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NumWorks
NumWorks
NumWorks
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NumWorks is a technology company that designs, develops, and sells graphing calculators. Their calculators are source-available and have their hardware design available under a Creative Commons license.[1] Its first calculator, the N0100, was released on August 29, 2017, in Europe and the United States and is geared towards high school classrooms and students.[2] The calculators use Python as their programming language, rather than a proprietary language (e.g. TI-BASIC used by Texas Instruments calculators).

Key Information

Development

[edit]

Romain Goyet, the CEO of NumWorks, started the company in 2016. Before starting NumWorks, he was a software engineer at Apple who also contributed to open-source projects such as Linux.[3]

Products

[edit]

The NumWorks graphing calculator was the first graphing calculator to be programmable using the Python language. It features a 320x240 IPS display with a 2.8″ diagonal. Internally, it is powered by a 216 MHz Cortex-M7 processor and 8 MB of Quad-SPI Flash memory. The calculator has a 1450 mAh lithium polymer battery. The calculator weights 5.9 oz (0.37 lb) and measures 8.2 cm × 16 cm × 1 cm (3.23 in × 6.30 in × 0.39 in).

Four versions of the calculator were produced by NumWorks: the N0100 model, the N0110 model, the N0120 model, and the N0115 model. Technical limitations of the N0100 model's memory prevent any upgrade to an OS version higher than 19.5.17.

Model N0100 N0110 N0115 N0120
Processor
STM32F412
Cortex-M4
100 MHz
STM32F730
Cortex-M7
216 MHz
STM32H725
Cortex-M7
550 MHz
Display
320 x 240 pixels, 140 PPI
65 536 colors (16 bits)
Interpreter
MicroPython 1.17.0
RAM
256 KB
564 KB
Flash ROM
1 MB
8 MB + 64 KB
8MB + 512 KB
Python scripts storage
32 KB
Launch
-
Discontinuation
2017
-
2019
2019
-
2023
2023
-
---
2022
-
---
Connector
Micro USB Type-B
USB Type-C
Battery
1820 mAh
1450 mAh

Features

[edit]

The calculator was specifically designed to be modded using 3D printing. 3D models, schematics, and board layout details are available to the public under a Creative Commons license.[3] The software on the calculator is updated on a monthly cycle. Updates can be downloaded to the calculator from its website using WebUSB or by building the operating system from its direct source.

The NumWorks calculator also includes various "exam modes" which may disable certain features (e.g. the periodic table app, Python scripts, etc.) in accordance with regional exam regulations. Exam mode can be disabled by plugging the calculator into a power source and selecting disable on the popup that appears.

On March 22, 2019, NumWorks released an app for iOS and Android.[4] It features the same functionality as the physical calculator except it does not have data persistence.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

NumWorks

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
NumWorks is a French technology company founded in 2016 by Romain Goyet, a former Apple engineer, specializing in the design and production of modern aimed at students and educators. Its flagship product, the NumWorks Graphing Calculator, is an device that supports Python programming, features a user-friendly interface with built-in apps for functions, statistics, and data analysis, and is approved for major exams including the , , and various state assessments. Headquartered in Paris at , the company emphasizes by collaborating closely with teachers and users to incorporate feedback into ongoing software updates and hardware designs. This approach distinguishes NumWorks from traditional brands like and , promoting accessibility, through provided and 3D-printable parts, and integration of contemporary features while ensuring compliance with . Since its inception, NumWorks has expanded sales across and , grown to a team of about 20 employees by 2023, and was acquired by Aldebaran Capital Partners to support further international growth and educational innovations.

History

Founding and Early Development

NumWorks was founded in 2016 in , , by Romain Goyet, a former Apple engineer. The company's inception stemmed from the founder's frustration with the stagnant, outdated design of traditional , such as those from and , which had remained largely unchanged for decades despite advances in computing. Goyet aimed to create an affordable, open-source alternative that would integrate modern features like Python programming while ensuring compliance with educational exam standards, making it accessible for students and educators worldwide. Initial funding was secured through a led by Bpifrance Digital Venture in mid-2016, alongside other investors, which enabled the company to build a team and begin development. This support highlighted strong interest in a user-friendly, contemporary calculator option. Early development phases focused on , where the team incorporated feedback from beta users and mathematics teachers to improve and . These efforts laid the groundwork for the company's entry into the , paving the way for subsequent product launches.

Key Milestones and Product Launches

NumWorks launched its flagship product, the N0100 Graphing Calculator, on August 29, 2017, in and the , marking the company's entry into the with a modern, device aimed at students and educators. The initial release was well-received for its intuitive interface and innovative features, quickly achieving as the first batch sold out, demonstrating strong early demand in a market dominated by legacy brands. A key software milestone followed shortly after launch with firmware version 2, which introduced Python programming support, making NumWorks the first to incorporate this popular language and enabling advanced for users. This update enhanced the calculator's appeal by integrating contemporary computing elements while maintaining compliance for educational exams. In 2019, NumWorks released an updated hardware revision, the N0110, featuring improvements such as increased flash memory and a more durable case, further refining the product based on user feedback. The company expanded internationally, growing its presence to five countries across and by distributing through major retailers beyond online sales, which supported broader adoption in educational settings. NumWorks also secured key collaborations with educational authorities, earning approvals for its calculator on major exams including the , , and various state assessments in the US, as well as international equivalents like the French Baccalauréat, ensuring its suitability for environments. On the financial front, NumWorks raised in mid-2016 from investors including , Kima Ventures, and business angels, providing crucial support for product development and initial production. A significant milestone occurred in June 2023 when the company was acquired by Aldebaran Capital Partners, paving the way for accelerated international growth and further innovations in .

Design and Hardware

Physical Specifications and Build

The NumWorks graphing calculator features a compact form factor designed for portability and ease of use in educational settings, with dimensions of 6.3 × 3.2 × 0.4 inches (160 × 81 × 10 ). It weighs 5.9 (approximately 167 ), contributing to its lightweight profile that enhances user comfort during extended sessions. The device is primarily available in a color option, which provides a clean and modern aesthetic. The build utilizes a durable casing for the top part, reinforced with internal ribs to increase rigidity and prevent deformation or sink marks during manufacturing. These structural elements not only strengthen the overall product but also ensure stable positioning of internal components like the and , promoting longevity in daily use. The incorporates a silicone keypad with individual domes featuring carbon pills for responsive key actuation, allowing for precise input with minimal force. High-contrast keys, such as the distinctly colored and Power buttons, aid in quick navigation, while the central design facilitates intuitive menu traversal with rotational functionality. Power is supplied by an integrated rechargeable lithium-polymer battery with a 1450 mAh capacity, offering up to 20 hours of active use under typical classroom conditions (such as intermittent backlight and idle periods) and several years in standby mode. This battery configuration, combined with USB-C charging, supports the calculator's emphasis on portability without compromising on reliability.

Processor and Internal Components

The NumWorks Graphing Calculator utilizes an STM32F730V8T6 as its , incorporating an core clocked at 216 MHz. This processor delivers robust computational performance suitable for mathematical operations, graphing functions, and scripting tasks, with integrated features like a for efficient numerical processing. In terms of memory, the device is equipped with 256 KB of for active program execution and data handling, alongside 8 MB of for the , applications, and persistent user data. These specifications enable smooth within the constraints of a while supporting features like Python scripting through the processor's high and . The display subsystem features a 320 × 240 pixel screen, driven by an ST7789V controller that interfaces with the via a and includes an integrated for efficient rendering. No dedicated sensors, such as or , are integrated into the internal components, though the system includes support for USB-based peripherals.

Software and Operating System

Core Operating System Features

The NumWorks operating system, known as Epsilon, provides a suite of core computational tools tailored for educational use, emphasizing without advanced . It supports essential modes for , performing statistical analyses, and , making it suitable for and introductory college-level mathematics. As a non-CAS () device, the OS is limited to and cannot handle symbolic operations such as indefinite integrals or algebraic manipulations involving variables, ensuring compliance with that prohibit advanced algebraic capabilities. Central to the OS are built-in applications that facilitate these functions, with the serving as the primary function plotter for visualizing up to multiple equations in an . Users can trace graphs interactively and compute and directly on the plot, enhancing without requiring external software. The Statistics app integrates data entry, graphical representations, and in a single interface, while dedicated apps for , , and allow for probability computations, confidence intervals with interactive visuals, and via , respectively. The Equations app enables solving or by selecting templates or entering manually, delivering results in both and to support precise numerical problem-solving. To ensure , the includes configurable that restrict functionality during , such as those for the and programs. In IB exam mode, features like additional calculation results, , vectors, and in the Grapher are disabled, and the mode must be activated immediately before the exam and remain engaged throughout to prevent unauthorized access. The Press-to-Test feature provides broader lockdown capabilities by temporarily disabling specific applications, clearing , and enforcing a , which aligns with policies for and other assessments. These modes can be activated via the settings menu, allowing educators or proctors to prepare the device securely.

User Interface and Navigation

The NumWorks graphing calculator employs a menu-driven interface that organizes functions into accessible categories, allowing users to navigate efficiently through applications and tools via dedicated keys. The home screen serves as the central hub, where users select from various apps—such as Calculation, Grapher, and Statistics—by using the (up/down and left/right) to highlight an icon and pressing the O key to enter. This icon-based navigation is complemented by visual indicators like three-dot icons next to menu items, which, when selected, reveal options for editing or customizing elements, such as adjusting graph colors or plot restrictions in the Grapher app. and further streamline interaction, enabling quick access to functions without deep menu diving. For instance, pressing the T key opens the Toolbox menu, which provides context-specific options like or depending on the active app, while the V key accesses the Variables menu for managing stored data such as or lists. Users can execute calculations with the X key, store values by entering the value, pressing S followed by p to initiate storage, entering a variable name (e.g., a), and confirming with X, and navigate history or using for cursor movement, with features like via + and - keys enhancing precision. These elements create an intuitive flow, where contextual menus adapt dynamically—for example, in the Graph tab, pressing O brings up a Find menu for locating or —making complex tasks more approachable. is prioritized through features like a , where exact numerical results appear in black for better readability against the screen, while decimal approximations are shown in gray, and covering languages such as , , , , , , and , configurable via the Settings app. Users can adjust language preferences by navigating to the and confirming with O, ensuring the interface remains user-friendly across diverse educational contexts. This UI design enhances core features by providing seamless integration between navigation and functionality, such as reusing previous results with the a key to insert "Ans" in new inputs. Recent updates have further refined the for improved visual consistency, with main text in black and larger fonts in menus.

Programming Capabilities

Python Integration and Scripting

The NumWorks graphing calculator integrates , a lightweight implementation of Python 3.4, enabling users to write and execute scripts directly on the device for custom applications, data analysis, and automation tasks. This allows students and educators to program interactive functionalities, such as creating or processing , without requiring external hardware. Scripting on the NumWorks supports a variety of use cases, including plotting custom and simulating . For instance, users can write scripts to generate and visualize or , leveraging built-in modules like math for precise calculations and ion for display output. Another common application is probability simulations, such as scripting a to model over multiple trials and plot the results in real-time. These scripts can automate repetitive tasks, like analyzing from lists or creating animated graphs to illustrate . Despite its capabilities, the Python integration on NumWorks faces limitations due to the device's hardware constraints, including restricted access to certain libraries and performance bottlenecks from limited memory. A subset of MicroPython modules is available, including math, random, cmath, matplotlib.pyplot, turtle, ion, time, kandinsky, and a limited numpy module supporting 1D and 2D arrays as of firmware version 21 (June 2023). Memory allocation is capped at around 16-32 KiB for scripts and objects, which can limit script complexity and the number of storable programs to as few as eight in older firmware versions. Additionally, execution speed is constrained by the calculator's processor, making intensive simulations or large data processing slower compared to full desktop Python environments. The open-source model further enables community contributions of optimized scripts to work within these bounds.

Open-Source Development Model

NumWorks has embraced an for its , making both and firmware source code publicly available to foster transparency and . The hardware schematics were released in 2017 under a , allowing users to study the designs for but prohibiting modifications and requiring . This approach distinguishes NumWorks from traditional calculator manufacturers by enabling hobbyists and developers to explore the device's electrical architecture. The firmware, known as Epsilon, is hosted on GitHub at the official repository, where the source code is accessible for examination and contribution. The software operates under a , which prohibits modifications and commercial redistribution, though NumWorks accepts community pull requests for bug fixes and enhancements. This model has led to ongoing improvements, with contributors submitting code to refine the operating system's performance and add features. has resulted in notable extensions, such as the Omega fork of Epsilon, which incorporates additional apps tailored to high school mathematics curricula, demonstrating how external developers build upon the core codebase. Bug fixes and new app developments are frequently discussed and implemented via the repository's collaborative tools, enhancing the calculator's reliability and functionality over time. Overall, this development model promotes a collaborative environment that aligns with NumWorks' goal of making advanced computing accessible to students and educators.

Comparisons and Market Position

Comparisons with Competing Calculators

The NumWorks graphing calculator features a 216 MHz , which significantly outperforms the 48 MHz in the TI-84 Plus CE, enabling faster computation times for graphing and complex calculations. This speed advantage allows NumWorks to handle tasks like rendering graphs and more efficiently than the TI-84 Plus CE, reducing wait times that can frustrate users during educational settings. In terms of programming features, NumWorks provides built-in Python support, allowing users to run preloaded scripts or create custom ones, a capability shared with the , which also includes Python with access to modules like math and ti_plotlib for plotting. However, NumWorks lacks a dedicated , while the includes a CAS based on the open-source Giac engine for advanced , though its overall hardware and firmware are proprietary, limiting compared to NumWorks' fully open-source model. Regarding price and ecosystem, as of 2024, NumWorks is priced at $99.99, making it more affordable than the TI-84 Plus CE at around $120–$150, and it adopts an with publicly available and firmware, contrasting with the proprietary ecosystems of competitors like and . This openness fosters and customization, such as alternative operating systems, whereas traditional models rely on closed updates from manufacturers.

Reception and Criticisms

The NumWorks graphing calculator has received positive feedback from educators and reviewers for its intuitive user interface and integration of Python programming, which enhance its appeal in educational settings. Since its launch in 2017, the device's modern design, including tactile buttons and pre-built mathematics apps for quick graphing and calculations, has been praised for allowing students to focus on learning without distractions from notifications or complex navigation. The Python functionality is particularly highlighted as a valuable tool for STEM students, enabling custom scripting and graphing that builds transferable programming skills applicable beyond the classroom. Criticisms of the NumWorks calculator often center on its lack of a built-in , which limits advanced compared to competitors like or models that offer robust CAS features. Users have reported challenges with compatibility and reliability of third-party CAS apps like KhiCAS. Users have reported occasional firmware bugs, including crashes in external applications, loss of work due to non-persistent sessions, and the automatic deletion of third-party apps after resets or exam mode activation, which complicates reinstallation and development. These issues have raised concerns about reliability during exams, particularly in regions where CAS use is permitted, potentially disadvantaging students compared to more stable alternatives. In the market, NumWorks occupies a niche position as an innovative alternative to established , emphasizing and teacher collaboration to drive adoption in high schools across Europe and . The company has fostered educational uptake by involving mathematics teachers in and updates, leading to widespread use in classrooms through community advocacy and partnerships with . While specific sales figures are not publicly detailed, NumWorks has expanded distribution to major retailers since its 2018 academic year launch, positioning it as a disruptor in an dominated by traditional players.

Availability and Support

Purchasing and Distribution

NumWorks are primarily available for purchase through the company's official website, where customers can order directly with free shipping options in various regions. The standard retail price is approximately €99.99 in , while in , prices range from $99.99 to $129.99 depending on the retailer and any promotions. The calculators are distributed globally, with strong availability in Europe through the official site and local partners, including country-specific pages for France, Italy, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. In North America, distribution occurs via major retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, and educational suppliers like Underwood Distributing Company and School Specialty, which cater to schools and individual buyers. NumWorks calculators have received approvals for use in exams across multiple countries and educational systems, including all tests such as the , , and in the United States, as well as the and various state assessments like the . Internationally, they are approved for Diploma Programme examinations and many European standardized tests. For , NumWorks offers special discounts, bulk ordering options, and funding resources to facilitate purchases at reduced rates, often as low as €89.99 per unit in group deals. Bundles are available through select retailers, such as combinations with protective cases for added value, and teachers can access free sample calculators to evaluate the product. Purchases from typically include , such as a warranty covering .

Firmware Updates and Community Support

NumWorks provides regular firmware updates for its to enhance functionality, fix , and introduce new features, with the process designed for ease of use by students and educators. The update mechanism primarily relies on a accessible via the official NumWorks account at my.numworks.com, where users connect their calculator to a computer using a standard USB cable. Supported web browsers, such as Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge, utilize to facilitate the transfer, completing the process in just a few minutes without requiring additional software installation. A dedicated recovery procedure is available through the same web interface if an update encounters errors, ensuring users can restore their device reliably. The version history is publicly documented on the NumWorks website, showcasing iterative improvements; for instance, version 20 introduced an , a new application, and additional result displays, released around 2023 to better support educational workflows. More recent updates, such as version 23 in April 2024, added capabilities like plotting and tools, while version 24 in July 2025 focused on refinements for improved accuracy and features like customizable graph step sizes. Official support channels include comprehensive documentation through the user manual, which covers setup, troubleshooting, and advanced usage, available directly on the NumWorks website. Users can submit inquiries or report issues via an email contact form, with the company committing to prompt responses for questions, suggestions, or problems. Educational resources extend to video tutorials that guide users on core features and webinars tailored for teachers, accessible via the my.numworks.com platform to foster effective integration in classrooms. Community support is channeled primarily through the repository for the Epsilon operating system, where users can report bugs, discuss enhancements, and contribute code via the . This platform serves as a key resource for troubleshooting firmware-related problems and exploring customizations, such as building personal projects or compatible with the calculator. Open-source contributions from the community have directly influenced several firmware updates by incorporating user feedback and developer suggestions into official releases.

References

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  7. https://www.numworks.com/blog/hello-world/
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