Trying to find the perfect gift for your pre-teen can be a bit of a challenge, and you can’t ask them what they want because you don’t want to ruin the surprise. When thinking of the ideal toy for a developing child, think of something that’s exciting, entertaining and educational; a robot.
Solar robotics kits are very cool gadgets for tweens and cloverbuds, they’re an exciting way to introduce many science and engineering concepts to them in an interactive and fun way. They’ll be having so much while learning important lifelong lessons.
In addition to STEAM learning, engineering kits for kids also stimulate creativity and help kids develop soft skills like problem-solving, critical and deductive thinking.
If you want a birthday or Christmas gift for your pre-teen, finding the best solar robot kit may just be the answer you’re looking for.
Here are our favorite solar robotics kits reviewed for kids and features to consider when looking to buy one.
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Our Top 10 Solar Robotic Kits For Kids
- OWI – Dodeca 12-In-1 Solar Hydraulic Robot Kit
- 12 in 1 STEM Solar Robot Kit
- ROKR Assemble Solar-powered 3D Wooden Puzzle Toy
- ASPPOPO STEM Projects
- CIRO Star Wars Space Toy
- 4M 3782 Green Science Solar Rover Kit DIY Solar Power
- Engino Solar Helicopter
- Giggleway Solar Power Science Kits for Kids
- Lehoo Castle Solar Robot Toy
- BeebeeRun Science Building Toy Kits
1. OWI – Dodeca 12-In-1 Solar Hydraulic Robot Kit
No products found.Kicking off our list of solar powered robot kits is the Dodeca 12 in 1 Solar-Hydraulic-Robot kit. It is designed to teach kids how to construct a robot that combines solar and hydraulic power, while challenging manual dexterity, and developing self-confidence.
This robot kit comes with 231 pieces from which kids can assemble into different ways and form up to 12 robotic objects including excavator, crocodile, pterosaurs, etc.
Powered by direct sunlight and hydraulic transmission, each object can move around, and also easily disassembled for another thrilling construction. No batteries required, only solar energy and hydraulics. Dodeca provides kids with almost a steady source of learning and endless fun.
What we love about this robot
- Includes 231 pieces for building 12 different robots
- Can be easily disassembled
- Uses solar energy and hydraulics
- Introduces the concept of hydraulic power and solar energy playfully
No products found.
2. STEM 12-in-1 Solar Robot Kit
No products found.This is another excellent educational solar robot for providing your tween with an exciting and challenging building experience while engaging their imagination and creativity.
The 12-in-1 Solar Robot Kit comes with 190 pieces for building 12 different types of robots. The solar powered robotic kit also includes the robot’s moving and connecting parts like gears, plates, tires, and shafts. Every solar powered robot can be easily disassembled to build another robot.
It presents kids with the exciting prospect of building while gradually introducing them to the concept of harnessing the energy from the sun. It’s also perfect for parent-child fun time and team projects.
What we love about this robot
- Can build 12 different types of robots from one kit
- STEM Educational Toy
- Include robots that can move on land or water
- Start from easy and gradually becomes more complicated
- Includes a step-by-step instruction manual
- Helps to develop the children’s creativity and ability of using hands and brain
No products found.
3. ROKR Assemble Solar-powered 3D Wooden Puzzle Toy
A robot toy kit with 156 pieces for assembling a solar-energy powered car provides kids with hands-on creativity and the pleasure of building something. ROKR is a 3D puzzle kit made from high-quality wood and precise laser cutting and makes an excellent puzzle toy that is an excellent gift for tweens.
The solar powaered robot kit doesn’t use external electrical power and teaches kids the power that can be harnessed from the sun’s abundant energy. It takes between 4 to 8 hours to completely assemble the car and a detailed instruction manual provides step-by step instructions on how it’s done.
The car is only powered by tapping energy from direct sunlight, and it doesn’t use batteries.
- Made from high-quality wood
- Safe and non-toxic
- Step-by-step instruction manual included
- Solar energy powered & environment friendly
- 【Tips on solar energy】In order to have a good experience on our toys, we suggest customer to test the solar panel & motor is good before assembly. The panel needs to be placed in direct sunlight,...
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. ASPPOPO STEM Projects
The ASPPOPO STEM Solar toy introduces robotics engineering and technology to young children in a fun and exciting way. It comes with a kit that contains large and easy to handle parts for building and rebuilding 3 different robots.
With this robot building kit, your kids can build a dinosaur that walks on 2 legs with jaws that try to eat everything in their path, a beetle with 6 legs and a gaping jaw, and a drill vehicle with a rotating drill bit, all powered by solar. And each of these robots moves in its own unique way, they’re powered by the sun and require no batteries.
- You may also enjoy: best robot dinosaur toys
What we love about this robot
- Made with BPA-free and non-toxic plastic
- Educational solar-powered robot
- Excellent learning kit for future engineers
- Step by step easy to follow instructions
- 🌞POWERED BY THE SUN – It’s never too early to teach kids about renewable energy and solar power. A fun solar kit that kids can build on their own is a great way to make the learning process...
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. CIRO Star Wars Space Toy
Designed to foster the interest of kids in technology, the CIRO Star Wars Space Toy challenges kids to use their imagination and creativity to build 4 different space models from a single robot kit. From this space science toy, young scientists can build 4 innovative robots including; a walking robot, a space shuttle, a moon buggy, and a space station.
The robot comes with a micro rechargeable battery that can store electricity from through solar panels and AAA/1.5V batteries, and then power the robots. It’s an excellent DIY solar panel kit for kids as it teaches them engineering while encouraging them to engage their imagination and creativity.
Be sure to also see: Best Star Wars Toys for Kids and Adults
What we love about this robot
- Can build 4 different innovative robots
- Made of premium quality harmless and non-toxic ABS plastic.
- Includes a step-by-step guide
- Has solar panels and AAA/1.5V batteries
- 4-IN-1 Toy Building Sets: 4 different building robot kit includes Walking Robot, Space Shuttle, Moonbuggy and Space Station.
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
6. Green Science Solar Rover Kit DIY Solar Power
This is definitely one of our favorite solar robotics kits as goes beyond teaching solar technology and also includes recycled materials.
Made from a recycled soda can, the robot teaches kids how to build their very own rover, a solar-powered car, while incorporating the essence of recycling.
The educational solar robot kit comes with detailed instructions on how to get kids started and successfully build one solar-powered rover from a soda can and other parts. The car doesn’t use a battery and it’s powered only by solar energy. It’s a perfect gift for young scientists with an interest in mechanics and alternate energy sources.
What we love about this robot
- Made from a recycled soda can
- Detailed assembly instructions included
- Teaches mechanics and alternate energy sources
- Perfect for young scientists
- Outstanding value
- This kit includes all the parts necessary to build one solar-powered car.
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
7. Engino Solar Helicopter
This is an interactive 3D solar kit for building a solar-powered helicopter. It’s desired to encourage creativity and innovative imagination in kids, and inspires them to use their imagination to solve problems. This robot kit integrates STEAM learning in kids while teaching various science and engineering principles in an interesting and fun way.
The propeller will rotate when the solar panel is exposed to sunlight which taps solar energy to power the robot. Kids can experiment under different lighting conditions, both indoors and outdoors to better understand the theory behind solar energy.
What we love about this robot
- Fun experiments with solar-powered helicopter
- Easy to master theory behind solar energy
- Easy to follow building instructions
- Excellent for STEAM learning
- LEARN | Solar power is powerful and reaches the earth continuously. Even the tiny percentage of sunlight that touches the earth is more than enough to meet the energy needs of the entire human...
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
8. Giggleway Solar Power Science Kit for Kids
Giggleway Solar Power Science Kit is a STEM educational toy designed to encourage kids to learn lifelong creative lessons and build a solid foundation in science, technology and engineering. This DIY solar kit also inspires kids to use their creativity and imagination to build amazing solar-powered robots.
The kit includes 3 robot kits for building solar fans, solar streetlights and rotary windmills with easy to follow step-by-step instructions. While kids build, they gain interest in renewable energy sources and understand the principles behind energy conversions, this is an invaluable lesson for young scientists.
What we love about this robot
- Hands-on STEM learning that is both entertaining and educational.
- Learn real world application of solar energy.
- An instruction manual with detailed and engaging illustrations
- Non-toxic and safe for kids
- FUN SCIENCE KITS FOR KIDS AGE 8-12: Encourage our kids to explore solar energy from these DIY solar kits. Inspire our kid’s curiosity and exploration for the world. Perfect gifts for young...
Last update on 2023-05-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
9. Lehoo Castle Solar Robot Toy
With the Lehoo castle solar-powered space toy, kids can build 6 different working models: space station, space rover, space vehicle, astronaut, space shuttle and space dog.
The robot includes a solar power kit for trapping solar energy that powers the robots, and it also comes with a micro rechargeable battery so kids can enjoy it indoors and outdoors and on days with overcast weather.
The solar robotics kit is made from high quality, sturdy and child-friendly ABS plastic materials, making it a perfectly safe toy for improving your kid’s hand & brain coordination and spatial perception ability.
What we love about this robot
- It helps kids develop logical thinking & analytical skills
- Versatile enough to encourage open-minded play.
- Step-by-step illustrated instructions
- Includes a micro rechargeable battery
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
10. BeebeeRun Science Building Toy Kits
No products found.BeebeeRun science building kit allows kids to build 4 different space robots powered by energy from the sun. From this one kit, kids can build a space shuttle, an astronaut, a lunar exploration robot, and a vehicle.
The solar-powered kit comes with all the essential parts such as gears, plates, tires and shafts for building each space robot, and the robot moves when exposed to sunlight.
Each robot can easily be disassembled for another exciting engineering experience and it helps kids to understand the theories behind certain science and engineering principles in a fun and interactive way.
What we love about this robot
- Makes the perfect parent and children team project
- Uses environmentally friendly solar energy
- Comes with easy-to-assemble pieces and detailed instruction
- Safe for kids and built for longevity
No products found.
Buyers’ Guide — What To Look For In Solar Robot Kits
There are tonnes of robotic toys in the market, which makes finding the perfect toy for your pre-teen a challenge. However, finding the ideal robot toy for your kids can be very easy if you know exactly what features the perfect robot kit should have. Here are the most important features to look for in an educational solar-powered robotics kit.
STEM Learning
The whole essence of robotic toys isn’t just to keep kids entertained but also to help them understand the basic concepts of science and technology. The traditional way of learning can be somewhat boring for kids, and robotics present these same ideas in a fun and exciting way. The best robotic kits will be educational toys, certified for STEM learning, teaching kids science, technology, engineering and mathematics in an interesting and interactive way.
Age Group
Toys are always designed with a specific age range in mind and the ideal toy for your kids is one that matches their mental and emotional development and also encourages them to explore their creative side.
Sturdy build
Kids can be pretty rough with their toys while playing, if these toys aren’t strong enough to withstand the tossing around and rough handling they’ll get then they might as well be useless. Since you don’t want a robotic toy that will quickly fall apart, ensure to get one with durable materials and sturdy build. Toys made of steel, corrosion-resistant aluminum and strong wood are great choices.
Safety Features
Kids need to stay safe even while playing. To ensure the safety of your kids, get them only toys that are specially built for their age group and made with quality and non-toxic materials.
Versatile
Many solar-powered robot toys come with different pieces to enable kids to assemble them in different ways and build a variety of robots from them. And some of the robots can walk, roll, dance or crawl. This is a lot more fun than just building one shape every single time, and it keeps kids challenged and excited. Naturally, versatile toys hold the attention of kids for a much longer time and they lose interest in non-versatile toys faster.
FAQs on Solar Robot Kits
Can these robots work with indoor lighting or only outdoors?
Most of the solar-powered devices can work both indoors and outdoors. A few of them come with micro-rechargeable batteries which enables them to work indoors and on days with cloudy weather. However, some of the robots that rely only on solar-energy will also work indoors provided they are placed where they’ll receive enough sunlight.
How do these toys work?
Solar powered toys basically trap solar energy and convert it to electric energy for driving the motor. They come with a solar panel that traps heat energy from the sun and subsequently converts it to electrical energy which then powers and drives the robot. This is quite fascinating for kids and teaches them the basic principles of energy conversion and introduces them to green energy.
Do they need batteries to work?
Solar-powered robots do not require battery as the energy from the sun is sufficient to power the system. However, some of the robots do come with micro-rechargeable batteries for storing energy which can be used to power the robot when the sun is down or for playing indoors.
Can kids work with these toys independently?
Yes, most of the solar toys are DIY robotics for kids. However, they are also great for fun play and team projects for parents and kids. And it’s also great for a group of kids to play with while working together as a team to build amazing robots.
How long does it take to assemble the robots?
These solar robots come with detailed step-by-step instructions to guide kids as they try to unravel and understand the concept. Naturally, this takes a few hours to work out. Some kids may need some form of assistance from adults. Younger kids like 8-year-olds may need more time to put them together while older kids like 12-year-olds may do it in much less time.
Best solar robotics kits: final thoughts
A perfect toy is more a plaything, it challenges kids and helps them to engage their imagination and improve their creative skills. In the same way, solar robot toys help kids understand basic technology and engineering while also keeping them entertained and happy; and really can’t get enough of them as you’ll soon find out.
Out of all these DIY solar panel kits, we love the Dodeca 12-in-1 Solar Hydraulic Robot kit because of its versatility. With 12 possible robots to build, it’s an endless source of entertainment and fun for kids while subtly introducing the principles of solar energy and hydraulics.
Matt is the founder of the Little Robot Shop, who has spent much of the last decade hacking home cleaning with various robots and devices to make keeping his home clean as easy as possible. Not an easy task with two young children.
When not working on the Little Robot Shop website or YouTube channel, he works as technical support and product specialist for a fast-growing digital company. He does his best to get his younglings to code, which will be an essential skill in the future.
