10 of the Best Robots for Kids: Games, Fun and Learning
November 20, 2017
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The founder of Fractus Learning, Nick is a pizza-loving Aussie living and working in Dublin, Ireland. With a background in education, engineering and digital product development, Nick launched Fractus to connect people with a shared passion for technology and how it can bring education to life.
I’ve titled this post ‘The Best Robots for Kids’. I use the word ‘Kids’ quite loosely here. I am very much an adult. A geeky adult, perhaps. But an adult all the same. And I can say without any hint of shame or embarrassment, that I would love to own every single robot on this list.
Whether you are looking for DIY robot kits that provide educational value, a gift that gives a little bit more, or a digital companion that can teach logic and programming, these robots for kids are some of the most cutting edge gadgets around. With companion smartphone apps, voice control, advanced mechatronics and even xylophones, these amazing pieces of electronic kit will keep your kids entertained, engaged and educated for years to come.
Overview Table
Best Robots for Kids
1. Cozmo
This little guy is like something out of the movies! Cozmo is the newest generation of playful robot and the things he can do are beyond amazing. Powered by cutting edge artificial intelligence (AI), Cozmo has real emotions and uses advanced facial recognition to react to your actions. A game playing machine, Cozmo offers kids a gamified experience where the more you play with him, the more games and upgrades are unlocked. Cozmo is compatible with iOS and Android and requires the free Cozmo app to be downloaded.
Ages : 8+
Full specifications
2. Sphero 2.0 & Sphero SPRK+
Sphero SPRK+ and the Spehro 2.0 are the two highly anticipated newest version of the hugely popular Sphero robot. The ping-pong ball with a brain, and lights, and a heap of other cool features, Sphero pairs with iOS and Android devices via Bluetooth allowing kids to control and program their spherical robot to do some truly amazing things. Sphero is powered by induction charging and an internal smart robot, it glows in millions of colors and is pet proof, waterproof, and ready for any adventure.
The SPRK+ is created to encourage experimentation both in and out of the classroom. Made of transparent polycarbonate, students can see and understand the robot inner workings while the SPRK app encourages programming skills by allowing your robot to take orders using visual blocks representing code. There’s even an Amazon Fire App available to program it.
Ages : 5+
Full specifications
3. BB-8 App-Enabled Droid
With a heap of personality and a starring role in the newest Star Wars film, the BB-8 Droid is possibly the coolest robot on the planet. Controlled using a smartphone or tablet this little guy can recognize and react to your voice, record holographic videos and with fully autonomous behavior, he even has a mind of his own! Built with all the quality and technology of the Sphero, this dashing droid is the ultimate robot for kids who love Star Wars but want to do more than just play games.
Ages : 5+
Full specifications
4. Orbotix Ollie
Built for speed, the Orbotix Ollie is one of the best value robots for kids. Rugged and durable, Ollie is built for the the outdoors and can get moving at blinding speeds of 14 mph! With the ability to program moves such as spin, drift, and flip using app-powered tricks, kids can create, master, and share combinations with their friends. Ollie can also be customized with all sorts of different tires and hubcaps to conquer any indoor or outdoor terrain.
Ages : 5+
Full specifications
5. Overdrive Starter Kit
At first glance, you wouldn’t know these are robots. But they are: each Supercar is loaded with cutting-edge features, including an optical sensor, dedicated 50MHz CPU, and two high performance motors for precision maneuvering with one-millimeter accuracy. When paired with your phone app, these robots respond to your commands.
One of the coolest features is the ability to race against a AI opponent that learns as it plays against you. So longer does your child need a friend over to race – there’s an app for that.
Ages : 6+
Full specifications
6. Wonder Workshop Dash
Dash & Dot are the ultimate robot duo! While they are a little more expensive than most of the other robots for kids, they are packed with some of the most advanced features around. Dash & Dot interact with the world using sensors. They can hear sounds, detect objects, and know if you are moving them. They can be programmed to do anything you can imagine using a simple visual programming language called Blockly -Deliver a message to a friend, have a dance party, and even navigate through an obstacle course. Not to mention the huge number of fun add-ons that come with the pair, such as a xylophone, mallet,smartphone mount, tow hook, bunny ears, tail and more.
Ages : 5+
Full specifications
7. Cubelets
Cubelets are the perfect tool to explore robotics and come with everything young inventors need to start building robots. The included Brick Adapters connect to your favorite brick-based construction systems bringing vivid motion and life to the toys you already own. Using the Cubelets, kids can build and play with over 500 self-made robots. The advanced technology inside Cubelets makes robot construction remarkably easy. In fact, there’s no wrong way to build a robot because Cubelets automatically route power and data where needed, freeing your kids to invent with creative abandon!
Ages : 5+
Full specifications
8. 4M Doodling Robot
A much more basic but nevertheless immensely popular robot for kids, the 4M Doodling Robot has pens for arms and a powerfully vibrating body. Delivered in parts, the process of building this little robot is a great experience for kids and they are rewarded on completion with their own drawing droid. Scuttling across the page, the Doodling Robot sketches all sorts of random colourful artwork.
Ages : 4+
Full specifications
9. Hexbug Nano V2
Another great value robot, the Hexbug Nano V2 is a cheap and fun little robot that has been amusing kids for years. While the Hexbug may not be as educationally focused as some of the other robots for kids, these little critters can be a fun creative outlet, especially when paired with their taylor-made obstacle courses and hexbug habitats .
Ages : 4+
Full specifications
10. WowWee MiP Robot
The WowWee MiP Robot has an inquisitive and responsive personality communicated through motion, sounds, and LED eyes. With his unique dual wheel balancing, MiP is able to navigate his surroundings, follow hand gestures, and even follow objects around. Watch MiP balance multiple objects while moving or standing still and try multiple robotic modes including roam, stacking, dance, and programming.
Ages : 5+
Full specifications
11. RC Flying Shark [BONUS]
A Remote Control Flying Shark is pretty much everyone’s dream (or nightmare). While this majestically floating robot is not exactly educational, it’s a pretty spectacular and fun way to introduce kids to robotics. With simple controls and a 40 foot range, this helium-filled Great White Shark balloon maneuvers through the air like… Well, like a fish in water.
Ages : 8+
Full specifications
11. Robot Turtles Board Game [BONUS]
A magnificent way to develop early programming concepts with your kids, Robot Turtles is a brilliantly fun ‘unplugged’ board game to get kids excited about coding and robots. It provides crucial brain development and computer programming skills to children as young as 4 years old in the context of family fun. Players dictate the movements of their Robot Turtle tokens on a game board by playing Code Cards: Forward, Left and Right. When a player’s Robot Turtle reaches a jewel they win! If they make a mistake, they can use a Bug Card to undo a move. Educational family fun… Oh and of course, it has Robot Turtles!
Ages : 4+