SmartGurlz launched in 2016 with the aim of engaging girls in STEM subjects. The line then won support from one of those Dragon's Den type shows, and is based around Siggy, a self balancing inverted pendulum robot that is controlled by SugarCoded, the SmartGurlz app. To work it needs a 28cm / 11" fashion doll of any brand, though the included dolls are specially produced by popular Chinese brand Kurhn.
You attach the dolls to the handlebars by the wrists, then you use the app to move Siggy, solve problems and learn some basic coding. You can buy them through the SmartGurlz website for €60 each.
★ Emma - box front / contents / back.
★ Jen - box front / contents / back.
★ Jun - box front / contents / back.
★ Maria - box front / contents / back.
★ Zara - box front / contents / back.
Emma seems to be the most popular - judging on stock levels - but I'm quite taken by Maria. With her side glancing eyes and English prep school vibe she reminds me a little of classic Sindy.
Earlier versions of the dolls shipped in slimline boxes, although the only doll that is noticeably different is Maria. She originally came with a yellow Siggy as opposed to red, and had much more sultry looking eyes:
Check out some of the original design work at Elianna Morningstar's portfolio site too.
