The 11 Best Robot Toys for Budding Engineers, According to STEM Experts

Learn STEM, robotic engineering, and design with these cool robot toys.

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Robot Toys

Parents / Kevin Liang

Robot toys are nothing short of cool. They make kids at any age feel like they’ve stepped into the future while reaping the many benefits robot toys bring, like fine motor and problem-solving skills. Additionally, robot toys instill a love of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), which can turn into a career later in life.

“Importantly, children also learn to overcome failure through iterating improvements to their robot design and code to meet challenges set forth by their teachers or families," says Steve Coxon, PhD, professor of education and executive director at the Center for Access and Achievement at Maryville University. "Learning to overcome failure is vital for anything students choose to do in life and something they rarely get the opportunity for in school.”

We wanted to find the best robot toys for kids, so we spoke with an education professor and a STEM coordinator at a science museum to learn more about what design and features to look for in robot toys. We also surveyed 875 parents to find out what toys their children play with and asked them to detail how their kids interact with their toys and why they love them. A pediatrics specialist on our Expert Board verified the accuracy of our information and addressed any lingering health and safety concerns.

Our Favorite Robot Toys

Best Overall: Makeblock mBot Robot Kit

Makeblock mBot Robot Kit

Amazon

Why We Like It

The Makeblock mBot Robot Kit is an entry-level coding robot toy that'll help your kids ease their way into the world of coding. It educates children about electronics, robotics, and computer programming in a simple and fun way. This robot toy kit can be built within 15 minutes, and installation only requires a screw.

Older children (ages 8-12) can use this robot toy to play with STEM subjects via coding lessons. Add-on packs are available with this robot toy, and the STEM toy can connect to 100+ electronic modules and 500+ parts of the Makeblock platform.

But Take Note

In order for kids to take part in step-by-step instructions, the robot connects to an app via Bluetooth. Unfortunately, you'll need a special cord to connect the mBot to a computer for further coding features. The company doesn't include one unless you buy the bundle here.

The Details:

  • Dimensions: 6.69 x 3.55 x 5.12 in.
  • Charge: Batteries included
  • Recommended age: 8 - 12 years

Best for Beginners: ZOOB BuilderZ ZOOB Bot

ZOOB BuilderZ ZOOB Bot Moving Building Modeling System

Amazon

Why We Like It

This kit offers a beginning course in robotics, containing everything kids need to build their own cool bot. It comes with 49 pieces, two wheels, a pull-back two-wheel motor, four tires, and cool, light-up eyes. Instructions to build four ZOOB-Bots are included, as is the required battery. Kids can go by the book or develop their own creations, as their imagination is the best guide.

At an affordable price, this kit is a great way to get kids interested in robotics and start building those STEM skills.

But Take Note

The pieces simply snap together and work with other ZOOB kits for expanded building. However, younger kids may need help assembling.

The Details:

  • Dimensions: 14 x 2.75 x 11 in.
  • Charge: Product-specific battery
  • Recommended age: 6 years and up

Best Build-Your-Own: Lego Creator Robo Explorer 31062 Robot Toy

LEGO Creator Robo Explorer 31062 Robot Toy

Courtesy of Amazon

Why We Like It

Older kids and tweens can create their own robots with this Lego robot kit. Parents in our survey recommend Lego robotic builds because it keeps kids' imaginations active and creative. This particular kit has everything they need to build a robot explorer, dog, and bird. While the robots won’t talk, dance, or move electronically, they feature movable tracks and body parts for lots of kid-powered, imaginative fun. Two batteries (included) power cool features on the robots, like light-up eyes and a light-up jetpack.

But Take Note

There are more than 200 pieces to create suggested creations or dream up wild, new robotic characters of their own. While the set is for ages 7 to 12, younger children may need additional help assembling some pieces. For teens, we recommend the Lego Star Wars BD-1.

The Details:

  • Dimensions: 10.32 x 7.52 x 1.81 inches
  • Charge: LR44 Batteries
  • Recommended age: 7 years and up

Best Coding: Learning Resources Botley the Coding Robot Activity Set

Learning Resources Botley The Coding Robot Activity Set

Amazon

Why We Like It

If you want to introduce your child to coding, look no further than Botley, a coding robot that helps promote problem-solving skills and critical thinking. Botley doesn’t require a smart device or app and comes with a remote control kids can use to program its every move. Plus, children will love unlocking Botley's hidden features as they navigate it around the room.

In addition to a robot and its remote control, this set includes more than 70 pieces, such as traffic cones and building pieces children can use to create an interactive path for their new robot friend. Botley is recommended for children ages 5 and up, so kiddos can get a headstart on learning about coding.

But Take Note

Botley has a downside: It requires five AAA batteries total (not included) to start. Another important note is that two Botleys can't play side-by-side; they must be 10 to 15 feet apart to avoid interference (something to keep in mind if you buy Botleys for siblings).

The Details:

  • Dimensions: 9 x 9 x 6.2 in.
  • Charge: 5 AAA batteries (not included)
  • Recommended age: 5 years and up

Best Multifunctional: Wonder Workshop Dash Coding Robot

Wonder Workshop Dash

Amazon

Why We Like It

Dash is a coding robot even adults will love, thanks to its endless options for play. Download the free Wonder app and watch Dash come to life. The toy teaches coding to kids by allowing them to program Dash’s every move while operating lights, sounds, and more. Dash is also rechargeable and comes with the proper charging cable, so you don’t have to search for a cord at home.

But Take Note

You must have a compatible device, such as a phone, tablet, or laptop, for Dash to work. Also, if your child uses a Kindle Fire, children can only use English as the language option. Other platforms allow for English, Spanish, German, and more.

The Details:

  • Dimensions: 7.17 x 6.69 x 6.34 in.
  • Charge: Rechargeable
  • Recommended age: 6 years and up

Best With Remote Control: KingsDragon Robot Toy

KingsDragon Robot Toy

Amazon

Why We Like It

This remote-control robot does everything from responding to hand commands to busting a move. In addition to buttons like "dance" and "music," the remote control also has a "program" option, which allows the robot to play recorded movements kids create. The KingsDragon Robot Toy can also turn right and left, and slide forward or backward via hand gestures.

But Take Note

While there is a volume control option, the lowest volume setting may still be too loud for some kids (or parents). There's also no option to mute it, so we recommend fully turning the robot off when kids finish playing with it.

The Details:

  • Dimensions: 13.62 x 8.58 x 5.43 in.
  • Charge: AA Batteries
  • Recommended age: 5 years and up

Best Ball: Sphero BOLT App-Enabled Robot

Sphero BOLT App-Enabled Robot

Amazon

Why We Like It

Between the LED display and infrared detection, the Sphero Bolt looks and acts like something out of the future. The robot ball’s LED matrix display is programmable to a variety of icons of your kiddo’s choice, such as a heart or lightning bolt, and is packed with customizable sensors, like infrared detectors, that tell the robot when something is nearby. The Sphero Bolt’s outer shell is waterproof and scratch-proof, so it’s durable enough to withstand any bumps along the way.

But Take Note

The Sphero Edu app is required for the baseball-sized robot to work, but the Bolt is compatible with Android, Apple, and Kindle devices via Bluetooth Smart, allowing children to see their coding commands happen in real time. 

The Details:

  • Dimensions: 2.87 × 2.87 × 2.87 in.
  • Charge: Charging base with USB cable (rechargeable)
  • Recommended age: 8 years and up

Best for Preschoolers: Educational Insights Design and Drill Robot

Educational Insights Design and Drill Robot

Amazon

Why We Like It

Introduce STEM subjects at a young age with a take-apart robot toy for kids ages 3 and up. Kiddos will love snapping in the multicolored pieces, screwing in bolts using a screwdriver that’s sized to fit their hands, and adding decorative stickers for a final touch. Kids will have a blast for hours watching their robot friend transform before their eyes with the included 23 pieces. Plus, the robot’s head, arms, and upper body swivel for additional play beyond construction. Bonus for adults: There are no sounds or lights with this robot toy. 

But Take Note

The Educational Insights Design and Drill Robot doesn't have storage for bolts. One of our writers says her 4-year-old son loves to play with this toy, and they use a bin in this toy storage organizer to store the robot and its bolts.

The Details:

  • Dimensions: 10 x 6.3 x 3.8 in.
  • Charge: None
  • Recommended age: 5 years and up

Best Pet: Top Race Remote Control Robot Dog Touch Edition

Top Race Remote Control Robot Dog Touch Edition

Amazon

Why We Like It

Kiddos can adopt a family pet without the required 24/7 care and added expenses of food, toys, and more. This robot dog toy mimics the voice and movement of several animals (including a dog), responds to voice-controlled commands, and is controllable via remote control. While the remote control requires two AA batteries to operate, the robot pet includes a rechargeable battery for longer-lasting play.

But Take Note

The voice commands can be a hit or miss, depending on who gives the commands. We found that the toy robot dog won't pick up commands if you don't speak loudly or clearly enough.

The Details:

  • Dimensions: Not listed
  • Charge: Rechargeable (dog), 2 AA batteries (remote control)
  • Recommended age: 5 years and up

Best Educational: KinderLab Robotics KIBO 10 Home Edition

KinderLab Robotics KIBO 10 Home Edition

Amazon

Why We Like It

Recommended for children ages 4 to 7, Kibo is a coding robot you build and decorate yourself. The screen-free robot was designed by early education researchers at Tufts University and allows kids to change its actions with a sequence of coding cards. Kibo also encourages creativity, as kids can attach paper designs to its top and change them whenever they like. Or, draw directly onto Kibo’s whiteboard top with the included marker.

But Take Note

Assembling the Kibo robot is essential for proper movements. For example, if you assemble the wheels incorrectly, Kibo's direction cards will not transmit the proper movements.

The Details:

  • Dimensions: 8.5 x 6.26 x 1.65 in.
  • Charge: 4 batteries
  • Recommended age: 4 to 7 years

Best Easy DIY Kit: KiwiCo Walking Robot

KiwiCo Walking Robot. It's gray with green eyes on two wooden pillars

Why We Like It

Our pick for the best easy DIY kit robot toy is the KiwiCo Walking Robot. Kids use this robotics kit to build a walking robot. It's simple to do with instructions, including a step-by-step video link and illustrated blueprints. There's also a special Tinker Zine Magazine for your kids to engage with. This kit explores robotic engineering, design, and robots in fiction. It also follows common core state standards.

But Take Note

The DIY robot doesn't feature a wide base, so it may tip over easily. Moreover, the robot's pieces are delicate, so gentle play is best with this option.

The Details:

  • Dimensions: Not listed
  • Charge: AA battery pack (included)
  • Recommended age: 9 years and up

Our Review Process and Experts

Robot toys offer children endless learning opportunities, and to find the best robot toys for kids, we studied more than 20 options on the market. We also spoke with two STEM experts and surveyed 875 parents about the toys their children play with, such as robots, and asked them to detail how their kids play with their toys and why they enjoy interacting with them. We considered age recommendations, design, ease of use, and value when reviewing products to ensure children feel challenged yet don't get discouraged. 

For robot toy recommendations and insight into the benefits of robot toys for kids, we spoke with the following experts: 

  • Steve Coxon, PhD, professor of education and executive director at the Center for Access and Achievement at Maryville University
  • Chuck English, Virginia STEM Coordinator at the Science Museum of Virginia 

Factors to Consider in a Robot Toy

  • Recommended Age: Robot toys don’t need to be complicated to be fun, although Dr. Coxon says they should match a child's developmental level. “For example, KIBO is excellent for kids ages 4 to 7, Dash works well for ages 6 to 10, and LEGO Spike and Sphero scale up from around age 7 and up through at least middle school. Of course, these can vary depending on the developmental readiness of the individual child," he says. Additionally, younger robot enthusiasts can benefit from a simpler, introductory robot kit that introduces them to coding and design. Older children can likely handle a more complex activity that includes electrical components and intricate pieces and construction.
  • Safety: Many robot toys and kits include complex construction, which can pose a safety hazard for younger users. Hooking up electrical components and mechanical parts is best done with adult supervision and oversight. Always follow the recommended instructions with your toy to keep everyone safe as well.
  • Educational Value:  Robots are a great way to incorporate educational STEM principles into play. Many require imagination during the design and construction phase. “In our research, we have found increases in spatial ability and creativity along with increases in coding skills and self-efficacy (belief in their ability to solve STEM challenges),” Dr. Coxon explains. Coding and mechanical design are two skills that bots are particularly good at encouraging. Certain robots come ready to wow kids out of the box, while in the cases of other models, putting them together is part of the fun. English says coding is a popular activity for kids of all ages, and children can now develop their own apps and programs and see the outcome.

Your Questions, Answered

What kinds of toy robots are available?

The most basic type of robot is operated by remote control. It's a great choice for smaller kids who want to get their first robot. It will perform all the basic functions you'd expect and sometimes puts on a bit of a show through lights and sounds. Some other robots need to be built before they can be operated. They're made out of building blocks or other types of pieces that can be put together to build the robot.

There are also robots that are controlled with coding and open-ended play, which Dr. Coxon recommends. Kids will learn the coding language required and then code their robot to perform certain actions.

Additionally, check out robot toys that are rechargeable and fit within your budget. “We have found the Sphero Mini to be one of the best values. We use this extensively in teacher trainings for teaching coding because it’s affordable for schools,” says Dr. Coxon.

What ages are toy robots appropriate for?

Children as young as the age of 3 might enjoy a basic remote control robot. As children get into elementary school, a robot that involves coding or one that has to be built are great choices. Tweens and teens can also enjoy some of the robots that are specially made for older kids. These challenge kids to use their problem-solving skills to operate their own robots.

Are all toy robots educational?

Not all robot toys are educational; some are controlled via a remote control and look like robots. While these are fun, Dr. Coxon says the learning potential is limited. "Notably, Sphero and Dash can also be used in this manner, but families should help their children move into the coding aspects," he adds. The more basic toy robots for the younger kids can encourage fine motor control and hand and eye coordination. All toy robots encourage a love of science and may just inspire kids to think of a career in engineering.

Robot toys should be challenging, and it’s great when children can work on them together. Dr. Coxon recommends inviting a friend or sibling to join in on the fun.

What can I expect to pay for a robot toy?

How much you spend on a robot toy will depend on many factors, such as your child’s age, developmental level, and additional features. Expect to pay anywhere between $50 for the smaller robots and over $100 for the robot toys with apps and additional features.

Who We Are

Julie Evans is a writer and editor whose work covers topics including health and wellness, parenting, and technology. Her writing has appeared on USA Today, Realtor.com, Brit + Co, and CafeMom, among others. She has nearly 20 years of experience.

Additional reporting by:

Katrina Cossey is a commerce writer, enthusiastic shopper, and devoted mom. She spent several years in broadcast journalism but found her true passion in writing about the best products for families, pregnant people, and kids of all ages. She’s researched thousands of baby products, toys, gifts, and more and personally tested many of them. In her spare time, you’ll likely find her in the beautiful outdoors of Oklahoma with her husband and 4-year-old son. Her son owns the Educational Insights Design and Drill Robot, which provides a chance for kids to work on their fine motor skills as they turn the screwdriver.

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