Robotics is a growing industry with new developments happening at a fast pace. How can you get your kids interested in robotics? We’ve gathered some of the best robot kits for kids to get started with robotics. Whether your little one is a beginner or an aspiring engineer, we have got you covered.
These kits are fun, but they’re far more than just robot toys! Let’s explore!
Quick Picks
Our top pick: the Makeblock mBot with Rover Robotics, offers a versatile design and easy-to-use programming interface.
Best Beginner Kit: For those starting their robotic journey, the LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox is the perfect beginner kit, combining the fun of building with the excitement of coding.
Best Budget Kit: If you’re on a budget, the 4M Table Top Robot provides a great introduction to robotics without breaking the bank.
We’ve got more robot kits below. With our curated list, choosing the right robot kit for your child has never been easier.
Choosing the Right Robot Kit for Kids
When choosing the right robot kit for kids, there are several key points to consider.
First, you should look for a kit that is age-appropriate and matches your child’s interests and abilities.
Next, consider the skill level required for the kit, as well as the essential skills that will be developed through its use.
Lastly, take into account the cost of the kit and whether it aligns with your budget.
Age Appropriateness
When it comes to choosing a robotics kit for your child, age appropriateness is key. I’ve got a habit of jumping the gun and buying something a bit too advanced for our kid’s age range. They sometimes get frustrated and the kit sits for a while until they’ve hit a point where they can appreciate it.
Picking toys – especially robot kits – that are at your child’s level is important. You want something that isn’t so simple they get bored easily, and not too challenging they get frustrated. Play (even educational play) is supposed to be fun.
Here are some factors to consider when looking for a Robotics project that meets your kid’s age range:
- Complexity: Look for kits that match your child’s developmental stage. Younger kids might enjoy simple kits with basic building blocks, while older kids can handle more complex kits with coding capabilities.
- Safety: Ensure that the kit is safe for your child’s age group. Check for small parts that could be a choking hazard or sharp edges that could cause injury.
- Interests: Consider your child’s interests and choose a kit that aligns with them. If they love animals, for example, a kit that allows them to build a robotic animal could be a great choice.
- Educational value: Look for kits that offer educational content and challenges. This will keep your child engaged and help them learn new skills while having fun. You want something that they can grow with as their skills advance.
By selecting a robotics kit that is age-appropriate, you can provide your child with an exciting and enriching experience that nurtures their creativity and prepares them for the future.
Skill Level
Ready to level up your robotics game? Assess your skill level and find the perfect kit to challenge and enhance your abilities.
As an aspiring innovator, you crave a robotics kit that pushes your boundaries and unlocks your full potential. Look for kits that offer a range of difficulty levels, from beginner to advanced. These kits will provide a gradual progression, allowing you to develop your skills at your own pace.
Start with basic concepts like building and programming simple robots, and then gradually move on to more complex projects that require problem-solving and creative thinking. Don’t be afraid to take on challenges that seem daunting at first. Remember, innovation thrives on pushing the limits and stepping outside of your comfort zone.
Get ready to unleash your inner robotics genius and create groundbreaking inventions!
Essential Skills Developed
Once you’ve determined the skill level that suits your child, you’ll want to consider the skills that these robotics kits can help develop.
These kits are designed to cultivate a range of abilities that are crucial for fostering innovation and creativity in young minds. As your child engages with these kits, they will not only enhance their problem-solving skills but also develop critical thinking, logical reasoning, spatial awareness, and programming skills.
Through hands-on experimentation and trial-and-error, they will learn to analyze complex problems and devise innovative solutions. Moreover, these kits promote teamwork and collaboration, allowing your child to develop effective communication and interpersonal skills.
By immersing themselves in robotics, your child will gain a solid foundation in STEM concepts and be better prepared for the challenges of the future.
Get ready to witness your child’s imagination soar as they embark on this exciting journey of discovery and innovation!
Cost Considerations
When it comes to choosing a robotics kit, cost considerations are important. Tech toys can be expensive, and more advanced robots can be even pricier. As parents, we want the best for our kids, and finding a kit that provides value for your money is crucial.
There are various options available, so it’s essential to find a kit that fits your budget without compromising on quality and learning opportunities. Consider the initial cost of the kit, as well as any additional expenses like replacement parts or extra sensors.
It’s also worth looking into the long-term benefits of the kit, such as the ability to expand or upgrade it in the future. By carefully considering the cost, you can ensure that your child receives a high-quality robotics kit that fosters their creativity and problem-solving skills without breaking the bank.
Best Robotics Kits for Kids
When it comes to the best robotics kits for kids, there are several options to consider.
One popular choice is the Makeblock mBot2 Rover Robotics kit. This kit allows kids to not only build their own robots but also program them.
Another option to consider is the LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox 17101 Building and Coding Kit. This kit combines building blocks with coding skills, providing a unique and engaging experience for kids.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, the 4M Table Top Robot and 4M Tin Can kits are worth considering. These kits offer a fun and educational way for kids to learn about robotics without breaking the bank.
The Makeblock mBot Neo is another great option for kids interested in robotics. This kit provides an opportunity for kids to explore and experiment with robotics in a hands-on way. Also check out some other awesome kits below. Read below for links and details. (this is the base kit our top pick is build from, which is an excellent choice on its own.)
Makeblock mBot2 Rover Robotics Building Kit
The Makeblock mBot2 is a great kit on its own, but has quickly become our favorite with the Rover Robotics Add On (packaged with or without the base mBot2 robot.) This is an excellent choice for kids interested in robotics. This kit Build on the popularity of the iconic mBot2 robot and upgrades it with tank tread, servo powered arms, and some fun emojis for personality and expression.
With its easy-to-use graphical programming interface, kids can quickly learn to code and control their robots. The kit also includes various sensors and modules, such as ultrasonic sensors and line-following modules, which enhance the robot’s capabilities.
To provide a deeper understanding of the kit’s features, here is a table showcasing some of its key components:
The Makeblock mBot Rover Kit encourages kids to explore their creativity and problem-solving skills, making it an ideal choice for young aspiring innovators.
Check this out:
You can find out more in our full Mbot Rover review.
LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox Building and Coding Kit (17101)
Okay – no secret that we love LEGOs, and a well executed LEGO robot kit is a no brainer. The LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox offers an interactive and engaging way for kids to start exploring robotics. This innovative kit combines the fun of building with LEGO bricks and the excitement of programming robots. With 5 different robot models and the LEGO Boost app, kids can easily learn to code and bring their creations to life.
It’s perfect for kids who crave innovation and love to explore technology and robotics. This kit includes a variety of sensors and motors, and allows you to build and code five different models, including a robot, a guitar, and even a cat! You can personalize these models by adding your own unique touch and programming them to perform various tasks.
The table below highlights some key features of the LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Interactive | Allows kids to code and control their creations |
| Engaging | Combines building with LEGO bricks and programming |
| Versatile | Includes five different models to build and program |
| Educational | Promotes problem-solving and critical thinking skills |
With the LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox, kids can unleash their creativity and embark on an exciting journey into the world of robotics.
With over 840 LEGO pieces and a user-friendly app, there lots of room to build and explore.
4M Table Top Robot
Robots and tech toys are expensive! The 4M Table Top Robot kit is a budget-friendly introduction to robotics, perfect for kids who are eager to explore the field of innovation. It’s easily at a “giftable” price point.
The kit includes everything you need to get started, from the robot body to the motors and sensors. that allow it to navigate its surroundings, avoid obstacles, and even respond to light and sound.
The best part is that you can program the robot using a simple drag-and-drop interface, making it accessible for beginners while still offering room for more advanced programming.
This kit provides an excellent opportunity for young minds to develop problem-solving skills and foster a passion for technology. Whether you’re a parent looking for an engaging educational toy or a teacher searching for an innovative classroom activity, the 4M Table Top Robot is an excellent choice that won’t break the bank.
4M Tin Can
Imagine the possibilities of building your very own robot with the M Tin Can kit. Watch as it comes to life with its ability to move, avoid obstacles, and respond to its surroundings.
This incredible robotics kit is perfect for young innovators who crave hands-on learning and want to explore the world of robotics.
Here are three reasons why the M Tin Can kit is a must-have:
- Easy assembly: With clear instructions and pre-cut pieces, assembling the M Tin Can is a breeze. No need to worry about complex wiring or programming – just follow the simple steps and see your robot take shape.
- Interactive features: The M Tin Can is designed to interact with its environment. It can detect and avoid obstacles, making it perfect for navigating through mazes or obstacle courses.
- Expand your creativity: Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can unleash your imagination and customize your M Tin Can. Add additional sensors or accessories to create a unique robot that suits your needs.
With the M Tin Can kit, the possibilities for innovation are endless. Get ready to build, explore, and bring your robot to life!
Makeblock mBot2 Neo
The Mbot Neo is the base robot kit from Makeblock, and is like the Ranger’s little brother. The Neo is their most popular model and makes a great starter robotics kit.
The kit comes with a variety of DIY construction materials, including motors, sensors, and electronic components, providing kids with the tools they need to build and customize their robot.
One of the key features of the Makeblock mBot2 Neo is its programmable nature. Kids can use either Scratch-like block or Python programming language to code and control the robot, making it an ideal platform to learn the fundamentals of coding.
The Makeblock site provides rich tutorials and project cases, enabling kids to learn at their own pace and develop their creativity, and there’s materials for teachers to build lesson plans.
Whether you want to build a line-following robot or a remote-controlled car, the mBot Neo provides endless possibilities for you to explore.
Check out our full review of the mbot2 Neo. If you’re thinking of the mBot2, or already have on, you need to check out the Rover Robotics add on. It gives the mBot new capabilities, and has easily become our favorite robot kit! Read our full review of the Rover Add On Pack.
Wonder Workshop Dash Robot
The Dash robot from Wonder Workshop is a fantastic robotics kit for kids, especially beginners between the ages of 6 to 11. This innovative robot offers an engaging way to introduce coding and programming to young learners.
Dash Robot offers a user-friendly interface that allows young learners to easily program their robot using block-based coding or even create more complex programs using text-based coding.
The robot’s sleek design and advanced sensors enable it to navigate its environment, respond to voice commands, and even dance to music.
One of the standout features of the Wonder Workshop Dash Robot is its compatibility with smartphones and tablets. Using the Wonder app, kids can easily control and program the robot through a user-friendly interface. This opens up a world of possibilities where kids can code Dash to sing, dance, navigate obstacles, draw, and even interact with other objects.
Dash Robot also boasts impressive voice command responsiveness. With simple voice instructions, kids can guide Dash to perform various tasks, making the experience even more interactive and enjoyable.
Sphero BOLT
The Sphero BOLT is (as the name hints) a spherical robot. It looks like a clear plastic ball, but don’t let that fool you.
The Sphero BOLT comes equipped with various sensors, including an infrared sensor, compass, and light sensor, allowing it to interact with its surroundings in unique ways. It also has the ability to communicate and synchronize movements with other BOLT robots, encouraging collaborative play and problem-solving.
The Sphero BOLT is a fantastic STEM ball that combines education and entertainment. Its impressive features, such as the LED light matrix and wide range of sensors, make it a powerful tool for learning programming skills in a fun and interactive way.
- Intuitive coding: Easily program the robot using the Sphero Edu app, and bring your wildest ideas to life.
- Advanced sensors: With its built-in compass, light sensor, and infrared sensors, the BOLT can navigate any environment with precision.
- Dazzling lights: The BOLT features programmable LED lights that can create stunning visual effects, making your creations truly come alive.
- Robust construction: Built to withstand even the most daring of adventures, the BOLT is durable enough to handle any challenge you throw at it.
Elenco Teach Tech Hydrobot Arm Kit
Immerse yourself in the world of robotics with the Elenco Teach Tech Hydrobot Arm Kit. Experience the thrill of controlling a hydraulic-powered arm with precision and finesse. This innovative kit allows kids to learn about the power of hydraulics while building their own functioning robot arm.
With its easy-to-follow instructions and hands-on activities, the Hydrobot Arm Kit provides an engaging and educational experience. Kids will learn about fluid dynamics, levers, and robotics as they assemble and manipulate the arm.
The kit also includes a gripper tool that can pick up and move objects, adding an extra level of excitement and challenge. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced roboticist, the Elenco Teach Tech Hydrobot Arm Kit is sure to inspire and captivate your curiosity.
Related post: Check out ways to introduce kids to robots and get them interested in robotics.
Wrap Up – Robotics Kits for Kids
Robotics kits for kids offer a wide range of benefits and learning opportunities. These are more than simple robot toys; these kits provide children with the chance to explore different types of robots and develop their programming and problem-solving skills.
Programmable robot kits can help kids enhance their motor skills, hand-eye coordination, logical thinking abilities, and STEM skills. The inclusion of sensors such as ultrasonic and light sensors allows children to understand how robots can interact with their environment, further expanding their knowledge of robotics engineering.
Robotics kits can foster a sense of accomplishment and pride as children successfully build and operate their robots, boosting their self-confidence and motivation to explore more complex projects.
In a world where screen time can dominate children’s lives, robotics kits offer a refreshing way for kids to engage with technology in a hands-on and educational manner. By combining fun and learning, robotics kits provide kids with a valuable introduction to STEM subjects and nurture their passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics from an early age. Investing in a robotics kit for your child can open up a world of possibilities and lay the foundation for a future in robotics engineering or other STEM fields.
Happy building!
If you’re interested in pursuing robotics (or know someone who has a keen interest in robots), check out our post on careers in robotics to see where it could lead!
