Stony Brook Licenses SnappyXO Robotics Platform to Expand Access to STEM Education

A hands-on robotics platform developed at the State University of New York at Stony Brook is set to reach a broader audience of students and educators through a new licensing partnership with A+ Mobile Solutions.

The agreement centers on SnappyXO, an educational robotics system created by Anurag Purwar, professor of mechanical engineering at Stony Brook. Through the partnership, A+ Mobile Solutions will support the continued development and distribution of the platform, expanding its use across classrooms, informal learning environments and workforce development programs.

Originally developed within Stony Brook's research and teaching ecosystem, SnappyXO was designed to make robotics education more accessible and design-driven for learners at multiple levels. The system enables users to build robotic mechanisms using modular, tool-free connectors, lowering barriers to entry while maintaining a strong focus on engineering principles and hands-on problem solving.

"This partnership represents the next phase of growth for SnappyXO," said Anurag Purwar, creator of SnappyXO and associate professor of mechanical engineering at Stony Brook. "What began in Stony Brook's laboratories evolved through Mechanismic into a proven STEM education platform, supported by federal and New York State innovation funding, developed on Long Island, and now positioned for national expansion through A+ Mobile Solutions."

Through this collaboration, A+ Mobile Solutions will serve as the official licensing partner for SnappyXO, helping to bring the platform to broader educational markets across K-12 and higher education institutions. SnappyXO is designed to support hands-on STEM learning through modular robotics kits that encourage creativity, engineering design, and problem-solving. Snappy XO helps students of all ages develop a passion for solving engineering challenges through analysis, design and build.

From Research to Real-World Application

The licensing agreement represents a key milestone in the transition of SnappyXO from a university-developed innovation to a scalable educational technology.

Facilitated by Stony Brook's Intellectual Property Partners (IPP), the agreement reflects the university's broader efforts to translate research discoveries into practical solutions that address societal needs. By partnering with industry, Stony Brook enables technologies developed on campus to reach wider audiences while supporting continued innovation.

"We are excited to see Dr. Purwar's technology partnered with a great company in A+ Mobile Solutions," said Adam DeRosa, assistant vice president of IP and commercial partnerships at Stony Brook. "The acquisition of Dr. Purwar's startup, Mechanismic Inc. by A+ to further the commercial impact of the Snappy XO product is another example of Stony Brook University's translational research and the benefits it provides when developed by our industry partners."

A+ Mobile Solutions will play a central role in bringing SnappyXO to market at scale, building on its experience in mobile and technology-enabled learning solutions.

SnappyXO is recognized for its unique hardware kits and design software, which allow students to design, simulate, and build complex mechanical systems with unprecedented ease. The platform's growth was supported through competitive federal and state innovation programs, including awards from the National Science Foundation Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program phase 1 and phase 2 awards, NSF I-Corps, FuzeHub, the SUNY Startup Summer School, the SUNY Research Foundation Technology Accelerator Fund, Manufacturing Technology Resource Consortium, and the SPIR Program.

"We are thrilled to join forces with SnappyXO," said David Antar, president of A+ Mobile Solutions. "Our expertise in providing mobile, integrated technology solutions for education perfectly complements the versatility of the SnappyXO robotics kits and curriculum. Together, we are elevating the category of robotics kits from toys and construction projects to a real education in engineering."

Expanding Opportunities in STEM Learning

SnappyXO reflects a growing emphasis on experiential learning in STEM education, where students engage directly with design, fabrication and testing processes. By simplifying the mechanics of building robotic systems while preserving core engineering concepts, the platform supports both introductory learning and more advanced exploration.

The partnership positions SnappyXO to contribute to broader efforts in STEM education and workforce development, providing educators with flexible tools to engage students in engineering and technology.

As Stony Brook continues to strengthen its innovation ecosystem, the agreement highlights the role of university research in generating solutions that extend beyond campus and into communities, classrooms and industries.