Programmable robot kits are all the rage lately for several good reasons, starting with their ability to stimulate the human brain for hours on end. And if you believe that programmable robot kits are geared toward kids only, you haven’t scoured the market yet.
That said, I’ve made a list of the 15 best robot building kits for adults, some of which go well beyond programming Legos and help build your robotics skills with coding, soldering & assembly.
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Last update on 2024-09-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What to Look for in the Best Programmable Robot for for Adults?
Buying the best programmable bot kit for adults can be a big-ticket purchase, therefore I’ve put together this short buying guide to ease your decision.
If you have a 10-year-old child or older, you could even build a robot together. Many of these robotic kits for adults are made to be easy to construct and educational, offering a fun incentive to get into robotics, programming, and coding. If you want a more personal experience, you could just pick a robotic kit for adults and get started.
Whether you’re interested in one that’s a beginner kit that’s simple to use to help you learn more about making a DIY robot, or you want something more advanced to put together, it’s always best to pick the best robotics kits over ones at a lower price tag.
On the other hand, it’s generally not wise to buy the most expensive robotics – at least not for your first few purchases. It can be good to get an idea of what the best kits are and what makes them so popular before you decide.
Fortunately for you, we’ve got a list right here that can help you select a worthwhile kit for your needs.
The Best Robotics Kits for Adults
- Petoi Bittle Robotic Dog
- Makeblock mBot Robot Car Kit
- Eilik – A Desktop Companion Robot
- Adeept DarkPaw Bionic Crawling Quadruped Robot Kit for Raspberry Pi
- ROS Robot Quadruped Robot Dog
- SunFounder Raspberry Pi Car DIY Robot Car Kit
- XiaoR Geek Hexapod Robot Kit
- LEGO Mindstorms EV3 Robot Kit
- SunFounder Robotic Arm Edge Kit for Arduino R3
- Adeept Hexapod Spider Robot Kit
- XiaoR Geek Jetson Nano AI Robot Kit
- UBTECH JIMU Robot Competitive Series
- HISTOYE 12-in1 STEM Solar Robot Building Kit
- OSOYOO Model 3 Robot Car Starter Kit for Arduino UNO
- Elenco Teach Tech “Mech-5”
1. Petoi Bittle Robotic Dog
Petoi Bittle Robot Dog is designed to be an autonomous robotic pet that can interact with its environment. With features like obstacle avoidance, vision tracking, sound recognition, and more, the robot can move around and respond to its environment in real-time using an optional intelligent camera module or other Arduino/Raspberry Pi-compatible sensors.
This robot kit for adults is also capable of learning new tricks through coding using STEM, Arduino IDE, and C++/Python.
But that’s not all, it is one of the few robots to build for adults that boasts a modular design, which allows you to upgrade it easily as new features are developed. With its unique combination of robotics and AI technology, the Petoi Bittle Robot Dog is sure to provide hours of entertainment and companionship. It’s the perfect robotic pet for anyone who wants to bring a little bit of robotics into their home.
Adding to this, it offers an unparalleled, intellectually stimulating experience to construct your very own robot via 3D puzzle pieces. Perfect for adults and children aged 14 or older.
Last update on 2024-09-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Makeblock mBot Robot Car Kit
If you want an educational robot car kit without having to pay a high price, this particular model from Makeblock’s ultimate robot kit is certainly one to put on your wish list. While quite a small car robot, this build your own robot kit for adults has various features that make it an interesting little robotics project.
Obstacle avoidance and line following are just two examples of what these robots can do without you having to control them. Since it’s an entry-level programming robotic kit, it’s often used by children and adults alike to get their hands on with coding in a simple way, and it can be a great choice for something to make as a family.
It’s also worth noting that this particular robotics kit for adults is based on Arduino IDE programming. As a result, Arduino Advanced robotic kits are perfect for beginners and experts alike, thanks to the fact that this robotic technology platform is so well equipped to allow people to start and build remote control robots without a fuss.
This is one of the reasons that the official Arduino coding robots for adults are often considered to be some of the best around and is also why Makeblock is often considered one of the best robotics companies for simple and educational robots.
- Two Ways to Connect PC: In addition to using the inlueded cable, 25ft Range Bluetooth Dongle can directly connect Makeblock programming device, with high transmission efficiency and low latency data...
Last update on 2024-09-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. Eilik – A Desktop Companion Robot
Eilik is here to brighten your working day!
Eilik, your beloved desktop companion robot, is capable of expressing a range of emotions with its four distinct emotional states: normal, happy, angry, and sad. You can interact with Eilik and watch it respond to your actions, providing a constant source of companionship and entertainment. It also has many built-in features and interactive games.
Eilik’s expressive eyes, body language, sound effects, and engaging personality add a touch of life to any workplace or home office. From cheering you up when you are feeling down, to making even the dullest of tasks more enjoyable, Eilik is here to make your work day a little brighter and fun.
With ENERGIZE LAB’s expert team, you can customize Eilik with expressions, movements, storylines, and dances of your own.
Plus, the software of this robotics for adults is compatible with both Windows and Mac OS – meaning that whatever the device or platform, you always have access to expand through updates. With each new update comes limitless opportunities for growth; there truly are no boundaries when it comes to controlling & creating your very own unique version of Eilik.
Last update on 2024-09-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. Adeept DarkPaw Bionic Crawling Quadruped Kit for Raspberry Pi
For those who want something a little more advanced than the simple Makeblock design, Adeept has you covered with this four-legged programmable robot. The DarkPaw has a number of great features that you’re going to want to check out like the self-stabilizing capability or the real-time video transmission.
Aside from all this, there’s a lot to love about the construction of these robotics kits, too. Things like easy-to-use instructions and parts generally make for a more straightforward build, but I don’t think this makes it any less enjoyable build a robot kit for adults.
While a few necessary parts don’t come with the robot kit, there are plenty of different components, such as the Raspberry Pi camera, Acrylic plates, MPU6050 Gyro Sensor Module, Digital Compass, XBEE radio controller, and more. Because of all this, it’s undoubtedly one of the best crawling quadruped kits out there.
- STEAM Educational Robot - A complete Bionic Quadruped Spider Robot Kit based on compatible with Raspberry Pi(Compatible with RPi 3B/3B+, Raspberry Pi is NOT included). Object Recognition, Tracking,...
Last update on 2024-09-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. ROS Robot Quadruped Robot Dog
Introducing PuppyPi, a revolutionary AI vision quadruped robot that operates on the powerful board for Raspberry Pi 4B 4GB, making it one of the best robot kit for adults.
This cutting-edge robotic device is constructed with superior aluminum alloy and integrated with 8 impressive coreless servos.
Crafted from strong yet lightweight aluminum alloy, PuppyPi boasts metal bearings on joints and is impressively compact, making it capable of performing even the most intricate moves and tricks — all this while taking up minimal space on your desk.
The leg assembly with its linkage mechanism allows for a wide range of movement and activities, such as walking, ascending or descending stairs.
Equipped with the ability to see from a first-person perspective, it opens the doors to more interesting artificial intelligence games that can include target tracking, facial recognition, line following, and even autonomous climbing.
If you want to master machine vision, quadruped gait controlling, and other algorithms, PuppyPi powered by ROS (Robot Operating System) with its Gazebo simulation is the perfect platform for doing just that.
Its user-friendly design makes it simple to learn, track your development, and gain valuable insights in just a few clicks.
PuppyPi is a comprehensive solution for those wanting to explore this fascinating field of robotics. With its advanced robot kits for adults and hobbyists who want to take their robot-building skills to the next level.
Geared toward academics and researchers, PuppyPi provides all the necessary tools to make amazing projects without having to spend too much time or money on building them from scratch. With PuppyPi, the possibilities are endless. Finally, a robot dog you can buy!
Last update on 2024-09-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
6. SunFounder Raspberry Pi Car DIY Robot Car Kit
An excellent introductory programmable robot is this fantastic model from SunFounder. This car robot is based on Raspberry Pi and is compatible with RPI 4B/3B/3B+/2B/2B+.
It’s so easy and enjoyable to assemble, and Python coding makes programming your robots easy, which just makes a great overall experience when you build a robot of your own.
One of the many things that you’re certain to like about this STEM-based robotics kit (which stands for Science Technology Engineering Mathematics) is that it comes with various sensors, namely Ultrasonic obstacle avoidance, a light follower, and a line follower.
It’s also made with durable and shatterproof plates, making it strong and sturdy if anything should happen. Complete with updated servo motors, these educational robots also run smoother and are easy to control.
- You may also want to check put the Sphero RVR programmable car
- STEM ROBOTICS KIT - A complete rpi robot kit based on Raspberry Pi. It’s funny to assemble it. (Compatible with RPi 4B/3B/3B+, Raspberry Pi is NOT included) Raspberry Pi is not included)
Last update on 2024-09-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
7. XiaoR Geek Hexapod Robot Kit
The Hexapod robot is a multi-purpose, bionic spider that operates on an ESP32. Through the utilization of its inverse kinematic algorithm, it cannot only traverse terrain but also contort itself similarly to a spider.
Realize 18 kinds of bionic actions and 12 sets of interesting actions built in. This platform is a perfect training ground for colleges and universities to explore the depths of artificial intelligence, electronic information technologies, and more.
The hexapod robot provides an Android phone App for wireless and remote control and real-time video transmission with a first-person view. The spider robot is equipped with adjustable speed, height, and body adjustment capabilities which enable it to navigate through any terrain, no matter how complex.
The XiaoR GEEK hexapod robot is already pre-programmed and ready to use right out of the box, with no complicated setup required.
You can easily program it using Arduino C programming and the secondary development source code SDK interface in the Arduino IDE, which also provides a comprehensive paper manual for extra guidance.
With this streamlined setup process and advanced robot kits for adults, you will be able to quickly get your robot moving.
Last update on 2024-09-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
8. LEGO Mindstorms EV3 Robot Kit
If the idea of creating a robot of your own with Lego and various robotic pieces, Lego Mindstorms could be an excellent option for you. It’s ideal for kids and adults who are new to the hobby and want something a bit more straightforward to get them started; it’s certainly a product that any beginner should consider buying.
Mindstorms is a smart, educational STEM robot that can be built and coded to walk, talk, complete a variety of tasks, and play games.
Both Lego fans and robot builders of all ages will love putting this set together. There are 17 different designs included in the instruction manual, each with its own features, making this robotics kit one that you can come back to time and time again.
There are options for a humanoid robot, a snake, a scorpion, and more. It comes with 601 pieces, the Ev3 Brick, 3 servo motors, color, touch, and IR sensors.
Overall, it’s an amazing educational robot for any adult or child, complete with everything you need to get started to build something incredible.
Of course, it’s perfect for introducing someone to coding, programming, and other features, too. To put it simply, it’s a great starter kit, but it does come with a high price tag.
You may also like the robot inventor kit, check it out here.
- Builders of all ages will love building and coding their fully-functional robot to walk, talk, and even play games or complete tasks! This educational STEM robot toy makes engineering fun for everyone...
Last update on 2024-09-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
9. SunFounder Robotic Arm Edge Kit for Arduino R3
Another one of the many great Arduino robot kits for adults, this robot arm from SunFounder is ideal for anybody who wants to get to grips with visual coding, building, and programming.
There’s plenty of movement in this intelligent STEM robot – for example, the gripper hand opens to a maximum of 3,54 inches and 260 degrees and has a 180-degree radial wrist motion.
Additionally, the elbow has a range of motion of 180 degrees and a base rotation of the same. The excellent 4-axis design allows it to maneuver and grab in any direction when it comes to gripping objects.
Altogether, this robot arm kit comes with 101 pieces, including the robotic arm kit itself, Arduino R3, 4 servo motors, an expansion board, 4 Potentiometer buttons, and much more.
Despite this, it’s still easy to understand and build. SunFounder is an excellent robotics team with some of the best robot kits for adults in their range, and this one, in particular, does stand out, even more so with its incredible price.
- You may also want to read – Best Robotic Arm Kits
- Robot kit Compatible with Arduino UNO R3: The interactive learning robot kit for learning visual coding, building and programming
Last update on 2024-09-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
10. Marty The Robot V2
Marty, the Robot V2, is a tool that helps adults learn how to code based on their wants and needs. The robot can walk, balance on one leg, sidestep, turn, and dance once commands are inputted by hand or through various pre-programmed chat programs.
Users of Marty can experience hands-on lessons via Robotical’s extensive lesson plans and knowledgebase that will take learners on a journey from scratch coding through to C++ and Python.
The compatibility with Raspberry Pi means that the expandable possibilities are almost endless.
- You can read my full review of Marty here
Save 5% on your purchase with my Marty The Robot discount code “LittleRobotShop5”
11. XiaoR Geek Jetson Nano AI Robot Kit
The XiaoR Geek Jetson Nano is the perfect robot for your ROS needs. It comes with a powerful jetson nano, lidar system, high-definition camera, robotic arm, and a 7-inch touch screen.
XiaoR allows you to effortlessly launch your ROS coding adventure, with the aid of features like map construction, route avoidance and robotic arm control, and other functions.
The robot is the perfect present for teens and creators looking to develop programming skills and familiarize themselves with ROS systems.
It comes equipped with a powerful aluminum alloy chassis, as well as SLAM lidar, 1080P HD camera, encoding motor, and XiaoR professional robot driver board.
With this ready-to-use package of cutting-edge technology components, your recipient will be able to start playing around immediately.
With its multi-layer acrylic panels and customizability, DIY robots for adults are the perfect tool to accomplish any project requirement.
You can easily adjust modules and accessories according to your needs. This flexibility gives DIYers the opportunity to explore their creativity while also allowing for more expansive research projects in the long run.
Utilize the SLAM algorithm to unlock your inner engineer and construct a fully functioning self-driving car with this robot car technology.
XiaoR GEEK is committed to helping you become a robot expert, giving away comprehensive tutorials and open-source ROS codes.
With these materials, you can progress from an introductory understanding of the Jetson Nano SLAM autonomous navigation to top-notch knowledge in no time.
Last update on 2024-09-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
12. UBTECH JIMU Robot Competitive Series
If you’re hoping to find something a little different, it might be worth taking a closer look at what UBTECH Robotics has to offer.
This robot-building kit can build one of 3 robots; ChampBot, BasketBot, and ScoreBot, and each can be used to compete in different games. What makes this so great is that you get to build your intelligent robot and play it against others as much as you like.
One benefit that comes with picking up these STEM robotic kits is that it doesn’t require any tools. The 360-degree 3D instructions on the JIMU robotics app (which is a free app, by the way) will walk you through the process to make it as simple as possible, allowing you to explore without any difficulty. Of course, you’ll learn more about programming and engineering as you go, too.
Another benefit is that this robot works with both Apple and Android devices. However, keep in mind that it only works with compatible ones, so if you have an outdated model, it may not be able to connect. On the other hand, it’s not too difficult to build and is fun to play with, and an all-around exciting robotics kit for enthusiasts.
- Introducing buildable, codable robots from UBTECH Robotics
Last update on 2024-09-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
13. HISTOYE 12-in1 STEM Solar Robot Building Kit
Those who are looking for something that offers multiple choices for what you can create for a fair price should undoubtedly check out this cute little STEM bot from HISTOYE. While these aren’t necessarily kits for adults, they’re ideal for beginners of all ages.
With 12 options for what kinds of robots you can build, as well as different difficulty levels for each of them, you can pick one that best suits your skill level and even dismantle and reassemble it again in a new way if you change your mind or want to extend the play.
The clear and easy-to-read instructions coupled with simple parts make it relatively straightforward to construct, which is ideal for someone who hasn’t had much experience using kits to build robots. This model is solar powered too, so there’s no need to replace batteries whenever the energy runs out.
- Various Types of Robots: This solar robot kit takes kids to the variety robot world; the types and parts of this robot solar set are very rich, kids can assemble and play with 12 kinds of robots;...
Last update on 2024-09-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
14. OSOYOO Model 3 Robot Car Starter Kit for Arduino UNO
Another great DIY starter kit using Arduino is this 3-model programmable remote control car from OSOYOO.
Not only is it a great way to get more involved with Arduino UNO and to learn about different aspects of robotics and scratch programming, but it’s also fun to build and has a number of fantastic features that you could try out too, such as:
- Line tracking
- Ultrasonic detection
- Auto driving
- IR and APP control
- Speed adjustment
- Arduino programming
It’s also easy to put together while also offering a user-friendly experience for more advanced robot builders. A fun and straightforward project, it’s an ideal robotics kit for all ages and experience levels.
- SIMPLE, EDUCATIONAL, FUN PROJECT — Control your OSOYOO Robot Car V2.0 System by Android and iOS App, allowing many additional functions such as imitation driving, WiFi controlled auto driving and...
Last update on 2024-09-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
15. Elenco Teach Tech “Mech-5”
Designed to be one of a kind, the Elenco Teach Tech “Mech-5” coding robot for adults is certainly unique – which makes it an excellent option for both newbies and hobbyists alike.
It can draw, kick, lift, and throw, all of which are easy to program by snapping the coding buttons onto the coding wheel and watching it go. Thanks to the uncomplicated parts and clear instructions, most people consider it to be an easy-build model, too.
This educational STEM bot was designed to encourage aspiring engineers to learn more about different mechanical engineering principles as well as coding basics, so it’s also a great place to start if you’re new to the world of robot building. Some might say that it’s the ultimate robot kit for an affordable price.
- Mech-5 is a one-of-a-kind Mechanical Coding Robot.
Last update on 2024-09-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Programmable Robot Kits For Adults | Final Thoughts
These are just a few different examples of the quality DIY robot kits that are available to you – and while there are many more, it’s worth considering that these are some of the best kits on the market.
Most robot kits are ideal for people who want to learn a programming language and better understand robotics as a whole. They also offer plenty of fun alongside the rewarding experience. A 10 in 1 robot can be an especially great choice for adults who want to take apart and reassemble a robot to attempt something new.
Consider the features, price, experience level, and how reliable the manufacturer is when shopping for your ideal robot, as it can often make a big difference towards your overall experience.
You can also read about: The Best Solar Robotics Kits For Kids.
Emma Marie is a valued writer at the Little Robot Shop. She studied robotics and deeply understands technology, which shows in her writing. She consistently produces high-quality content, making her a perfect fit for the Little Robot Shop team.
While not writing, Emma works in a popular electronics retail chain. Emma also enjoys running and has two dogs with whom she loves spending time.