Bedtime storytelling just got a reboot. Chris Harden, ’98 electrical engineering, and business partner Jeremy Scheinberg have created TROBO, a stuffed toy robot that communicates with an interactive digital storybook iPhone or iPad app to educate children about science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) topics. TROBO answers questions and explains complex subjects through fun stories and puzzles that children ages 2-7 can understand.

Harden, who previously served as a development director with EA Sports in Orlando, said the idea for TROBO came after he and Scheinberg each became parents.

“I am amazed by how curious children are about the world around them,” said Harden. “They are constantly asking questions about everything. What is lightning? How does my heart work? Our goal is to get children excited about the academic disciplines of STEM by using creative, interactive stories. As an Auburn Engineering graduate, I am now leveraging what I learned as a student and am passing along my passion to educate others.”

The TROBO app offers an avatar builder so parents can create a look-alike of their child and insert them into the stories. As the child interacts with TROBO, he or she builds an emotional connection with the TROBO characters to encourage further learning.

After launching the first TROBO in November 2013, Harden and Scheinberg completed a successful Kickstarter campaign to provide additional future funding for features including animations, sound effects and interactive apps. Two TROBO plush toys are currently available, a boy and girl named Newton and Curie.

To learn more about TROBO, visit www.herecomestrobo.com.