Coding has become an essential skill for the future, and introducing kids to programming early on can spark their creativity and problem-solving abilities. One of the best ways to teach kids coding is through interactive, hands-on learning experiences with coding robots. These educational robots make learning to code fun by allowing kids to build, play, and program their creations. In this guide, we’ll explore the best coding robots for kids, featuring robots that are perfect for different age groups and offer various learning styles and price points.
1. Sphero Mini
- Age: 8+
- Price: Paid
The Sphero Mini is a small, app-controlled robot that offers a variety of ways for kids to learn coding. It can be programmed using a visual block coding system, which is perfect for beginners. As children advance, they can move on to using JavaScript within the app. Sphero Mini’s customizable features and interactive games make it a fun and engaging tool for children learning the basics of coding.
2. Botley 2.0
- Age: 5+
- Price: Paid
Botley 2.0 is an excellent choice for younger kids who are new to coding. This screen-free robot can be programmed using a remote control and a series of coding cards, allowing children to get hands-on experience without needing a tablet or computer. Botley can perform various actions, like following commands to navigate obstacles, loop instructions, and even detect objects. It’s a great robot for encouraging logical thinking and problem-solving skills in kids.
4. LEGO Mindstorms Robot Inventor
- Age: 10+
- Price: Paid
LEGO Mindstorms Robot Inventor takes the popular building blocks and combines them with advanced robotics. This robot kit lets kids build different robots, which they can then program to complete tasks using Scratch or Python. The kit includes motors, sensors, and a range of components to create complex and interactive robots. LEGO Mindstorms is perfect for older kids who are ready for more advanced coding challenges and want to dive deep into both robotics and programming.
5. Dash Robot by Wonder Workshop
- Age: 6+
- Price: Paid
Dash Robot is designed for young coders and is a perfect entry-level coding robot. Using the Wonder Workshop app, kids can program Dash to perform various tasks, such as navigating mazes, responding to voice commands, or dancing. The app offers easy drag-and-drop coding, but as children progress, they can use Blockly or Wonder to engage in more complex programming. Dash is known for its interactivity, with the ability to move, light up, and make sounds.
6. Ozobot Evo
- Age: 6+
- Price: Paid
Ozobot Evo is a pocket-sized robot that introduces kids to both screen-free and digital coding. Using color-coded markers, children can draw commands for Ozobot to follow, which is ideal for younger kids or classrooms. The robot can also be programmed using OzoBlockly, a block-based coding system accessible through an app. Ozobot Evo encourages creative thinking, logic, and problem-solving as kids figure out how to code their little robot to complete various tasks.
7. Codey Rocky by Makeblock
- Age: 6+
- Price: Paid
Codey Rocky combines both coding and robotics to create an interactive learning experience for children. The robot can be programmed using Scratch, a block-based coding language, or for more advanced learners, Python. With a wide range of sensors, kids can make Codey Rocky interact with its environment, such as responding to light, sound, and obstacles. The robot also comes with fun games and challenges to keep kids engaged while they learn.
8. Root Robot by iRobot
- Age: 5+
- Price: Paid
The Root Robot is a coding robot that grows with your child’s programming abilities. It starts with simple, drag-and-drop block coding for younger kids and progresses to text-based coding as they advance. Root can perform tasks such as drawing, erasing, navigating, and even climbing magnetic surfaces. This robot encourages creativity and offers a fun, interactive way to learn coding through different levels of programming.
9. Robo Wunderkind
- Age: 5+
- Price: Paid
Robo Wunderkind is a modular robot kit that lets kids build and program their own robots. The system is designed for early learners and offers an easy drag-and-drop coding app. As children get more comfortable, they can explore advanced functions such as sensors and motors, allowing for more complex builds. Robo Wunderkind promotes creativity, problem-solving, and STEM learning, making it a great choice for younger children.
10. Cozmo by Anki
- Age: 8+
- Price: Paid
Cozmo is an intelligent robot with a charming personality, making it an instant hit with kids. Using the Cozmo app, children can learn coding through fun, interactive games that challenge them to program Cozmo to complete tasks and solve problems. Cozmo uses a visual block coding system, so it’s easy to start learning the basics of coding. This robot also includes facial recognition and advanced AI, making it an exciting option for tech-savvy kids.
11. Matatalab Coding Set
- Age: 4–9
- Price: Paid
The Matatalab Coding Set is designed for preschool and early elementary school kids to learn coding through hands-on play. The robot is programmed using a series of physical command blocks, which are placed on a board. As kids arrange the blocks, they create instructions for the robot to follow. This screen-free coding toy helps young children develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity without needing any prior experience with computers.
12. mBot by Makeblock
- Age: 8+
- Price: Paid
mBot is an educational robot designed to teach kids the basics of coding, robotics, and electronics. It comes as a DIY kit that kids can assemble themselves, giving them hands-on experience with hardware. mBot can be programmed using Scratch, and more advanced users can dive into Arduino coding. The robot can perform various functions, such as avoiding obstacles, following lines, and responding to commands, making it a great learning tool for children interested in both software and hardware.
13. Thymio
- Age: 6+
- Price: Paid
Thymio is a programmable robot that helps kids learn coding in an intuitive and engaging way. It comes with pre-programmed behaviors that kids can explore before diving into the coding aspect. Thymio can be programmed using VPL (Visual Programming Language) or text-based languages like Scratch or Blockly. The robot’s wide range of sensors and motors makes it versatile and fun to use in different learning activities.
14. Tello EDU Drone
- Age: 10+
- Price: Paid
The Tello EDU is a programmable drone that takes coding to new heights—literally. Children can program the drone using Scratch, Python, or Swift to control its flight patterns and complete various missions. The Tello EDU drone is a great option for older kids who are interested in coding and technology but want something more dynamic and interactive. Flying a programmable drone gives kids a unique, real-world application of their coding skills.
15. Cubetto
- Age: 3–6
- Price: Paid
Cubetto is a screen-free coding toy designed for preschoolers. It uses a wooden robot and physical coding blocks to teach the basics of computer programming. As children place blocks on the programming board, they create a sequence of commands for the robot to follow. Cubetto is simple and intuitive, making it a great introduction to coding for very young children.
Choosing the best coding robot for kids can be a game-changer for their learning journey. Whether your child is just starting with screen-free coding toys like Botley 2.0 and Cubetto, or they’re ready for more advanced robots like LEGO Mindstorms and Codey Rocky, these robots offer an engaging, hands-on way to develop coding skills. From logic and problem-solving to creativity and perseverance, coding robots provide an educational foundation that can help shape the innovators of
tomorrow. Choosing the best coding robot for kids can be a game-changer for their learning journey. Whether your child is just starting with screen-free coding toys like Botley 2.0 and Cubetto, or they’re ready for more advanced robots like LEGO Mindstorms and Codey Rocky, these robots offer an engaging, hands-on way to develop coding skills. From logic and problem-solving to creativity and perseverance, coding robots provide an educational foundation that can help shape the innovators of tomorrow. Coding robots cater to different age groups and skill levels, ensuring that children of all ages can enjoy the process of learning to code. For younger kids, simpler robots like Cubetto and Dash Robot are ideal, while older children and teens may benefit from more complex systems like LEGO Mindstorms and Tello EDU Drone. The hands-on, interactive approach of coding robots can not only make learning to code fun, but it can also help children understand abstract concepts in a practical and engaging way.
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