Moonpreneur
Choosing gifts is not an easy task, especially for growing children. Luckily, there’s a fun and engaging gift option for the STEM lovers in your circle – robotics kits!
Robotic kits are an amazing way for kids to dive into STEM education with hands-on experience in engineering and technology. With these kits, they can design and build their robots while learning about important STEM concepts.
What more? These kits will also help them develop critical skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration.
Now, you might be wondering which robotics kits are the best on the market. Well, we have done all your hard work – all you have to do is pick the most suitable one and watch the rising stars getting inspired to build their robots.
5 Best Robotics Kits for Kids
1. LEGO Mindstorms
Age Recommendation: 10 years and up
Pros
- Endless possibilities
- Encourages creativity
- Teaches programming skills
- Quality components
- Excellent community support
Cons
- Expensive
- Steep learning curve
- Limited battery life
- Limited flexibility
LEGO Mindstorms is a classic robotics kit that has been around for years. It allows kids to build and program their robots using LEGO blocks and a programmable “brick.” The kit comes with sensors, motors, and other components, allowing for endless possibilities and opportunities for creativity.
Additionally, LEGO Mindstorms has an easy-to-use programming interface that allows kids to learn to program concepts and skills such as loops, conditionals, and variables, making it a comprehensive educational tool. The kit also has a large online community of enthusiasts who share their ideas, designs, and programming tips, making it easy to get help and inspiration.
2. Sphero Bolt
Age Recommendation: 8 years and up
Pros
- Versatile
- Durable
- High-quality components
- Excellent sensors
- Easy-to-use programming sensor
Cons
- Limited battery life
- Limited online resources
- Limited programming options for experienced users
Sphero Bolt is a robot ball programmed to move, light up, and detect objects. It comes with various sensors, including a compass and accelerometer, and can be controlled using a smartphone app.
Additionally, the Sphero Bolt is designed to be durable, with a tough, scratch-resistant shell, making it suitable for regular use. The best part is its intuitive programming interface and high-quality components that make it an excellent educational tool for learning about robotics for both new and experienced users.
3. Makeblock mBot
Age Recommendation: 8 years and up
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Affordable
- Excellent for education
- Highly interactive
Cons
- Limited building options
- Not very durable
- Inactive online community
Makeblock mBot is a robot car that can be programmed using a graphical coding language. The major draw for this robotic kit is that it is compatible with a range of programming languages, including Scratch, Arduino, and Python, providing users with even more flexibility and opportunities for creativity.
If you’re looking for a robotic kit to gift to a STEM enthusiast who enjoys fiddling with technology, this could be the perfect choice. The Makeblock mBot is also an excellent educational tool, providing kids hands-on experience in robotics, programming, and electronics. However, its limited battery life, online resources, and building and programming options’ durability may be drawbacks for some experienced users.
4. Wonder Workshop Dash and Dot
Age Recommendation: 6 years plus
Pros
- Highly engaging
- Drag and drop programming
- Tough shell for added durability
Cons
- Limited expansion options
- Expensive
- Not suitable for highly experienced users
If you are on the lookout for a robotic kit that can be considered an excellent investment, then look no further than the Wonder Workshop Dash and Dot kit. Wonder Workshop Dash and Dot is a set of two robots that can be programmed using a visual coding language. It won’t just deliver endless hours of fun but also help build essential STEM skills.
One of the unique selling points (USPs) of this kit is its intuitive and easy-to-use programming interface. It has drag-and-drop programming blocks that make it accessible to even very young children. And with a versatile range of sensors and accessories, this kit offers a wide range of programming options and activities, such as music creation and obstacle courses.
5. Ozobot Bit
Age Recommendation: 6 years and up
Pros
- Portable due to its small size
- Relatively affordable kit
Cons
- Fragile
- Limited functionality
- Lack of adaptability
This small robot can be programmed using a range of coding languages, including visual block coding and JavaScript. Unlike many other robotics kits, the Ozobot Bit can be programmed using markers and a programming language called OzoBlockly. This makes it accessible to kids with different skill levels, allowing them to progress from basic to more advanced programming concepts.
However, the most attractive element of the Ozobot Bit is its small size, which makes it easy to transport and use in limited space. It also has a cost-effective price point compared to other robotics kits in the market, making it an accessible option if you’re looking to introduce your kids to STEM education.
Additionally, the Ozobot Bit’s unique color and line-detection technology also makes it a standout option in the market. It responds to colors and lines drawn on paper or on-screen, providing a unique and creative way to program and control the robot.
So here we go! Pick one of these amazing robotic kits to impress the curious young mind in your family and become their favorite. Each kit has unique features, but they all share the same goal of introducing children to the exciting world of STEM education.
Consider these an investment in their future that they will cherish for years.
Moonpreneur is on a mission to educate and ignite the flames of entrepreneurship through our holistically created online STEM programs, which will help kids master the futuristic sciences such as Robotics, Game Development, App Development, Advanced Math, and much more!!
Register for a free 60-minute robotics workshop today!
