The Best Build-Your-Own Programmable Robot Kits for Learning at Home and in Schools

Samuel J Tan Classroom Technology, Computing, Gadgets, Resources, Systems and Controls, Technology 0

Despite the sometimes sinister perspectives of robots taking over our world, as portrayed in numerous films, the reality of robotics is here to stay. Automation is already very much in use in factory and production lines around the world and with the merging of robotic engineering with software programming, we have at the touch of our fingertips, slavish assistants who will respond to our every beck and call.

Even in our most dangerous situations, such as the nuclear power plant melt-down in Fukushima, Japan, robots were called upon to be first responders, entering toxic environments that were highly hazardous to humans.

The control and programming of robots are now filtering down to an age appropriate level, making them more and more accessible to the younger generation through the creation of robotic programmable kits. The majority of these kits hone skills involved in both the building and the engineering of the robots and also provide a route in to the instruction-oriented programming approach of controlling these robots.

Here in this post we look at some of the best, fun robotics kits available for children and young adults to develop an interest and hone their skills in programming robots for the future.

Table of Contents

1. Lego Mindstorms EV3

Lego has long been a player in the children’s robotics arena with the early mechanisation of it’s kits through it’s Technic series. With Lego Mindstorms, every successive iteration of the kit has allowed more and more options to be built with successive control and commands improving.

With the EV3 you can build up to five different robots; TRACK3R, R3PTAR, SPIK3R, EV3RSTORM and GRIPP3R then with the free EV3 Programmer App on your tablet, pick the pre-built programs to execute on your robot. It is also possible to program the robot yourself, using the drag-and-drop interface to make the robot walk, talk, think and do anything you can imagine with icon-based programming interface.

Once you are more familiar with the system, you can use the advanced programming features of the EV3 Software on your PC and Mac, will allow even greater options for designing control and instructions of the robot. You get Touch sensor, colour sensor, infrared sensor and 550+ LEGO Technic elements.There is also an enclosed remote control.

Difficulty Level: Medium-Hard

Features:

Intelligent EV3 Brick with powerful ARM9 processor, USB port for WiFi and Internet connectivity, Micro SD card reader, back-lit buttons and 4 motor ports
Includes 3 interactive servo motors, remote control, improved and redesigned color sensor, redesigned touch sensor, infrared sensor and 550+ LEGO® Technic elements
Control your robot via the infrared sensor system
Intuitive software (PC and Mac) with icon-based drag-and-drop programming interface
Control and command your robot with the enclosed remote control or download the free app for your smart device
Includes 550+ LEGO® Technic elements – everything you need to create amazing robots
Building instructions for 1 robot included. Download 4 more building instructions plus bonus building instructions developed by real fans and endorsed by LEGO
Take on challenging ready-made missions or share your creations with a huge online community at LEGO.com/mindstorms.

Check Price on Amazon: Lego Mindstorms EV3

2. VEX IQ Robotics Construction Set

The VEX IQ Robotics Construction Kit is loaded with advanced robotics technology, including a brain with 12 self-configuring input/output ports, as well as 750+ pieces that include four smart motors, a colour sensor, a bumper switch sensor, a touch LED sensor, and built in rotational sensors on the motors.

This design is accessible enough to let beginners get right in and start building; snap these robots together using the intuitive, tool-less pieces. While the VEQ IQ robotics construction set is versatile enough to let you build anything you can imagine, there are also preset instructions that will help the most basic of beginners.

The Robotics Construction Kit fosters STEM learning through the creation of custom programmable robots. Each kit is loaded with advanced, yet accessible robotics technology to enhance the build experience. VEX IQ’s open-ended platform lets you build anything you can imagine. Two programmable software options available – Modkit for VEX or ROBOTC.

Kids as young as 8 can build their robots using the 750+ simple, snap together pieces. Additional build instructions available online for free download at website.

Difficulty Level: EASY

Age: 8+

Features:

Follow step-by-step instructions to learn the basics, and then use that knowledge to build anything you can imagine
Customize your robot with a variety of sensors including color, bumper switch, touch LED and other built in rotational sensors on the motors
It comes with a video game style remote control with a rechargeable lithium ion battery, and with two programming software options – Modkit for VEX or ROBOTC
Includes free VEX IQ Curriculum for all users

Check Price on Amazon: VEX IQ Robotics Construction Set

3. Meccano – Meccanoid 2.0

Meccanoid 2.0 is Meccano’s earlier foray in to the robotics arena. With the Meccanoid 2.0, Meccano has created an interactive humanoid robot that is marketed as your ‘personal robot’.

At 2 feet tall, the Meccanoid has with six different motors for movement, including articulating arms and head, LED eyes programmable to over 500 colors, voice recognition and motorised feet.

The Meccanoid relies on the use of real tools and consists of durable plastic and metal pieces.

The Meccanoid 2.0 has 3 innovative program modes: Learned Intelligent Movement (L.I.M.), Ragdoll mode, and Drag and Drop programming through the Meccanoid app downloaded to a smart device. The Meccanoid also comes with over 3000 pre-programmed phrases, tells stories, and knows robot trivia.

It can take up to 8 hours to fully assemble the Meccanoid 2.0 XL.

Difficulty Level: EASY

Age: 8+

Features:

Innovative Programming – 3 innovative ways to program: LIM (Learned Intelligent Movement), Ragdoll Avatar, Drag and Drop Programming
Voice Recognition – Meccanoid responds to more than 40 pre-programmed voice commands + 70+ other unique recognizable phrases
Pre-Programmed Interactivity – Meccanoid says 4,000 + pre-programmed phrases, including Jokes, Fun Facts, and Questions
Highly interactive features include Dance, Kung Fu, Exercise, and High-Five modes
Twelve (12) different modes of interactivity and Autonomous personality that is affected by its environment
Material – Durable ABS and high-impact polycarbonate construction plates (100% compatible with classic Meccano construction system)
Smart Device Integration – Robot interacts with smart devices through Bluetooth® Low Energy – compatible with IOS and Android Free App!
Robot height – About 2 feet (61 cm) made from 497 parts, 2 real tools and building instructions included
Hardware includes six (6) motors for realistic movements – Four (4) smart servos localized in the arms that remember your moves, 2 motors to drive the feet; LED eyes with over 500 colors; “Meccabrain”: 4-channel micro controller with 128 Mb of flash memory – with firmware updates available through USB

Check Price on Amazon: Meccano – Meccanoid 2.0

4. Meccano – Meccanoid XL 2.0

The Meccanoid XL 2.0 is Meccano’s developing contribution to the robotics arena. Larger and with improvements over the Meccanoid 2.0 in terms of motors the Meccanoid XL is generally a larger version of the Meccanoid 2.0.

The Meccanoid XL stands at 4ft tall with 10 motors for realistic movement, LED eyes programmable to over 500 colors, and voice recognition. Meccanoid XL 2.0 has 3 innovative ways to program: Learned Intelligent Movement (L.I.M.), Ragdoll mode, and Drag and Drop programming through the Meccanoid app downloaded to a smart device and it knows over 3000 pre-programmed phrases, tells stories, and knows robot trivia.

Difficulty Level: HARD

Age: 10+

Features:

Buildable robot – 1014 parts, 2 real tools and building instruction. Ten (10) motors for realistic movements; Eight (8) smart servos localized in the arms and head that remember your moves, 2 motors to drive the feet; LED eyes with over 500 colors; “Meccabrain”: 4-channel micro controller with 128 Mb of flash memory – with firmware updates available through USB
Innovative Programming – 3 innovative ways to program: LIM (Learned Intelligent Movement), Ragdoll Avatar, Drag and Drop Programming (smart device required)
Voice Recognition – Meccanoid responds to more than 40 pre-programmed voice commands + 70+ other unique recognizable phrases
Pre-Programmed Interactivity – Meccanoid says 4,000+ pre-programmed phrases, including Jokes, Fun Facts, and Questions
Highly interactive features include Dance, Kung Fu, Exercise, and High-Five modes
Twelve (12) different modes of interactivity and Autonomous personality that is affected by its environment
Material – Durable ABS and high-impact polycarbonate construction plates (100% compatible with classic Meccano construction system)
Smart Device Integration – Robot interacts with smart devices through Bluetooth® Low Energy – compatible with IOS and Android Free App
Requires 1 Ni-MH 1800 mAh battery (included).

Check Price on Amazon: Meccano – Meccanoid XL 2.0

5. Makeblock DIY Ultimate Robot

10-in-1 Robot – STEM Education – Arduino – Scratch 2.0 – Programmable Robot Kit for Kids to Learn Coding, Robotics and Electronics

Ultimate 2.0 is a flagship robot kit based on Makeblock platform with rich features and strong compatibility. It helps you learn the knowledge and skills of mechanical structures, electronic modules and programming with ease. Build and control Ultimate 2.0 to start your exploration in the world of robotics.

This robot is designed to help you grip, lift, and deliver objects in various terrains. It acts as a Bartender and can can independently pour wine into a glass and deliver the glass to you. When connected with an app, it can simulate 3D scanning beautifully. Add a cell phone to realize 360-degree panoramic filming or let the robot film while moving around small objects. It supports Graphical Programming from PC, and is fully compatible with mBlock – a graphical programming environment based on Scratch 2.0 Open Source Code.

Difficulty Level: Medium

Age:

Features:

Ten building forms will meet all your need for different application scenes – see list and gallery below for some of the things you can build
Anodized 6061 aluminum mechanical parts with threaded-slot design brings an easy way of building the robot;
Three powerful encoder motors enable you to feel every step of the robot, controlled by MegaPi, small but powerful mainboard based on Arduino MEGA 2560. It has six function area, which can be connected with modules to realize wireless communication or drive various motors. Wirelessly control your robot with smart devices through Bluetooth connection.
Graphical Programming from PC – It is fully compatible with mBlock -a graphical programming environment based on Scratch 2.0 Open Source Code.
iPad/Tablet Programming – Ultimate 2.0 also supports programming from iPad and tablets with an easy-to-use app – Makeblock HD.

What you can build with the kit:

Robotic Arm Tank – This robot is designed to help you grip, lift, and deliver objects in various terrains.
Robotic Bartender – It can independently pour wine into a glass and deliver the glass to you.
Camera Dolly – Camera Dolly consists of a mobile chassis and a 360-degree swivel base. Add a smart phone or a camera onto this robot and start filming from a low angle. You can also preset a path for the robot to follow in order to capture the moments of your life.
3D Capture – Add a cell phone to realize 360-degree panoramic capture or let the robot film while moving around small objects. When connected with an app, it can simulate 3D scanning beautifully.
Self-Balancing Robot – It is driven by two encoder motors at its two wheels, which can move forward and backward while keeping balance and
More Building Forms: Robotic Ant, Rolling Tank, 3D Capture B, Catapult Ram, see some of the images below

Check Price on Amazon: Makeblock DIY Ultimate Robot

6. Makeblock Starter Robot Kit

STEM Education – Arduino – Scratch 2.0 – Programmable Robot Kit for Kids to Learn Coding, Robotics and Electronics – Blue (Bluetooth Version)

Starter Robot Kit is a start for you to explore the robotics world. With a set of beginner-friendly instructions, it takes you step-by-step on learning robotics, electronics and programming. Based around an Arduino board, this kit will teach you all about programming a micro-controller board to control physical objects using sensors. Learning programming is way more fun when your code controls a robot.

Starter Robot Kits is fully compatible with mBlock which is a graphical programming environment based on Scratch 2.0 Open Source Code. It makes programming projects and interactive applications easier through simply dragging and dropping function blocks. With heavy-duty mechanical parts, easy-to-use electronic modules like Me Orion, ultrasonic sensor, IR receiver and Bluetooth module, you can get an enhanced hands-on experience on building a robot tank or a three-wheel robot car that is programmable. Works with Android as well as iOs devices.

Difficulty Level: Easy

Age:

Product bullet points:

STEM Education: Perfect choice for beginners to learn robotics, electronics and program.
One Kit, Two Robots: Build a Robot Tank or a Three-Wheeled Robot Car with this kit – Aluminum extrusion structure.
Scratch & Arduino Programming: Graphic programming Scratch based on Scratch 2.0, and Arduino programming.
This kit will teach you all about programming a micro-controller board to control physical objects using sensors.
Easily Control & Assemble: Easy wiring, no soldering required, controlled by APP: Makeblock.
System & Device Requirements – Apple device: 1) iOS 7 or above 2) Bluetooth®4.0 or above * exclude iPad®1, iPad®2, iPhone®4 or below; Android device: 1) Android 2.3 or above 2) Bluetooth®2.0 or above

Check Price on Amazon: Makeblock Starter Robot Kit

7. Lego Boost

This Creative Toolbox combines the versatile LEGO® building system with advanced technology to boost your creativity. Step-by-step instructions available on the free tablet app to build and code any of the 5 multifunctional models. Vernie the Robot is a moving and talking robot. M.T.R.4 (Multi-Tooled Rover 4) is a robust, versatile rover with 4 different tool attachments including a spring-loaded shooter. Guitar4000 is a musical instrument with pitch bend and sound effects. Frankie the Cat – an interactive pet that plays, purrs and expresses its mood. The AutoBuilder is an automated production line that really builds miniature LEGO models. The app’s intuitive, icon-based coding interface and an array of exciting activities designed for each model bring your creations to life. This set also includes a playmat for use with specific activities, and a LEGO BOOST wall poster.

Lego Boost Creative Toolbox lets you build and code interactive, motorized robots, models and creations with distance, color and tilt sensor technologies. There are five default models that children ages 7-to-12 can build and program with Lego’s new Boost kit. The is a 543-piece set. On the accompanying iPad app, builders need only select and attach puzzle-like programming blocks that handle instructions like canned responses, turning 90-degrees, making the iPad listen and controlling light colors. They can daisy-chain them together and even build separate program block chains that, with the press of a virtual green “play” button, all run at once.

It ships with a central hub that includes Bluetooth to connect to the iPad, a pair of motors to drive wheels and motion and two input/output ports. A sensor module helps robots see distance, movement and colors. Each module and motor is programmable through the app. Using the included Lego pieces, motors and sensors, you can build a cat, a guitar, a tractor, a quadruped and Vernie. Vernie can be programmed to tell jokes or rap and the cat can be playful and programmed to drink virtual milk (and then digitally fart because it’s lactose intolerant).

There is room to grow as a programmer. While most blocks shield children from actual programming, there are some that offer parameter control, like the speed of revolution on a motor (25% as opposed to 100%) and even allow young programmers them to nest multiple blocks in one block via drag-and-drop so that placing it in the chain triggers a much larger set of actions.

Difficulty Level: MEDIUM

Age: 7+

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.

5 Different Robots to Build

Vernie the Robot: Rotate Vernie’s head to activate its shoulder-mounted spring-loaded shooter.
Build the M.T.R.4 (Multi-Tooled Rover 4) and try out the different tool and customization attachments to prepare the vehicle for an array of exciting activities.
Learn how to play a song and rock out with the Guitar4000.
Look after your own pet with Frankie the Cat.
Construct, code and operate the AutoBuilder to produce real miniature LEGO® models.
Build and code robots and models, and complete exciting activities with the playmat and intuitive LEGO® BOOST app, available for iOS and Android tablet devices.
Easy-to-use intuitive software with icon-based drag-and-drop coding interface.

Building instructions for all 5 models are included with the free LEGO® BOOST app.

Vernie the robot stands over 10” (27cm) tall.
M.T.R.4 (Multi-Tooled Rover 4) measures over 4” (12cm) high, 9” (23cm) long and 5” (14cm) wide.
Guitar4000 measures over 1” (5cm) high, 16” (42cm) long and 5” (15cm) wide.
Frankie the Cat stands over 6” (17cm) tall.
The AutoBuilder measures over 10” (27cm) high, 7” (19cm) long and 6” (16cm) wide.

Check Price on Amazon: Lego Boost

8. VEX Robotics EDR

Intro: VEX EDR robots are driven by cutting-edge technology adapted by experts specifically for education and to inspire students to become the problem solving heroes of tomorrow. VEX EDR robots can be programmed using a variety of software solutions, such as ROBOTC included in ALL VEX kits. With VEXnet wireless communication, robots can also be driver controlled using up to two joysticks. The VEX ARM® Cortex®-based Microcontroller allows for both autonomous and driver control of robots.

Cost-efficient starter kits engage students and teachers alike by creating a teamwork-driven learning environment. VEX EDR offers students a rich and exciting platform to immerse themselves in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) through the fun of building robots. Educators can bring VEX EDR into the classroom or use it as a teaching tool through after-school robotics clubs. Curriculum allows students to learn the basics of building a robot while also learning other STEM applications. Hands-on curriculum options available from Robomatter and Project Lead the Way (PLTW) give educators the tools that they need to help students develop problem-solving skills and learn programming fundamentals.

Difficulty Level: MEDIUM

Age: Middle School to College

Features:

Highly versatile construction system allows students to build whatever they can imagine
ROBOTC is an intuitive resource that teaches key programming skills which easily transition to the real world, while also providing a similar look and feel as the programming environments used in computer science industries
VEXnet Joysticks provide a video game controller style interface, which is familiar to students and allows for intuitive robot control
Ease of use allows for beginners to build basic, driveable robots within hours
VEX utilizes community-driven design by sourcing feedback from our community of students and teachers, allowing us to improve upon current parts and design future products
Closely monitored forums, all questions quickly answered by VEX Staff or community and large social media interaction across a variety of platforms
Robotics hobbyists appreciate the advanced capabilities of the VEX system, and willingly share their designs among the community

You can also compete with your Robot at Starstuck events near you. Watch a video of such an exciting team challenge where robots go against each to compete in a ring below. It is a non-destructive robot challenge that is suitable for all ages.

Check Price on Amazon: VEX Robotics EDR

OTHERS

Thames & Kosmos Remote-Control Machines: Space Explorers Science Kit

Intro: This 237-piece construction set includes instructions to build not only the robot rover, but nine additional space-themed models as well, including: a lunar rover, rocket launcher car, space shuttle with opening and closing cargo bay doors, robotic space shuttle payload arm, moon lander, wacky astronaut, satellite, mars station, and cross-wing flyer. Kids will be inspired to learn various STEM skills through these fun, hands-on construction projects that bridge two captivating interest areas: robots and outer space. A full-color, 64-page step-by-step illustrated manual helps kids assemble all of the models and teaches them about real-world examples of the outer space robots, vehicles and devices they are creating. The kit includes one four-channel remote control unit and three motor units to enable the space creations to move in all different directions. Multiple motors also allow the models to complete specific tasks. For example, the Mars rover can pick up small objects off the ground and the space shuttle’s doors can open and close. The plastic building system is compatible with other Thames & Kosmos Construction, Engineering, and Physics kits.

Difficulty Level: Medium

Features:

With this engineering kit, you can build a remote-controlled model of a robotic rover resembling the ones used to explore Mars
This 237-piece construction set includes instructions to build not only the robot rover, but nine additional space-themed models as well
Learn about the history of Mars exploration, robotics in satellites, deep-space exploration, and the robots in popular space-related science fiction
This kit is perfect for every kid who is fascinated by the prospects of being an astronaut
The six-button, multi-channel remote control unit allows up to four motors to be used at the same time in the same space (additional motors sold separately). To control a model, set the motor unit and the remote to the same channel (1-4) to enable them to communicate.
A full-color, 64-page step-by-step illustrated manual helps kids assemble all of the models
The manual offers more than just instructions for assembling the 10 models in the kit. Children learn about the robots and machines they are building and how they are used in the real world. The manual also offers a wealth of information about the history of Mars exploration, robotics in space, deep-space exploration, and more.
With the pieces in this kit, kids can build 10 space-themed models: Mars rover, a space shuttle, shuttle arm, lunar rover, rocket launch car, probe, space droid, walking bot, cross-wing starship, and spaceship controller.
Quality Assurance & Customer Satisfaction

With this engineering kit, you can build a remote-controlled model of a robotic rover resembling the ones used to explore Mars. This kit is perfect for every kid who is fascinated by the prospects of being an astronaut, colonizing the moon, or being the first human to land on Mars. The remote can control up to three motors, which move the rover back and forth, turn the wheels to steer the rover, and control the robotic arm to pick up extraterrestrial specimens like small rocks. This 251-piece construction set includes instructions to build not only the robot rover, but nine additional space-themed models as well. Kids will be inspired to learn various STEM skills through these fun, hands-on construction projects that bridge two captivating interest areas: robots and outer space. 80-page, full-color manual available. 10 models can be built.

Check Price on Amazon: Thames & Kosmos Remote-Control Machines: Space Explorers Science Kit

Thames & Kosmos Robotics: Smart Machines Science Kit

Intro: The kit contains building pieces and instructions to build 8 different models: a Bipedal Droid, Spy Bot, Beetle, Crocodile, Tiltrotor Aircraft, Robo Dog, Robotosaurus, and Catapult. After constructing a model, kids can use the free downloadable app to program their creation to walk and move using a smartphone or tablet. Kids code the programs using an easy, visual programming app on a tablet or smartphone, which connects to the robot models via a wireless Bluetooth connection. Build a humanoid robot that walks forward on two legs and pivots to avoid obstacles in its path. An awesome stag beetle model moves backwards or forwards in response to an obstacle, and opens and closes its pincers. Construct a funny crocodile model that wags its tail if no object is in sight, but then opens its giant jaws when an object approaches. Using an additional smartphone and tablet, you can even hack together a cute little spy-bot that roams around and streams video back to the tablet screen.

Difficulty Level: Easy

Features:

This kit gives kids a simple, fun, and customizable introduction to robotics that lets them build eight motorized machines.

Using the app interface, you can program the robots you build to behave based on the feedback coming from the ultrasound sensor.
A full-color, 64-page step-by-step illustrated manual helps kids assemble all of the models and teaches them about robotics in the real world.
The ultrasonic sensor works on the same principle as sonar. It sends out ultrasound waves and ‘listens’ for them to bounce off of objects. One ‘eye’ on the sensor is a transmitter and the other is a receiver. The transmitter sends out ultrasonic waves, like a speaker, and the receiver senses the waves that bounce back, like a microphone. The information collected by the sensor is passed on to the app which controls the models and makes them move. Depending on the data coming from the ultrasound sensor, your robot can move to avoid obstacles in its path, wiggle its tail, open its mouth, and more!
The visual programming language allows you to command the robots’ motors to move at different times, different power levels, in different directions, and in response to the data from the sensor. Requires a tablet or smartphone running iOS (iPhone 4S or later, iPad 3 or later, iPod 5 or later) or Android (Android 4.3 or later on a device with Bluetooth 4.0 support).
Quality Assurance & Customer Satisfaction

This kit gives kids a simple, fun, and customizable introduction to robotics that lets them build eight motorized machines controlled by programs and an ultrasound sensor. The app for Robotics uses feedback from the ultrasonic sensor and program instructions to control the models. Kids get an introduction to programming with this kit. They can write their own programs in the app, or use one of the 7 pre-loaded demo programs to get the models moving. They can create programs to move the motors in the models, as well as to create sound so that when their robot walks, a simple melody plays through their smartphone or tablet.

Check Price on Amazon: Thames & Kosmos Robotics: Smart Machines Science Kit