16. December 2024, School

Motor and digital: Cubilog reimagines language development

Carina and Andreas at the Vienna Education Festival, Photo: Cubilog

A “storybook” startup in the truest sense—born from a spontaneous idea and an evident need. Carina Fröhlich, Andreas Gradinger, and Daniel Stojnic founded Cubilog to address the lack of interactive picture books that simultaneously promote language development and emphasize inclusion. Carina, a language development specialist, highlights the unique approach: combining hardware (the sensor-based Sense-Cube) and software (an app with interactive eBooks) to create a dynamic learning environment for children aged five and older.

“Currently, there are few EdTech solutions combining hardware and software that use sensory-friendly content to engage multiple senses,” says Carina. Cubilog enables hands-on and digital learning, with content developed alongside educators and aligned with educational frameworks.

 

Breathe, turn, and touch

While children digitally flip through the inclusively designed stories, they embark on big and small adventures with the characters. In interactive sequences, they are repeatedly encouraged to solve tasks using the Sense-Cube, which easily connects to the app via Bluetooth. Four sensors are available: a rotary knob, a microphone, a motion sensor, and buttons. “These elements are very important because exercises that improve motor skills also promote language abilities,” explains Carina.

Through interactive tasks, such as inflating a balloon with the microphone, spinning honey with the rotary knob, shaking leaves from trees with the motion sensor, or discovering hidden objects with the buttons, young users also develop skills like distinguishing directions, gaining a better understanding of space and navigation, and strengthening oral, gross, fine, and visuomotor skills (coordination of visual perception and motor functions).

 

For home and schools

Currently, Cubilog’s offering is primarily aimed at parents who want to support their children’s sustainable development. In the future, the interactive picture books will also play a role in schools and kindergartens: The first collaboration with a primary school has already been initiated. Cubilog is being tested in the school environment and will be further expanded for this application. The goal is for students to be able to independently repeat and deepen the content from their lessons.

Founded in the fall of 2024, Cubilog is currently in the final development phase and is not yet available on the market. In the future, the Sense-Cube will be priced at around 150 Euro. The accompanying eBooks will be available either as a bundle or individually, depending on the customer group—either educational institutions or private customers.

Photo: Cubilog

 

Short Interview with Carina:

What were or are the biggest challenges for Cubilog, in your opinion?

Bringing the product to market and gaining visibility is undoubtedly the first big challenge. Additionally, standing out among countless indirect competitors—such as other educational apps—and reaching our target audience and customers is another significant hurdle.

What would you say to parents or educators who might be skeptical about technological offerings like yours, designed for children?

Our target group, children aged five and older, are already capable of processing auditory and visual content simultaneously at this age. Their fascination with digital media can serve as a driver for learning. New technologies can be an excellent way to engage them with content and impart knowledge. At Cubilog, the pedagogically valuable content is designed to spark curiosity and interest in new topics.

So, is this also about the quality of screen time?

Exactly. When parents carefully select media content and allow screen time in moderation, new technologies can have many positive effects. For us, it’s important that children use their screen time meaningfully and aren’t just passively consuming content. Digital content should actively engage them and encourage interaction.

Eve hat sich nach der Kommunikationsarbeit in der Salzburger Innovationsszene als Texterin in Wien selbstständig gemacht. Der Funke ist über die Distanz aber nicht erloschen: Nach wie vor schreibt sie am liebsten über innovative Unternehmer:innen und ihre spannenden Ideen. Dafür geht ihr im EdTech Bereich sicherlich nicht so schnell der Stoff aus.

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