From screen time to discovery: how AR toys bring learning to life

What is augmented reality in toys?

Augmented reality, AR, adds a digital layer on top of the physical world. When a child points a tablet at the Orboot globe, animated monuments, animals, and stories appear directly on the Earth's surface. The technology engages several senses at once and makes abstract concepts concrete. Research shows that multisensory learning strengthens both memory and motivation.

Orboot Earth: the globe that brings 1,000 facts to life

Orboot Earth brings together more than 400 interactive wonders and over 1,000 facts about geography, culture, and nature. Children can zoom in on the Serengeti savanna, listen to the rhythms of the djembe, and read about local traditions in Swedish. The app supports eight languages, making the globe useful in multilingual families. The globe requires neither batteries nor Wi-Fi during play — just curiosity and a tablet with the free app.

Plugo brings coding and music from theory to your fingertips

The Plugo range includes modular game kits such as Letters, Count, Music, and Farm. Each set combines magnetic tiles with app-controlled adventures. In Plugo Music, the child places real notes on a staff and hears the melody play instantly. Plugo Coding lets children place physical code tiles in sequence on the game board and watch their character solve puzzles on the screen — programming structures become understandable from the age of four.

Tacto turns the tablet into a game board

With Tacto, children place real pieces on the screen surface. In Tacto Chess, they switch between classic game mode and guided play. Other titles, such as Tacto Laser or Tacto Doctor, train logic and empathy through story-driven missions, respectively. The board also keeps the tablet securely in place.

Trends 2025: why parents choose STEM and AR

The global market for educational toys is expected to grow from $57.8 billion to $61.9 billion between 2024 and 2025. In Swedish toy chains, products that combine physical construction and digital content top the bestseller lists. Parents are looking for tools that reduce passive screen time while strengthening problem-solving, creativity, and language development. PlayShifu's range meets that demand by letting children build, move, and explore rather than just watch a screen.

How to find the right kit for your child

• For curious explorers aged 4–6, Orboot Earth is a natural first step.
• The Music or Farm kit in Plugo suits children who enjoy rhythm or role play.
• Has your child gotten into Roblox? Try Plugo Coding to channel that gaming enjoyment into logical thinking.
• Interested in chess? Choose Tacto Chess for strategic depth without lost pieces.

The investment is not just about toys, but about laying the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. Every element in the PlayShifu ecosystem is developed together with educators and connects to curriculum goals in problem-solving, collaboration, and language.

FAQ

How old does my child need to be to use PlayShifu?
PlayShifu is recommended for children aged 4–10 and adjusts the difficulty automatically.

Is an internet connection required during play?
No, the download happens once; after that, the games work offline.

Which devices are supported?
Most iPad and Android tablets with Bluetooth LE and iOS 12 / Android 8 or later.

Are the apps free?
Yes, the core apps are included; some expansion packs can be purchased in the app.

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