EdScratch

EdScratch is a visual coding environment for students programming Edison robots, with a low barrier for learners who have not coded before. Its focused robot blocks and substantial free teaching materials make it a strong classroom starting point; the need to work online and the constraints around V3 USB connection may not suit every setup.

Overview

EdScratch uses vertical, drag-and-drop blocks to program Edison V1, V2 and V3 robots. Learners can control robot inputs, manipulate data and use variables without needing to write conventional code. Variable names are restricted to English letters, numbers and underscores, and cannot begin with a number—a small but real constraint as students move toward more flexible programming conventions.

The nine block categories cover drive, LEDs, sound, data, events, control, sensing, operators and comments. This is a useful range for connecting code to robot behavior and introducing program structure, but the environment is purpose-built for Edison rather than a broad coding workspace.

A built-in bug box checks programs and displays red or yellow warnings. It gives beginners a prompt to inspect possible errors, although warnings should be treated as guidance rather than automatic debugging. Programs can be saved to a computer and loaded back into the online app, which helps preserve work but does not remove the need for an internet connection.

Key features

EdScratch is based on Scratch and keeps programming visual through blocks. The nine categories span movement, lights, sound, sensing and control, giving students ways to build programs around the robot’s inputs and outputs while also working with data and variables.

The maker’s free lesson set includes 98 student activity options across six units, alongside a teacher’s guide. That gives educators a substantial path for structured classroom use rather than leaving them to invent every exercise. Lesson resources are available in multiple languages, but the application interface itself currently displays only English.

EdScratch supports projects and programming challenges used with the EdCreate Edison robot creator’s kit. Support materials include tutorials, troubleshooting FAQs, a warning-message guide and contact options.

Pricing

EdScratch is free to use with an Edison robot. Its Free plan costs nothing and provides browser access without requiring additional software; there is no free trial because the software is free. The plan is a natural fit for schools and families that already have compatible Edison hardware, but it does not include the robot itself.

There are no paid tiers or seat-based charges to weigh. The practical limits are access-related: EdScratch requires an internet connection, and the maker says it has no offline or downloadable version in development. Users can save and reload program files locally, but the coding environment remains online.

Platforms

EdScratch runs in a web browser and is usable on Windows, macOS, iPadOS and Android devices. Dedicated mobile apps are not currently in development. Browser support depends on the robot and connection method: for Edison V3 computers, the maker lists Chrome, Edge and Opera; for V3 iPad use and Edison V1/V2, it lists Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge and Opera.

Programming a V3 from a computer over USB uses WebUSB, which the maker says is supported by Chrome and Edge but not Firefox or Safari. V3 programs can also be flashed optically from an iPad, while V1 and V2 use the EdComm cable. Check the browser and connection combination before planning a classroom around USB programming.

Who it's for

EdScratch is aimed at students aged 10 and up, including those without prior coding experience, and is best suited to educators using Edison robots for introductory programming. Its activity set and teacher’s guide support lesson-based use, while the visual blocks give beginners an approachable way to connect code with physical robot behavior.

It is less suitable for learners who need offline access, a non-English interface, or a coding tool that extends beyond Edison hardware. The open-source software it uses is maintained by the Scratch Foundation, which does not sponsor or endorse EdScratch; the product is developed by Microbric Pty Ltd.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Free access with an Edison robot: Browser use requires no additional software, keeping the entry cost to the compatible hardware.
• Useful classroom support: The 98 activity options across six units and accompanying teacher’s guide give educators a substantial teaching resource.
• Beginner-oriented error prompts: The bug box flags potential problems in red or yellow, helping learners know when to review a program.
• Multiple robot connection options: V3 supports computer USB programming or optical flashing from an iPad, while V1/V2 use the EdComm cable.

Cons

• Internet required: Saving files locally does not make the editor usable offline, which limits use where connectivity is unreliable.
• Browser restrictions for V3 USB: WebUSB support is limited to Chrome and Edge, so Firefox and Safari users cannot use that computer connection method.
• English-only interface: Multilingual lesson resources do not change the language available in the application itself.
• Narrow hardware focus: The blocks and programming workflow are designed for Edison robots, not as a general-purpose coding environment.

Alternatives

Choose mBlock if you want a free platform that combines block-based and Python coding with AI and IoT features, rather than an environment focused on Edison robots.

PictoBlox is worth considering for individuals seeking a free plan for non-commercial use; commercial users need to contact its maker.

Choose FinchBlox if you are comparing another free robotics-coding option; it is available across web, desktop and mobile platforms.

Ozobot Classroom may suit educators who want a teacher-focused portal with 700 lessons rather than EdScratch’s Edison-specific activity set.

Rocksi is another free robotics software option to consider.

Choose Sphero Edu if you have a compatible Sphero robot and want free app or web access for robot programming.

Thymio Suite is a free desktop download for users programming a Thymio robot.

True Robotics Playground is a free web-based block-coding option that connects to True Robotics kits over Bluetooth or USB.

Explore more options in Robotics Education Software.

Verdict

Choose EdScratch if you teach or support students aged 10 and up who are learning to program Edison robots: its visual blocks, warning prompts and extensive free lesson materials make a coherent introductory package. Look elsewhere if offline use, a non-English interface or broader robot compatibility matters more than Edison-focused instruction.