Robotics for Kids – Making STEM Fun!

Updated August 2021

Welcome to Whiz Kids Robotics – Robotics for Kids!

Robotics for Kids

Here are our top picks of toy robots and robot kits for kids currently on the market.

Best Toy Robots for Kids

Sphero BOLT, Sphero Mini, Sphero SPRK+ and Sphero RVR

  • Sphero BOLT is an app-enabled robotic ball that you can drive and code, providing endless opportunities to be creative and have fun while learning.
  • BOLT’s programmable 8×8 LED Matrix can animate and display real-time data.
  • Powered by the Sphero Edu app (available on nearly any mobile or desktop device), you can code BOLT by drawing, using Scratch blocks, or writing JavaScript.
  • Advanced yet approachable, you can learn programming, complete hands-on activities, and share your creations with the community.
  • Programmable sensors including Infrared, Compass, Light Sensor, Gyroscope, Accelerometer, and Motor Encoders.
  • It’s fun to take for a spin. Simply drive BOLT and play games.
  • Wireless Connection. Durable. Waterproof. Inductive charging. 2+ hour battery life. Connects via Bluetooth.
  • Recommended age: 8+.



Wonder Workshop Dash, Dot & Cue Programmable Robots

  • Adorable bots with brains can be fun playmates as well as useful desk pets
  • The bots arrive fully assembled. Use an iPad or Android tablet to access free apps that control them
  • Dash & Dot interact with the world using sensors. They can hear sounds and detect objects
  • Smart robots can actually teach kids ages 5+ to code as they play
  • The easy-to-use drag-and-drop programming language, Blockly, provides a low floor but a high ceiling for coding
  • Program Dash & Dot to do anything imaginable, from basic movements to following complex sequences and instructions
  • Add-ons extend the fun: play a song, take videos, add LEGO® bricks and more.
  • Recommended age: 5+.



MiP Arcade RobotMiP Arcade Robot

  • With his unique dual wheel balancing system, MiP Arcade navigates his surroundings
  • 20+ app-enabled games. Challenge friends & family with multiplayer arcade games like Basketball Versus and Tray Pancake Stack!
  • Remote Control: Drive MiP Arcade around with either single or dual joystick control using the app. Also responds to touch, motion, and sound with GestureSense technology.
  • Uses Bluetooth to pair with your smartphone or tablet so you can play games via the MiP Arcade App
  • MiP’s inquisitive and responsive personality is communicated through motion, sounds, and RGB LED eyes
  • Watch MiP Arcade balance multiple objects while moving or standing still
  • Multiple robotic modes including roam, stacking, dance, and programming
  • Recommended age: 6+.





Best Robot Kits for Kids

LEGO Mindstorms Robot Inventor 51515

  • Originally developed at MIT, the third incarnation of LEGO robotics comes with a full curriculum dedicated to teaching programming
  • A kid can progressively learn about the various areas of robotics and build several kinds of robots
  • Intuitive icon-based drag-and-drop programming interface and step-by-step instructions provide a fun learning experience for young kids
  • Intelligent EV3 Brick, 3 interactive servo motors, remote control, color sensor, touch sensor, infrared sensor, and 550+ LEGO Technic elements
  • Recommended age: 10+



4M Tin Can Robot

  • Turn an old soda can into a walking, wobbling robot
  • A robot kit that combines science with the task of recycling
  • Encourages dexterity and following instructions
  • Facilitates mechanical learning
  • Recommended age: 8+.


Elenco Teach Tech SolarBot.14

  • Can be transformed into 14 different robot modes
  • Provides unique accessories and parts that make a robot move on land or water or both
  • All of the 14 robots are powered by the sun and move in direct sunlight, so no batteries are required
  • Teach green technology and renewable energy sources besides robotics
  • Two levels of building skills required so the beginner and experienced robot builder will be equally engaged
  • Recommended age: 10+.



OWI Robotic Arm Edge

  • Very affordable robotic arm that won’t take more than a couple hours to finish
  • Command the Robotic Arm Edge for multiple movements and functions
  • Robotic arm gripper opens and closes
  • Movement includes radial wrist motion of 120°, an extensive elbow range of motion of 300°, base rotation of 270°, base motion of 180°
  • Remote controlled out of the box; programmable when adding USB interface cable and software
  • No soldering required
  • Recommended age: 10+.




Robotics for Beginners

How to get started with robotics for kids? Want to know the tips, our recommended approach and action items? You can check out our guide on robotics for beginners and kids.


Robotics for Kids Camp

Looking for a quality robotics camp or after school program? We have put together a state-by-state list of robotics summer camps and after school programs to start your search.

The Benefits of Robotics for Kids

With advances in technology, robots are becoming more accessible, entering homes and schools. Kids love robots, but then again, who doesn’t? As a parent you may want a better picture of the benefits of robotics for kids.

  • First, robotics for kids are cool and fun. A toy robot is a smart toy with a brain. It may stretch the boundaries of what a toy can do. A robot may act or respond based upon a kid’s commands or requests.  Robots can definitely be extremely entertaining.
  • Robots are companions and friends. When a kid can’t have a pet, an animal-like robot can be his electronic pet. The kid can train the pet as he trains a regular pet. The robot will do tricks, show love and even throw tantrums. [easyazon_link identifier=”B00IQ47B36″ locale=”US” tag=”whizkidsrob06-20″]Zoomer Puppy[/easyazon_link], [easyazon_link identifier=”B00VFZDOC0″ locale=”US” tag=”whizkidsrob06-20″]Miposaur[/easyazon_link] and [easyazon_link identifier=”B008DKA3XI” locale=”US” tag=”whizkidsrob06-20″]Furby[/easyazon_link] are popular electronic pets currently on the market, just to name a few. A humanoid robot, with its personalities and human-like looks, will easily win a kid’s heart and be his best friend. One of our favorite humanoid robot toys is [easyazon_link identifier=”B00I2VBH6U” locale=”US” tag=”whizkidsrob06-20″]MiP[/easyazon_link]. Kids have said MiP helps combat loneliness.
  • Robotics for kids makes a kid’s imagination run wild. Kids have been fascinated with the notion of robots, fictional or real. The birth of a robot demonstrates the miracle transformation of a lifeless machine to a complex human-like creature. The potential of what a robot can be and do is only limited by our imagination. For kids especially, robots may represent the future and even appear as superheros. The currently best selling [easyazon_link identifier=”B0107H5FJ6″ locale=”US” tag=”whizkidsrob06-20″]Sphero BB-8 droid[/easyazon_link] was born in the magic of Star Wars™.
  • Robotics for kids is a fun way to teach kids invaluable skills and knowledge. This one is huge! A Kid’s interactions with robots have extended from entertainment to education. Kids can build their own robot and bring it to life, and program the robot to move and respond to their commands. Learning while doing something enjoyable can be a great way to learn which is why more and more K-12 educational STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) courses and programs are centered around robotics than ever before. Building and programming a robot stimulates a child’s creativity and develops so many necessary skills, such as problem-solving, goal-oriented thinking, maintaining focus, teamwork, persistence, to name a few. Also, it probably goes without saying that the technology, engineering and programming knowledge kids acquire along the way may help lead to a career or a lifelong pleasure.
  • Robotics helps kids develop more confidence in themselves. Kids who begin learning robotics early often develop a positive attitude towards taking on challenging tasks in science and other areas. Working with robotic components and programming robots may take practice and will probably not go smoothly the very first time. But the feelings of accomplishment from achieving something previously thought to be impossible will create a new level of confidence for kids that will make all the work worth the effort. This confidence will help stimulate a lifelong passion for learning.
  • Robots can be a great help for all kids, including kids with disabilities. Robots are not just for advanced kids. As shown in a number of recent reports by the BBC, there is growing evidence that robots can help autistic children not only learn but improve their communication skills. A robot to help an ADD or autistic child stay focused on schoolwork would surely be a welcome addition to many families.
  • Lastly and again, robotics for kids are cool and fun. No matter if your kid’s favorite robot is a toy for him to play, or a robot kit that he can use to build a custom robot, or a programmable robot that he can write his own code to direct the robot’s action, the kid will have fun. Isn’t that what we as parents want the most for our children?
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