The Pixie, supplied by Swallow Systems, is a programmable robot similar to the Roamer, but is even simpler conceptually.

The Pixie makes forward, backward, left and right movements. It can also be commanded to wait. There are no numerals on the keypad. The unit of movement is the Pixie's length, 11 cm.

To tell the Pixie to move forward three steps, the forward button is pressed three times. Sequences of commands may be entered. Go is pressed to carry out the sequence. Unless CM (Clear Memory) is pressed, new commands are always added to the sequence.

The angle of turn is set by default at a right angle. The Pixie may be used to reinforce recognition and understanding of right angles. The unit turn may be changed using the central clock button.

Each time a button is pressed, Pixie will beep. The light on the top flashes once as Pixie moves each 11 cm step forward or backward. These visual and auditory features help to reinforce one-to-one correspondence through a multi-sensory approach.

Although th Pixie is reasonably robust, care should be taken not to drop it or mishandle it. In our projects, children have respected the 'rules' and no-one has tried to force the wheels the wrong way.

The Pixie is neutral in appearance but can easily be dressed up! If a rubber band is slipped round, objects can be hooked into it, to be pulled by the Pixie.