What Does the Programming Car Solve? Solving Business and Personal Challenges Through the Experience of Building and Running

What comes to mind when you hear the word "programming"?

Many people may picture a screen filled with letters and numbers, or someone sitting silently alone in front of a computer.

The Digihaco Programming Car, developed by the Hiroshima startup World Area Networks Co., Ltd., dramatically changes that "looks difficult" impression.

In this article, we take a detailed look at this learning kit, which has realized a new form of learning called the programming car, from the background of its creation to how it is actually used and how it can be used in educational settings.

**Product details and purchase**

Children are being cut off from the experience of learning through failure

Much of today's programming education is completed entirely on screen, and the lack of real, hands-on experience for children is seen as a problem.

We have heard many voices like these.

"If only there were a learning kit that lets children learn proactively by using their hands, and that adults can introduce without difficulty..."

The Digihaco Programming Car was born in response to these voices.

The benefits of introducing Digihaco, along with the building process

1. First, assemble it into the shape of a car

Digihaco does not arrive as a finished product. You start by removing the wooden parts by hand and assembling them into the shape of a car, just like a plastic model kit.

No soldering or glue is needed. Because the structure is based mainly on press-fit parts, even children can build it relatively easily and safely*. The very process of watching the car take shape as the parts come together becomes a time for children to enjoy "the fun of making things."

Because it is made of wood, you can also paint the body. Being able to create an original car that is the only one of its kind in the world is another of its great attractions.

2. Make use of the e-learning course and review workbook

The content is easy to learn for everyone from elementary school children to adults.

Once assembly is complete, it's finally time to make the car move.

The kit comes preloaded with basic program data, so you can drive the car just by assembling it, but by using the e-learning course you can also build a car that automatically avoids obstacles.

The video lessons let you learn step by step, from a basic course on what programming is to an advanced course on creating sophisticated movements such as collision avoidance. Used together with the review workbook, they let you progress comfortably while checking your understanding, which has been well received.

3. Try programming for real while following the learning materials

With a keyboard and display,
you can start programming right away.

We also offer plans that include
the peripherals, so even beginners can get started without worrying about preparation.

This product uses IchigoJam, a microcontroller (a small computer) that lets even beginners program with ease. Referring to the video lessons, try making the car move using the BASIC language.

BASIC is a fundamental programming language and is said to be an easy language for beginners.

The joy of typing in a program yourself and seeing the car actually move the way you intended is an experience unique to this learning kit.

4. Build your own course and let the car run

Using movable front wheels and a distance sensor,
you can build a car that automatically avoids collisions.

Once you can do this much, try building a course out of things you have at home and letting the car drive itself.

Cardboard, books, or even tape stuck on the floor can make an original course. Watching the car drive automatically along a route you designed yourself gives you an even stronger sense of having built it with your own hands.

5. It can also be used as a decoration

Winner of the 19th Hiroshima Good Design Award
in 2025.

Its structure is designed to house the microcontroller and all the wiring inside the car's body, so even after you finish learning, it can be displayed and enjoyed as it is.

Combined with the soft texture of wood, the finish is such that, although it is a learning kit, it also fits in nicely as an interior decoration for adults.

*This product is intended for ages 11 and up. When used by young children, a parent or guardian must always provide support.

What challenges does Digihaco solve?

At schools, cram schools, and other educational institutions

• There are few practical, hands-on learning materials that can be used in programming classes
• There are physical hurdles such as assembly, wiring, and preparing the environment

Digihaco uses a press-fit MDF wooden body and pre-wired modules and can be assembled relatively easily without soldering, making it a learning kit that is easy to incorporate into classes.

At workshops and events

• We want to hold an event themed around cars
• We want to attract children who love games

While most learning materials focus on programming, Digihaco offers a new value that combines "assembly + programming" into one.

It also supports small lots and customization, so it can be developed as a collaborative learning kit tailored to each company's needs.

At home

• I want my child to learn programming, but I don't know where to start
• As a parent, I'm not familiar with programming myself, so I'm worried about whether I can help

With Digihaco, parents and children assemble the car together and experience making it move with BASIC, which naturally lowers the psychological hurdles to programming.

Summary

The Digihaco Programming Car is
a new learning kit that brings together the fun of building, the joy of making it move, and the accumulation of learning.

Through the experience of using your hands, thinking, and making something move by your own efforts, you naturally come to feel that programming is not something special but something familiar and fun. It can be used in a variety of settings, including schools, corporate events, and homes, and serves as a learning partner that helps children build up the feeling of "I did it!"

For purchasing information and detailed specifications, please see the official website.

**Official website**

Please feel free to contact us

WAN plans and sells educational ICT tools, including the "Digihaco Programming Car."

If you want to lower the hurdles to introducing programming education, are looking for a means of inquiry-based learning, or are struggling to choose learning materials, please consider our educational solution implementation support service.