CUBORO history
From an original form made of clay, to the first prototypes made of fir wood, to a groundbreaking appearance at the international toy fair in Nuremberg and the continuing worldwide expansion - find out exciting details and background information about the gripping story of how CUBORO came into being.
1976
Three-dimensional puzzle made of clay is the original form of CUBORO
In his work with mentally and physically handicapped children, Matthias Etter develops learning aids such as special puzzles, simple musical instruments and also three-dimensional tactile objects. In the process, the original form of CUBORO is created: simple cubes with grooves and tunnels that have to be connected. The children can use marbles to check whether they have put the puzzle together correctly. If a marble passes through, the task is completed. The basic idea of the CUBORO system was already established in 1976. Depending on age and level, solutions can be found through logical thinking, trial and error, experimentation or touch.
1979
First prototype made of fir wood
Matthias Etter continues to develop the system. He tries out the first prototypes made of wood in order to find a balanced mixture of the different cubes. A first set with 48 elements is created.
1985
First small series made of beech wood appears under the name "Konstrito".
After the first wooden prototypes, the search begins for a carpentry workshop that can produce the sophisticated elements. Matthias Etter commissions the workshop of a prison. Under the name "Konstrito" he sells the marble run system for the first time at the Christmas market in Bern. Even though the production of the game is not yet fully developed, it meets with great interest. The clear design, the simplicity of the wooden elements and the infinite combinability have fascinated young and old since the beginnings of CUBORO.
1986
Birth of CUBORO: change of name and registration of the trademark
At the same time as CUBORO was officially born, Matthias Etter found a partner of equal standing in the carpentry firm Nyfeler Holzwaren AG, which to this day manufactures the CUBORO elements with a great deal of know-how and passion. In the same year, CUBORO is represented for the first time at the Swiss trade fair ORNARIS - a spontaneous and highly motivated appearance on a small exhibition space. Already at this first trade fair appearance, CUBORO wins the Panda catalogue of WWF Switzerland as a customer, for whom high value and sustainability are important. For the first time, CUBORO has a small team of friends at its disposal.
1987-1994
Business is developing, demand in Switzerland and Europe is increasing
Matthias Etter continues to develop the CUBORO system. In the following years, the first Extra Sets compatible with the Starter Sets are launched and expand the physical and mathematical possibilities. The timeless design of CUBORO is awarded several international design and toy prizes. In 1994 CUBORO is presented at the largest international toy fair in Nuremberg. A customer in Germany organizes a warehouse and shipping department for the EU market.
1995-1999
CUBORO becomes more professional, the Cuboro AG is founded, further CUBORO Extra Sets are developed.
In 1996 the first CUBORO Swiss Championship takes place in St. Gallen. In addition to the CUBORO sets, the first CUBORO book is published. In the same year, the first version of the virtual CUBORO Webkit for playing online is created. A first representative of CUBORO establishes himself in the USA.
2000-2009
Internationalization is gaining momentum, the CUBORO system is being further developed - always with the aim of creating new challenges and sustainable gaming fun.
In 2001, the company headquarters are relocated to Hasliberg Reuti in the Bernese Oberland. At the beginning of the new millennium, the first inquiries come from South Korea and Japan. In 2005, CUBORO takes part in the EXPO 05 world exhibition in Aichi, Japan, as one of the "Best of Switzerland" products. With the "CUBORO cugolino" set, a new product line is launched that is also exciting for younger children. The appearance of the CUBORO products is further professionalized and revised. Production is continuously developed with sustainability in mind and CUBORO continues to be manufactured in Switzerland - to this day.
2010-2019
Many new CUBORO sets and didactic manuals appear, CUBORO becomes very popular in Japan.
CUBORO continues to expand its didactic focus with further books, instructions for team workshops and the new teaching aid "CUBORO creative thinking". In 2013, "CUBORO tricky ways" is published - an exciting family strategy game based on the CUBORO system. The teaching aid and the new board game are internationally successful. The teaching aid "CUBORO creative thinking" is translated into English and Russian and becomes an officially recognized teaching aid in Russia. In 2017, a Japanese neuroscientist confirms in a documentary film about the youngest shogi chess pro that playing with CUBORO is an important mental training for children.
2020–2021
CUBORO is modernized and appears in a new design
Matthias Etter hands over the management of the company to his son Sebastian at the beginning of 2020. With the generational change, the Cuboro AG site is relocated to Berne. Sebastian Etter continues to develop CUBORO and, together with his team and partners, launches a comprehensive redesign of the CUBORO products in 2020. Under the new management, the focus will remain on high product quality. The basic idea from the 1980s lives on: to spread meaningful and sustainable toys that are fun all over the world.
