Thank you for checking out our Top 10 Robot Buyers Guide. In this post, we will be evaluating some of the coolest robots that are fun and educational, and range from ages 6 to adult. Make 2019 the year you get yourself or your kids into STEM, and have fun in the process! This buyers guide starts with more basic robots for the younger ages of 6+,  and works up to more advanced teenager and adult robots.

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1. Wonder Workshop Dash

Wonder Workshop brings this exciting robot called Dash. Dash is a fun and educational robot that comes with many features. This robot includes free apps, games, and is great for learning code. The robot is ready out of the box, it has hundreds of pre-loaded missions, and can play games such as; magic dot ball, hot potato, hide and seek, and it can respond to objects and dance. Dash also has several addon accessories available. This is a feature rich robot that is great for fun and learning for kids 6 and up.

Features:

• CREATE: Dash arrives charged and ready to go out of the box. Kids can give Dash Robot voice commands and explore loops, events, conditions, and sequences with the included Dash Challenge Cards. It’s more than learning to code.
• LEARN: Dash robot offers an open-ended learning platform that makes tech knowledge simple and accessible, helping kids grow into confident creative architects.
• COLLABORATE: Wonder League is an encouraging and challenging community where kids can share ideas and build confidence. Wonder Workshop’s Robotics Competitions provides opportunities for kids to work together, helping everyone learn and evolve.
• GROW: This award-winning Dash robot bundle includes a full set of Dash Challenge Cards, a catapult Launcher kit, and a power adapter. Extend the possibilities even further with Sketch Kit, Building Block Connecters, and more from Wonder Workshop
• SCHOOLS: Dash is used in over 20, 000 schools today and expanding rapidly. Material: Plastic.
• Ages 6+

2. LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox

Lego has been producing some awesome STEM products and this is no exception.  The Lego Boost robot is recommended for ages 7 and up and is great for getting kids inspired to build and code. The Lego Boost robot comes with a free app and simple coding. Each set has 5 different models a child can build, and each model has different features and commands. The Lego Boost robot will get your kids excited about coding and will get their creative juices flowing!

Features:

• Includes over 840 LEGO pieces, plus a LEGO Move Hub, Interactive Motor and a Color & Distance Sensor
• Move Hub features Bluetooth low energy (BLE) connectivity, two encoded motors, activation button, internal tilt sensor and a light
• Color & Distance Sensor detects distance, motion and color, and can also function as a light
• Building instructions for all 5 models are included with the free LEGO Boost app, requires 6x AAA 1.5V batteries (not included).
• Vernie the robot stands over 10in (27cm) tall, Guitar4000 measures over 1in (5cm) high, 16in (42cm) long and 5in (15cm) wide
• A tablet or mobile phone is required, but not included. Compatible with selected iOS, Android, Kindle and Windows 10 devices with BLE 4.1 and newer. Compatible with selected mobile devices.
• Download the LEGO Boost App in the Amazon Appstore: amazon.com/dp/B075LL7KGB
• Ages 7+

3. Anki Cozmo

Anki has hit it out of the park with this fun and educational robot. The Anki Cozmo robot is a smart robot with a ton of personality. The Cozmo robot can play games, it can be controlled through the eyes of the robot and is always updating with new options. This robot will make it fun and exciting to learn code!

Features:

• Cozmo is a real-life robot like you’ve only seen in the movies and he’s ready to be your loyal sidekick
• Challenge Cozmo to games or use Explorer Mode to see things from his perspective
• With a beginner-friendly interface, Cozmo is the perfect educational robot for kids and adults to learn to creatively code
• Easier than you’d think and tougher than he looks, this toy robot is tested for durability and security
• Cozmo by Anki requirements: a compatible iOS or Android device and the free Cozmo app
• Includes 1 Cozmo robot, 3 Cubes, and 1 charger (USB power adapter not included)
• Ages 8+

4. UBTECH JIMU

Similar to the other robots shown here, the Jimu robot kits have several variations that can be built and programmed. This kit is great for inspiring kids to build and learn to code.

Features:

• Introducing buildable, codable Robots from UBTECH Robotics
• Learn to use Blockly coding to program your robot to navigate obstacles, pick-up objects, control light and sound effects, add personality and more.
• Test your skills with new Blockly coding challenges
• Create entirely new, custom actions with the PRP (pose, record, play) function.
• No tools required – our 3D, 360° animated building instructions walk you through the steps.
• Includes 387 snap-together parts, 1 infrared sensor, 1 speaker, 2 LEDs, and 5 smooth motion robotic servo motors. Power adapter and quick start guide also included.
• Free app! Works with both Android and Apple Smart devices. A compatible iOS or Android device is required.
• JIMU Robot is the award-winning interactive robotic building block system for ages 8 and up. Awards include Tillywig 2018 Brain Child Award, CES 2017 Innovation Awards honoree, Time to Play Magazine 2016 holiday most wanted list, and IFA awards 2015 best of show.
• Ages 8+

5. littleBits Star Wars Droid Inventor Kit

This Star Wars Droid kit is great for the Star Wars lover and will teach you how to code too! The Star Wars Droid robot is easy to build and is customizable. The Droid comes with features such as; drive and control, self-navigation, force drive and block code. This is s fun robot that is great for the Star Wars enthusiast!

Features:

• Now with coding! kids learn how to control electronics with code in 6+ new Block-Based coding missions.
• Award-winning: winner of 50+ toy awards and gift guides, including creative toy of the year, good housekeeping & ttpm.
• Missions & challenges: now with 22+ missions in the app so kids can teach their Droid new skills.
• Customizable: missions help kids get creative, inventing new Droids & giving them personality.
• Requires Smart device: either iPhone (iOS 10.0 or later) or Android (kitkat 4.4 or later with Bluetooth 4.0 or later and an accelerometer) is required to build and control your Droid. Amazon devices not compatible at this time.
• Complete Droid kit: includes all electronic blocks, Droid parts, 9V battery, and free app.
• No grown-ups necessary: kids can easily assemble with step-by-step, in-app instructions.
• Ages 8+

6. Makeblock mBot Robot Kit

Learn while you build and play with this mBot kit! The mBot kit is a DIY style open-source kit that teaches kids how to build and code. The mBot comes with features such as; remote control, obstacle avoidance, line following, online courses and graphical programming. Makeblock also has several STEM related kits to choose from.

Features:

• Proudly presented by Makeblock, a global leading brand in STEAM education solution that has integrated in 140+ countries.
• Don’t judge it by size, he is a real robot that has many modes to play with, like obstacle avoidance, line-follow and etc. It is easy to build within 15 mins and can be controlled by remote or smartphones through Makeblock App (iOS/Android). Suitable for age 8+.
• It’s up to you to decide if you wants to follow the guide or DIY it with your own imagination to make your mBot completely differ from everyone else, You can also upgrade it by purchasing the add-on package of mBot to DIY more forms of mBot.
• Code it from all platform, the mBlock Blockly App (iOS/Android) is a great place to train the logical thinking for new coders. The advanced mBlock software (Windows/MacOS/Linux/Chrome) is one of the most popular entry-level coding platform with more than 450,000+ users that helps you to bring your creativity into reality.
• Battery Requirements: 4 pcs AA batteries or 1 pcs 3.7V 1800mAh Lithium for mBot and CR2025 coin battery for Remote. Batteries are not included.
• Ages 8+

7. LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 31313 Robot 

This Lego Mindstorms kit comes with 601 pcs and will teach your kids to build and code. The Mindstorms kit comes with a free app and several sensors and motors. Your kids can build several different robots, play and learn to program in the process.

Features:

• 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 who builds it.
• LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 is built with 601 pieces and includes the intelligent EV3 Brick, 3 servo motors, plus color, touch and IR sensors. Connect with your smart device and download the free EV3 programmer app to control the robot!
• LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 comes with instructions for 17 different robotic designs, each with its own unique features. Builders can program their STEM robots to talk, walk, grab, shoot targets and more! Kids will love this creative and educational toy!
• LEGO MINDSTORMS building toys are compatible with all LEGO construction sets for creative building.The perfect tech toy if you want to build your own robot and explore endless learning activities
• The main robot, SPIK3R, is over 16” high, 14” long and 15” wide.
• Ages 10+

8. Makeblock mBot Ranger

This is a more advanced Makeblock kit that will teach your kids how to build and code. The kit has three variations that you can build and uses an application with block programming. Lots of opportunities for adventure and STEM learning!

Features:

• Makeblock proudly presents our innovative mbot Ranger robot kit. The mbot Ranger robot packs a lot of fun into a small package. The mbot Ranger robot is a mechanical Wonder that challenges young programmers with innovative ways to explore the science of robotics.
• Build in as little as 45 minutes and is compatible with major building blocks. This product is not affiliated with or endorsed by lego. Lego is a trademark of the LEGO group of companies.
• Follow the easy to read guide provided or design your own unique robot. Your child’s imagination is the limit. Create, enhance and explore designer options to create new variations of the mbot Ranger. Pa and personalize mbot Ranger with special add-on packs. With a few basic skills, your child can rapidly bring their creativity to life. It’s easy to code the mbot Ranger from your smartphone with the Makeblock blocks app (iOS/Android). advanced coding software is also available (windows/macOS/Linux/chrome OS) and is one of makeblock’s most popular entry-level coding programs.
• Suitable for ages 10+.
• Requirements: 6 AA batteries. Batteries are not included.

9. ELEGOO UNO Project Smart Robot Car Kit V 3.0 with UNO R3

This is the Elegoo Robot V3.0 kit. This kit is for more advanced robot builders and programmers. This is a great kit for teenagers or adults that are experienced with building and programming. This kit uses an Arduino compatible Elegoo UNO. All code is programmed using the Arduino IDE.

Features:

• ELEGOO Smart Robot Car: An educational kit for beginners (kids) to get hands-on experience about Arduino programming, electronics assembling and robotics knowledge. It is an integration solution for robotics learning and made for Arduino education.
• Complete Package: Contains 24 kinds of module parts including obstacle avoidance, line tracing module, infrared remote control and also you can control it via phone and tablets of Android and iOS system, etc.
• Easy to Assemble: All the module interface has been modified with XH2.54 ports as to make it much easier and convenient to assemble the car and reduce the chances for errors.
• Refined Tutorial in CD: HD rendering instructions on how to assemble the robot car from scratch and all the necessary programs and codes are included. You can also download the same tutorials online in the following link: http://bit.ly/2jKlJMO
• Upgraded Package Design: More minimalism design and make it a perfect gift for your kids and friends. Note：(Applicable Age : 12+)To use Elegoo starter kits requires basic electronic knowledge. If the user has no experience, it would be better to have someone lead and teach them while studying.
• Ages 12+

10. Vector Robot by Anki

Finally, this is the Anki Vector robot. This robot is intended to showcase the possibilities of artificial intelligence. Vector is an intelligent robot that has a lot of personality and has some smart functions. They advertise that Amazon Alexa integration is coming soon. This robot is a bit short on useful features but is very entertaining and they promise more to come. If you are looking for a new and fun little gadget for the family, this robot may be for you.

Features:

• Vector is a companion made to hang out and help out. Powered by AI and advanced robotics, he’s alive with personality and engaged by sight, sound, and touch.
• Vector is voice-activated and will answer questions, take photos for you, time dinner, show you the weather, and more. Voice features are currently English language only.
• If you choose to set up Alexa on your Vector, you’ll be able to: set reminders, control smart home devices like lights, speakers, and thermostats, and so much more.
• Vector can independently navigate and self-charge. He recognizes people and avoids obstacles.
• Vector is an updating platform, cloud connected via WiFi so he’s always learning and updating with new skills and features.
• Requirements: a compatible iOS or Android device and the free Vector app for set up only. Check compatibility at anki. com/devices. Includes 1 Vector robot, 1 Cube, 1 charger (USB power adapter not included).
• Ages Adult/family

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