Robot toys Archives - Little Robot Shop

Are you looking for a gift for your tween? I know how hard it is to find the perfect gift, especially when they're in their tweens. They are so picky and have such specific interests that finding something they will love can be challenging. But I'm here to help! In this post, we'll explore some of the best robots for 10 year olds and coding gifts for tweens. You won't want to miss out on these awesome gifts! You may also enjoy: mTiny Robot ReviewOsmo Coding Starter Kit Review So why robots? Robots are cool; they help your children to learn STEM skills quickly; they are great fun! As you know, this era relies solely on technology. If your kids are hooked onto their screens, then you shouldn't be surprised. But why not teach them some coding and programming skills while they're at it! I have split the list into two sections, the first is specific to robot toys that also have programming and coding elements. The second part is more coding stem kits sets and in-depth projects for tweens that have shown an interest in coding. Features to look for in gifts for tweens Most kids will transition into their tween-age years around 9 or 10, some as young as 8, and it can be really hard to adjust to. You little one is really starting to grow up crossing that bridge from dependency to a more independent teen. They will be ready to learn more advanced skills and rise to more complex challenges. Let's before getting onto out list, let's take a quick look at some of the key elements a great gift should have. Computer programming languages A coding gift must be capable of teaching basic and more advanced programming skills. Basic coding concepts must always be tackled such as problem-solving, basic calculations, scientific concepts, logic-making, as well as brainstorming. If all of these tenets are touched, then the coding gift is a great one and you should consider buying it. Check out this post to find out more about the different programming languages you can expect. Multi-platform Well-created coders are those that have support for multiple platforms. Some of these platforms include PC, smartphone app, or even tablets and separate screen interfaces. This will greatly widen the knowledge of the user in terms of other devices and will test proficiency in compatibilities. Design We all know that those ages 10 to 13 are very particular about the looks of their things. Thus, you must also consider the aesthetics and overall design of the product that you will buy. It is a good thing if the coding gift is educational and easy to the eyes since it will make the whole coding process easier. Furthermore, design can also refer to the internal system or architecture of the coding robot. Optimization When buying a coding robot, you need to make sure that it meets standards in terms of efficiency. The whole platform must be free of bugs or glitches that might ruin the user experience. Only go for products that are proven to be optimized and 100% working by other users as their reviews will help you gauge the general capabilities of the coder. So let's get started with our list, shall we? Top Picks Best Robots for Tweens Special edition battle-worn BB8Wonder Workshop CueUBTECH Marvel Avengers: Endgame Iron Man MK50 RobotSphero SPRK+: App-enabled robotic ball and programmable robotOzobot EvoLEGO MINDSTORMS robot kit with remote control for kidsRobobloq robot kit DIY 6 in 1 advanced mechanical building blockAnki CozmoElenco Teach Tech Mech-5Sillbird STEM 12-in-1 education solar robot toyRobobloq Q-Scout DIY mechanical building robotic kitBuild your own robot 1. Special edition battle-worn BB8 This is a great option if you're looking for a Star Wars-inspired droid. The droid is composed of a polycarbonate shell, which means that it won't break very easily while overcoming resistance. It can also be propelled gyroscopically. This is possible through Bluetooth which can be enabled in this droid. If you charge it thoroughly, then it can be used for an entire hour. How cool is that? Not only this, but this super cool robot is app-enabled. This means that it can entirely be controlled by your smart device. It also comes with voice command features which will keep your child super involved! If you want a Star Wars inspired gift, be sure to also check out our top Star Wars Robot toys. 2. Wonder Workshop Cue – Coding Robot With multiple levels of coding fun, is a great companion for those who are new to the concept or kids that have a little bit of experience already. The robot is an advanced version of Wonder Workshop’s Dash that has proved to be a massive hit with kids from 5 years old. It is a more advanced robot that will engage your kids with games and critical thinking problems. The free Cue app teaches kids real-life Microsoft make code language with both block-based and text-based code. Kids can learn coding from scratch and watch their newly learned skills transfer to real-world challenges. With a vocabulary of over 170,000 words and more than 30, 000 unique text responses, it can actively engage in chat with real responses right out of the box. Progression is also great as the problem solving gets harder as they become more experienced. With both Bluetooth and voice-commands, as well as proximity sensors, microphones, a speaker, and LEDs, there are many ways to interact with this little robot. It has a rechargeable ion battery, so the STEM learning can continue for 30+ hours on a 1-hour charge. Overall, if your child has a bit of an interest in exploring the world of code or robotics, this is a fantastic toy that is fun and super educational, without being obvious about it. 3. UBTECH Marvel Avengers: Endgame Iron Man MK50 Robot If your little one is a Marvel fan, they will love this MK50 suited Iron Man from UBTECH. The super-detailed, suit syncs with a free application through which players control the robot’s motors, lights and sounds and can also undertake augmented reality missions and play through a series of Nanotech weapon field tests. Under the helmet you can see Tony Stark's face on the in-builts screen or, if you prefer, upload your own. You can even record your own voice and set it in patrol mode to ward intruders away when you are out of the house. Finally, there is also an awesome coding element to this little machine I have to mention. The custom protocol mode uses a visual drag-n-drop programming editor to create simple custom scripts. The best bit, you don’t even need a background of programming knowledge to enjoy this feature. This is one that kids and parents will enjoy. 4. Sphero SPRK+: App-enabled robotic ball and programmable robot As we had already mentioned, a majority of these robots are for teaching STEM skills in your children. This also complies with the given fact. Your kids can use JavaScript to code in this robot with spark+. They will also be able to share what they have created with the community quickly. How amazing, isn't it? There are several programmable sensors, including motor encoders, gyroscope, and accelerometer. Some additional features include a battery life of 60 minutes, inductive charging, scratch and water resistance, etc. It also connects to Bluetooth Smart. This robot will be an excellent deal for imparting some coding knowledge to whoever you buy this product for. This is because the hands-on experience required for learning is very apt in this robot. You may enjoy reading our comparison post where we take a close look and compare the SPRK+ vs Ozobot. 5. Ozobot Evo The Ozobot small designed to gradually introduce kids into the wide world of coding. The robot assigns tasks to its owner, asking them to complete some codes – called Ozocodes – to complete games with plenty of enjoyable content available to keep kids challenged. It uses both block coding or also color codes for screen free learning and is ready to go out of the box. There are also fun points like the Ozoblockly and the remote control-recorder that will keep your kids educated and entertained. It's also worth knowing, there are some great Marvel themed Ozobot's and skins (like a costume) available, perfect for the superheroes in your life! I would recommend this for kids that haven't yet done much in the way of coding but are starting to show an interest. The age range is 8 and up, so whizz kids that have already got some cool coding toys may find this a little simple, but it is a great choice for beginners. 6. LEGO MINDSTORMS robot kit with remote control for kids This is another robot idea for kids above ten years of age who love coding and programming. There are multiple things that the robot can do and it includes walking, talking, etc. To control the robot, you have to download the free app, which is available online. It is a 601 piece kit and comes with different types of sensors, including the infrared sensors. Not only this, there is an instruction leaflet for up to 17 designs that can be built. The good thing is that all these toys are compatible with Lego construction kits. So if you want to enhance your experience of the original building, then you can certainly do it! Thus, the building would be fun, along with some essential STEM learning! 7. Robobloq robot kit DIY 6 in 1 advanced mechanical building block Guess what's better than a robot? A . If you intend to make engineering more fun for your child, then you can go for this robot. There are six primary forms that this robot comes in, and as such, your child won't get bored of it in less time. It can be controlled with the app that can be downloaded on any smart device. It is composed of 174 pieces. The Robobloq Application has been developed based on scratch 3.0, which provides a quick and easy way to learn to program. However, If your child already knows the basics of coding, then high-level coding is also possible using Python and Arduino. 8. Anki Cozmo Kids will love , a little robot with a mind of his own and many tricks up his sleeve. Thanks to the inbuilt AI, he will recognize your child and remember their name. He is also able to express hundreds of emotions on the cute front panel. But even more, over time he learns and evolves his personality to become a real one-of-a-kind sidekick for your kids. There are multiple ways to play with Cozmo. Out of the box you can play games such as keep away or memory problems, but the fun is not limited to what comes pre-built. Using scratch coding techniques you can teach new games to Cozmo with no limits to what can be created. The interface is super friendly for beginners, but also progressive with both a sandbox and constructor mode. Even if your kids are just learning the concepts behind coding, it will be a breeze. While all the technology on offer here means this is definitely not a cheap toy, it is one that your kids will learn from, have fun with and cherish for a long time. Which is better? Anki Cozmo vs Vector 9. Elenco Teach Tech Mech-5 This is a that is mechanically coded. Unlike the others, this toy is not meant for short use, it is a grower. As the coding skills of your child get better, the complexity in the actions of the robot increase. Apart from STEM, it is also essential that users learn the importance of conserving nature. This is why introducing them to green products at a young age is a wonderful idea. Best of all the price, it is one of the cheapest on this list so parents can snag a bargain! 10. Sillbird STEM 12-in-1 education solar robot toy Again, for people who like to have the fun of two or more things in one, this will be ideal. The kit comes with twelve ultra-cool designs that can walk on both land and water. How fascinating! Continuing with the green theme, this robot is also solar-powered. This means that no batteries are required for charging and it runs on the sun's energy! Now, imagine how cool it would be for your child to build a robot that works on solar energy. If not leisure, then this robot can also be used as a Science Fair assignment. Moreover, the components of the robot are made of non-toxic and harmless plastic but are also very thick and sturdy! 11. Robobloq Q-Scout DIY mechanical building robotic coding kit This is a very cool way to teach programming for your kids. This is because the programming is based on simple drag and drop ambiance. It is compatible with a majority of building block pieces and can also play music. It can be controlled by remote control along with an app which can be downloaded on any smart device. Additional features include obstacle avoidance and line tracking! It is a great learning gift for your child because he or she can share it with their friends and even learn some science while playing. As such, we strongly recommend it! 12. Build your own remote control robot The product claims that it is a as it provides the ability to build it quickly using move hub. This robot is composed of 384 pieces. One shouldn't worry about their toxicity as the material of the components is non-toxic and BPA free. Moreover, the building bricks are super comfortable to handle, and kids would love to enhance their creativity by creating the types of shapes that they like! Now we have covered the robots, let's check out some more awesome coding toys for tweens. Best Coding Toys for Tweens Educational Insights Artie 3000 Coding RobotPlayz My First Coding & Computer Science KitAvengers Hero Inventor KitSphero SPRK+ Robot Ball Coding GiftBoolean Box Build a Computer Science Kit for TweensPiper Computer KitThe Thames & Kosmos Kids First Coding & RoboticsKano Computer KitWonder Workshop DashIntelino J-1 Smart Train Starter Set 13. Educational Insights Artie 3000 Coding Robot The Educational Insights Artie 3000 Coding Robot is a drawing robot that can be programmed to do specific shapes, lines, and curves. It has support for multiple languages, making it very suitable for kids of various ages. What I like about this robot is that it is very to use and there are levels of proficiency available. If you like this, you may also like 3 more robots to draw with kids. Wide programming language catalog. You can use JS, Blockly, Python, or Snap for the robot’s instructions.Remote control. The device comes with physical remote control.Visible results. Since Artie deals with drawings, the users can see the fruits of their efforts.Compact coding robot. No parts and components need to be assembled so everything is in one place. Problems in block coding. When longer codes are involved, dragging becomes a bit of a hassle.Low enjoyment factor. Drawing coding gets repetitive in the long run. 14. Playz My First Coding & Computer Science Kit The Playz My First Coding & Computer Science Kit is a coding educational tool that can function without a physical computer. It uses a puzzle-based system to help kids learn the basic skills needed to code. It has tons of games that are available suitable for kids aged 6 up to 12. Different games to choose from. A user can do binary necklaces, encryption tools, and sorting races with the kit.Informative visuals. The manual is very easy to understand and follow.Credible company. Playz has been a part of the educational toys industry for a long time, and they have a great track record.Collaborative playing. A user can invite others to use the tool with them as it has multiplayer games. Limited tech capabilities. No computer interface so there are lesser applications in ICT.Not for small kids. Some parts such as tweezers are hard for small kids to use. 15. Avengers Hero Inventor Kit The Avengers Hero Inventor Kit is one of the most fun stem toys based on the popular superhero comics by Marvel. This is a gauntlet-based gear in which kids will be able to code the gauntlet for more than 10 sound effects and battle cry. It comes with different colors and modules that can be customized, as well as an app with block-based coding capabilities. It is a great coding toy for those that maybe don't show a massive interest given the superhero guise. Block-based logical coding. In block-based coding, programs are easy to follow thanks to the logical flow.Personalized gear. Tweens can personalize their gauntlet according to their chosen sounds and gestures.Popular trend. Marvel Avengers is a popular franchise, and this can be a good avenue to invite them to code.Teaches about circuitries. The kit can also be used to introduce fundamental electrical engineering concepts. Bluetooth connectivity. There are reports of the Bluetooth interface not connecting properly.Bugs and glitches. Software and hardware parts can get unresponsive. 16. Boolean Box Build a Computer Science Kit for Tweens The Boolean Box Build a Computer Science Kit is a powerful educational toy that combines both the concepts of basic electronics and programming. It features several input and output devices as well as a Raspberry Pi processor. By combining the contents of the kit, kids will be able to create different games, animate events, and even make stories on the DIY computer. Great for developing those critical thinking skills. Introduces Block Coding. The Boolean Box is controlled through a graphical language.Teaches electronics. Breadboard and connecting wires are necessary, thus, some electronics are involved.Advanced scripts. It also has compatibility with Python.Meets international standards. The electrical requirements of the Science kit are compliant with most guidelines. Gender-specific. The device is advertised as for girls only.Display settings. The HDMI to display port can be hard to set up. 17. Piper Computer Kit The Piper Computer Kit is a critically acclaimed DIY PC and electronics kit suitable for kids aged 8 onwards. It runs through Raspberry Pi, and users can code, create, and design their own games in it. The building process of the PC is also presented as a story mode, helping it to be a very engaging learning material for young learners and advanced coders. Graphical coding. It runs through the Blockly platform which is a good entry-level language.9-inch screen. It has its own user interface ready to be used by a child.Compact and mobile. The device is fairly small and you can bring it almost everywhere.Speaker and sounds. Instructions are available in the English language thanks to the built-in sound module. Challenging to get started. Many things need to be done before the first operation.Not for those who easily get bored. It needs to be constantly reviewed and learned. 18. The Thames & Kosmos Kids First Coding & Robotics The Thames & Kosmos Kids First Coding & Robotics is a set of tools designed to introduce kids to basic programming language. This includes loops, conditions, events, and even sequences. The toy has gained many awards over the years due to the benefits and foundational coding concepts that it brings to the users. No app needed. The device does not need electricity to function.Story mode. Activities are presented as missions with a plot, making it very interesting.Coding lessons. Dozens of lessons are available to teach young learners the basics of coding.Certified. International bodies have certified this tool as effective for kids. Limited technology. It does not have cross-platform capabilities such as on PC or smartphones.User needs to be interested. Those that are not curious about coding will most likely drop usage of the toy quickly. 19. Kano Computer Kit The Kano Computer Kit is a DIY PC that can be built by kids and tweens. It is run by Raspberry Pi, LED lights, and a power button for operation. It also has an input device in the form of a touchpad and mouse. The PC allows kids to create games and do activities, or even modify their Minecraft games. Fun assembly. The whole process is DIY, and the instructions are very clear.Block-based coding. The product introduces easy graphical coding.Play games. It can also run Minecraft, Pong, and Snake.Actual computer. The Kano can run various programs such as Youtube, Mail, and Paint. Customer support. There are reports of zero refunds or replacements when the device is unresponsive.Problems with TV connection. Wiring the HDMI to a display can be a bit annoying. 20. Wonder Workshop Dash The Wonder Workshop Dash is a fun and interactive robot that can navigate objects, follow commands, and trigger events. The robot can be coded using the Blockly app for customization. The best part about this robot is that you can install or snap LEGO blocks for full customization! Multiple apps for control. You can access the robot through Wonder, Blockly, Go, and Path apps. They each have their own uses.Compatible with many phones. Most Samsung and Apple devices can function with it.Teaches advanced coding. Blockly can help a child learn about core programming concepts.Great community. The app can also be a platform where you discover other projects that you can use. Updating problems. There are some issues regarding firmware improvements.Bluetooth connection. Sometimes, the BLE module does not connect. 21. Intelino J-1 Smart Train Starter Set The Intelino J-1 Smart Train Starter Set is a cool-looking, train-based robot that has multiple engines, wagons, tracks, snaps, and decals included in it. Movement can be manipulated through a Blockly platform, and this helps in customizing the robot. Not only that, but the device is also highly interactive and intelligent. Read more: Intelino J-1 Smart Train review Direct usage. The train can be used out of the package.Programmable sensors. This helps in the robot’s ability to gain information about the world around it.Magnet coupling. Wagons attach with the use of magnets.Battery capacity. It has 100 minutes of run time. Limited coding. Most movement instructions only consist of speed, stop, reverse, and go.Automatic junction turning. It goes to places it shouldn’t go when auto-mode is on. Buyer Guide & FAQs Why learn to code? Code is a basic skill that every future computer programmer should learn. But it's more than that. As the world becomes more tech-forward and data-driven, having a basic understanding of code will be a massive advantage in any role. For those just starting out, there are many resources available on the internet for beginners to use when they want to learn. Code.org has developed a program called Hour of Code that is designed to teach students the basics of coding in one hour or less. The website contains tutorials for over 20 different languages including HTML, JavaScript, Python, and Swift. Code is also a great way for young people to express their creativity. Kids can build robots that walk, talk, and even do backflips. These robots are designed to teach kids about the basics of coding while also demonstrating how they work. These are just some of the many reasons why young people should learn basic computer programming skills. Different types of coding robot and coding toys Different robots have different purposes. Some belong in manufacturing, and some are built for enjoyment. Let us look at some types of robot gifts that can surely be enjoyed. Coding Toys These kits are meant for enjoyment, and they usually involve a physical object that represents something. They can take the form of robotic balls, dogs, trains, or even humanoids. The coding part of toys is mainly concerned with specifying movements and gestures. Thus, it involves the manipulation of locomotive behaviors as well as the data gathering of sensors while utilizing coding basics. DIY PC DIY PCs are build-it-yourself computers that are composed of a chip, i/o device, as well as a case. The programming or coding part of these materials mainly tackle software and platforms that are inside the computer. They can also be a good introduction to electronics and electrical systems. Raspberry Pi The Raspberry Pi is a credit-card sized computer that plugs into your TV and a keyboard. It can be used for many of the things that your PC does, like spreadsheets, word-processing and games and is often used as an interface of coding toys and games. The best thing about Raspberry Pi is that it's not just for Computer Scientists and Electronics Fanatics - it's a small computer that you can use for everyday tasks and is perfect for learning programming. Sphero Edu Sphero is a robotic ball that moves in the direction your smart device (Android or iOS) instructs it to go. The more you tilt, swipe, and drive the greater speed Sphero will achieve. It is programmed via the Sphero Edu app, a Scratch-based drag and drop programming interface. By writing code you can create Sphero behaviours that range from delightfully playful to incredibly useful in the classroom. Lego Mindstorms The Lego Mindstorms robotics kit brings the fun of Lego to your projects. A USB connection with a PC allows you to download and upload programs from your computer to the robot via drag-and-drop programming software. Key points for consideration before buying? Build quality When choosing a gift for tweens, you must also consider build quality. This refers to the materials that are used in the creation of the coder, and longevity and durability deeply rely on this factor. Complexity Coding gifts for tweens should have a fair amount of complexity so that they are inspired to take up the challenge. If a coding gift is too easy, they might easily get bored and drop the material. If your tween has not had too much experience, look for something that aims to introduce programming with progressive levels such as a robotics kit. Repurposing A product having multiple functions and capabilities is a must since you can still use it after you have mastered the basics of coding. Coding Skills Improvement Every coding tool must be able to introduce basic concepts of programming, add valuable skills in coding, and improve problem-solving capabilities. FAQ section What is the right age to start coding?There is no specific right age, you can't be too young to begin or too old to start. However, it is better to start early so that the skills can be polished later. You can get toys for toddlers that have coding elements and is a great age to introduce screen-free coding.How do beginners practice coding?There are many different ways to learn and practice programming. Some people have taken an intro course such as Code Academy, while others may be teaching themselves via online tutorials like Codecademy. Alternatively, one could take a circuit class for beginners at their local school or hobby shop which may provide higher hands-on lessons and learning the trades of electronics can come in handy when creating electronic modules and devices. This is just a way to get started with machine language which will lead you down the road of using it with software utilization!Do I need internet for these toys?No, the internet is not a necessity. However, it is highly recommended to have one since some features can only be accessed with an internet connection.Are coding gifts expensive?No. They are very affordable and there are many great gifts in the $30 to $50 range, but some can be as high as $300.Can a 10 year old do coding?10 year olds are at the prime age to start learning how to code. By this age, a 10-year old will have an easier time understanding the logical thinking and process of coding and be able to apply these skills in many different mediums, such as popular game platforms such as Minecraft and Roblox.What is beginner coding?Learning to code is like learning a new language - use programming logic enough and you'll find yourself able to speak, think and write in it. There are many beginner coding platforms, normally n the shape of block, also known as scratch coding. It is one of the first ways that children learn to code through scratch, which will help them better understand the more challenging language of text-based coding languages like HTML, CSS, Python and Javascript. Final Thoughts Robots and Coding gifts are perfect for tweens since they will help them get acquainted with possible hobbies or even careers in the future. As someone with a background in Electronics, I prefer the Piper Computer Kit since it is a stand-alone DIY computer with a screen. However, all the options mentioned in this list are ultra amazing. Not only will they enhance your child's general stem abilities but will also provide them with the opportunity to use technology judiciously. With so many excellent options, what are you waiting for? Buy em' already!