OKdo selected as micro:bit global manufacturer and distributor
OKdo, part of the RS Group, has been selected as one of Micro:bit Educational Foundation’s global manufacturers and distributors.
Additionally, this partnership will help foster a new generation of innovators, improving children’s computational thinking and unlocking their creative potential.
As a trusted partner, OKdo is committed to supporting The Foundation’s mission by ensuring the seamless production and distribution of micro:bits worldwide. With its expertise, global network and marketing engine in the education sector, OKdo will play a pivotal role in driving educational initiatives and expanding access to micro:bit technology to a new level.
micro:bits are pocket-sized computers that are an essential platform for children to gain hands-on understanding of programming, digital creativity and problem-solving. Having already impacted the lives of 39 million children and distributed over 7.5 million devices since its inception in 2016, the Micro:bit Educational Foundation provides quality educational resources to schools and children globally. micro:bit computers are specifically designed for educators and children in a classroom setting, prioritising affordability to reach the maximum number of students. This cause is 100% aligned with RS’ mission around education.
OKdo ensures efficient and timely delivery of its products, reducing lead times and enhancing customer satisfaction. Moreover, OKdo’s commitment to manufacturing in Europe also brings a significant advantage for its customers in the United States. Through this approach, OKdo provides cost benefits for customers but also strengthens the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality products while navigating global trade tariffs and dynamics.
“The Micro:bit Educational Foundation and RS have a long-standing relationship. We are thrilled to be able to lean into RS’ world-class manufacturing operations through OKdo and help extend the reach of micro:bit devices across new countries, delivering more and more micro:bits into the hands of children,” said Gareth Stockdale, CEO at Micro:bit Educational Foundation.
Additionally, the next gen BBC micro:bit campaign that was recently launched will offer a free set of 30 micro:bits to all primary schools across the UK, representing a donation of almost 700,000 devices, part funded by the. UK registry, Nominet, alongside free education resources and teacher training. All primary school teachers can now register on the BBC micro:bit website and will receive a set of devices and a resource pack between September 2023 and March 2024.
“OKdo has one of the largest workbenches of products and single board computers in the world. On top of that RS is very committed to the education space and has defined it as one of its top priorities for the calendar year. RS’ single board computer division was selected by micro:bit because of OKdo’s world-class manufacturing capability and robust, flexible, agile, and proactive supply chain. With this partnership, we can now supply micro:bit computers to an entire global customer and reseller base without any delay,” said Sarah Fawcett, Vice President of Operations at OKdo.