual introduction to robotics concepts. Its lesson units, teacher’s guide and error warnings give educators concrete material for a structured course. It is less suitable where internet access is unreliable, a non-English interface is necessary, or students need a coding environment that extends beyond Edison robots.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Free access with an Edison robot and no extra software keeps classroom setup costs down.
• Pros: Ninety-eight activity options, six units and a teacher’s guide give educators substantial starting material.
• Pros: Robot-specific blocks and a warning box connect programming concepts to Edison behavior and common errors.
• Cons: An internet connection is required, and there is no offline or downloadable version.
• Cons: The English-only interface may be a barrier even though lessons are available in multiple languages.
• Cons: V3 USB programming requires Chrome or Edge, while Firefox and Safari do not support the needed WebUSB connection.

Alternatives

Compare robotics education software if you want to weigh a wider set of classroom tools. Choose ROBO Pro Coding if saving programs locally and in the cloud is a priority; its free app also runs on Linux, which EdScratch does not list. VEXcode is a better fit for learners who want a free VR option with 15 playgrounds, curriculum activities and online resources.

Wonder Workshop Blockly may suit educators seeking a teacher-focused portal with a free tier for up to 35 students, one teacher and one classroom, though it requires a physical Dash robot. FinchBlox is another free robotics-coding option. For block and Python coding together, plus AI and IoT features, consider free mBlock. Open Roberta Lab is a free browser-based option that needs no installation. Educators looking for a free account with 700 lessons and a teacher-focused portal can consider Ozobot Classroom. PictoBlox has a free tier for individual, non-commercial use.

Verdict

Choose EdScratch for a free, lesson-supported introduction to programming Edison robots, particularly in classrooms with compatible hardware and steady internet. Its robot-specific blocks and extensive student activities give beginners a clear route into coding. Look elsewhere if offline access, a translated interface or broader hardware flexibility matters more than a focused Edison curriculum.