Tech
Robotics

Best robot kits for the STEM-obsessed

Build your own R2-D2.
By Kaitlyn McInnis  on 
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Our Top 5 Picks

LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox 17101 Fun Robot Building Set (opens in a new tab)

Top Pick

Looking for a robot kit from a reliable brand that also teaches coding? The LEGO robotics kit makes it easier than ever to build your own robot and learn coding along the way.

The Good

  • Visual instructions are kid-friendly
  • 5-in-1 model
  • The app works on both iOS and Android

The Bad

  • No printed manual included
  • iPad or Android tablet is required

The Bottom Line

Although this kit is really only for iPad or Android users, this 5-in-1 robotics kit is great for kids and anyone else that wants to try their hand in robotics.
Pros & Cons

UBTECH JIMU Robot Astrobot Kit (opens in a new tab)

Best For Beginners

Straightforward build, a cool app to program custom movements, and a cute robot? UBTECH's Astrobot checks all the boxes for a great robot kit.

The Good

  • New, custom actions with the PRP (pose, record, play) function
  • No tools required
  • The free app works with Android and iOS

The Bad

  • Some reviewers complained that this one is not compatible with all devices

The Bottom Line

If you're looking for a kit for a beginner robotics fanatic, look no further than the UBTECH Astrobot.
Pros & Cons

Nintendo Labo - Robot Kit (opens in a new tab)

Best For Gamers

If you're looking for a way to upgrade your gaming experience, the Nintendo Labo robot kit is just what you need.

The Good

  • In-game robot appearance is customizable
  • Allows two-player battle mode in a single screen
  • “Challenge” mode features five segments

The Bad

  • Some reviewers complained that this robot takes a long time to build

The Bottom Line

With lots of fun features and an interactive design, this robotic kit can connect with your Nintendo Switch so you can play as a robot in a game.
Pros & Cons

Stellax Zone Complete 190 Piece DIY Kit (opens in a new tab)

Best Value

This robotics kit from Stellax comes at a great price point and it's solar powered.

The Good

  • Great price given all the variety
  • Includes 12 different robot projects in one
  • The instructions are clear and easy to follow

The Bad

  • Some reviewers mentioned that the pieces are very small

The Bottom Line

A gift that keeps giving, you can make 12 different robot designs from this one robotics kit — just be careful with this kit around small children because the pieces can be a choking hazard.
Pros & Cons

Makeblock mBot Ultimate Robot Kit (opens in a new tab)

Best For Advanced Builders

The Makeblock robotics kit is not for beginners — it has 10 different robot shapes and it boasts advanced coding programs so your robot can do impressive poses and movements.

The Good

  • Includes 10 building forms
  • Compatible with both Arduino and Raspberry Pi
  • Wirelessly control with smart devices through Bluetooth connection

The Bad

  • This robot kit is much more expensive than any other option on the list

The Bottom Line

It's definitely pricey, but if you want a robotics kit that will challenge you, we'd say this one's worth it.
Pros & Cons

Robot kits are a great way to inspire STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) learning in children or hone programming skills in hobbyists or curious adults. Plus, they’re just fun! The best robotics kits are made from high-quality components, feature easy-to-learn programming and well-engineered design, and offer possibilities for creative expansions.

What to consider before buying a robot kit

Robot kits are a fun and relatively inexpensive activity that is suitable for kids and adults alike—but you’ll want to consider the price point and difficulty level before making any final decisions. Prices can range from $20 to over $300+ depending on the number of functions and pieces. There are also many sets that offer beginner and intermediate building options in one kit which can be great for those who hope to hone their skills without investing too much money upfront.

Looking to pick up a robot kit of your own, or perhaps as a gift for a curious loved one? Below, we’ve sifted through reviews and researched to find the best robot kits for kids, beginners, and hobbyists that will suit your needs and quell your curiosity.

Top Pick
Specs
  • Powered by: iPad or Android tablet

Looking for something a little more familiar to kick start your robot building hobby? This LEGO robot building set features a beginner-friendly programming interface and 847 pieces for building five multifunctional models, including a humanoid robot that dances, a guitar, and a multi-tooled rover. Consider this the most user-friendly jumping off point for adults and kids alike.

Best For Beginners
Credit: UBTECH
Specs
  • Powered by: iOS or Android app

This kit offers a great introduction to Blockly coding to program a cute robot to navigate obstacles, pick-up objects, control light, and sound effects, and more. It’s slightly more advanced than the LEGO kit but is still considered to be a great starter robot for curious adults and kids alike. It comes with 387 snap-together parts, an infrared sensor, a speaker, two LEDs, and five smooth motion robotic servo motors.

Best For Gamers
Credit: Nintendo
Specs
  • Powered by: Nintendo Switch and two AA batteries

Looking for something a little more out of the box than a typical beginner robot kit? With this robot kit made up of mostly cardboard, you make your very own Toy-Con robot suit and wear it to control a robot fighting machine in a video game. Once assembled, you wear the suit to play with your Switch, demolish in-game surroundings and take on challenges to unlock powerful abilities.

Best Value
Credit: Stellax
Specs
  • Powered by: Solar powered

With more than 12 different robots in one DIY kit, this robot building project allows kids and adults alike to build, deconstruct, and re-build multiple different versions of their robot. Not only does this make the Stellax Zone the best value on the list but it’s also the most engaging in terms of versatility.

Best For Advanced Builders
Credit: Makeblock
Specs
  • Powered by: Bluetooth connection with smart devices

Looking for something a little more advanced to stoke your curiosity? This robot kit features 60 mechanical parts and modules for 10 different application scenes, including a robotic ant, a camera dolly, and a self-balancing robot. The variety and various levels of complexity will keep you coming back for more.

More in Robotics


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