The Robotic Kit, a combination of controllers, motors, sensors, and other components, is designed to aid in expanding skills and enhancing specific areas of the brain, particularly in children, and benefits in supporting one’s ability to grow and evolve with technology. A robot kit also exercises research, critical thinking, design, and problem-solving skills and helps in experimental learning. Robot building kits offer a wide range of benefits for young people, including subjects like math, computer programming, and engineering.
Based on a report from Fact.MR, the sales of robotic kits have grown at a rate of 7.1% over the past five years, leading to a market valuation of $964.1 million in 2023.
This report attributes the rising demand for robotics to its increasing adoption across various applications, including educational purposes for both children and adults, as well as the integration of robots in the industrial and manufacturing sectors.
So, to develop your child’s interest and enhance their skills, here are some DIY robotics kits for kids depending on age, skills, complexity, budget, and interests. These kits are a gateway to endless fun, adventure, and creativity, enabling your child to dive into the world of robotics for kids with high-tech robots at their fingertips.
Let’s look at some of the top robotics kits for kids:
1. mBot Mega
Is your kid an Arduino enthusiast looking for robotics kits? You simply cannot miss mBot Mega – one of the most ideal robotics kits for beginners.
This robotics kit for kids is based on Mega AT2560 and comes with a powerful motor-driving ability that can connect up to 10 servos, 8 DC motors, or 4 stepper motors simultaneously. The 4WD Mecanum wheels provide a fun element while moving in various directions.
This robotics kit for kids also supports Arduino IDE and Scratch and provides a detailed construction guide. With 3 preset modes, easy assembly, and easy start, this makes for a great educational learning kit for kids and adults.
| Available on | Make Block |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Make Block |
| Price | $111.99 |
| Suitable for ages | 7+ years |
| Customer Rating | ★★★★★ (5 stars) |
| Review by customer | Toy is not only used for fun, but also for education. A great educational toy has a lifelong impact on children's development. Check out our mBot Mega, the perfect learning & educational toy gift for teens and adults. |
2. Embedded Learner Uno Kit–Version 2
This is one of the best robotics kits for beginners to gain experience in coding, programming, prototyping electronics, and IoT. This kit is compatible with Arduino Uno which contains many features and is very convenient to perform experiments with its easy USB interface.
The Embedded Learner Board is provided in the kit, so you can speed up the prototyping, make hardware connections simpler, and quickly create the circuits.
| Available on | Moonpreneur Store |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Moonpreneur |
| Price | $64.99 |
| Suitable for ages | 9+ years |
| Customer Rating | ★★★★★ (5 stars) |
| Review by customer | A really great kit with everything you need to get started. Everything in the kit was of good/excellent quality. Great value for money. |
3. Lego Boost Creative Toolbox
Legos, well you can always count on them for fun and engagement. However, this robotics kit for kids provides high-tech elements to the vintage toy. The kit is an 847-piece set that includes five programmable designs, a robot, guitar, rover, cat, and auto-builder.
This is one of the best DIY robotics kits primarily designed for kids aged 7 to 12. The kit is easily compatible with its own mobile app, Lego Boost, available on Android, Kindle, iOS, and Windows 10 devices.
| Available on | Lego |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Lego |
| Price | $127.99 |
| Suitable for ages | 7-12 years |
| Customer Rating | ★★★★★ (4.6 stars) |
| Review by customer | My 8 yr old loved this kit! LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox 17101 Building and Coding Kit (847 Pieces) Initially I downloaded a PDF file of the instruction manual on my MAC but he insisted I could just download it from the App store to make it easier. |
4. Learning Resources Botley the Coding Robot Activity Set
This DIY robotics kit for children comes with a 77-piece activity, primarily designed for kids 5 and above. The kit includes coding activity sheets, detachable arms, and various other playful accessories to design obstacle courses.
Your kid doesn’t even have to spend time on the screen as this kit functions simply with an easy-to-control remote. These qualities make this one of the best robotics kits which are affordable and entry-level.
| Available on | Amazon |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Learning Resources |
| Price | $53.53 |
| Suitable for ages | 5+ years |
| Customer Rating | ★★★★☆ (4.5 stars) |
| Review by customer | The package contains everything required to have fun moving Botley around (except batteries). The toy not only encourages thinking in coding terms (including clearing old "code" before inputting new "code"), it also makes the child think "in the shoes of another", and to think ahead & plan what happens spatially. |
5. 4-in-1 RC Kits for Kids and Adults- STEM Toy-Making Set
This DIY robotics kit provides endless fun and creativity to your child. The STEM set comes with four models and all the models take around 40 minutes to 2 hours to build, giving ample time for kids to hone their hand-eye coordination and other motor skills.
It also allows them to focus for longer periods. There are diagrams and colorful instructions that help kids assemble a toy individually as well.
| Available on | Target |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Juvo+ |
| Price | $57.97 |
| Suitable for ages | 5+ years |
| Customer Rating | ★★★★☆ (4.5 stars) |
| Review by customer | My son is 10 and homeschooled and loves doing these stem kits! He does them without help and they actually work! Worth the money! |
6. Wonder Workshop Dash Coding Robot
This is one of the best robotics kits for kids. For parents who are looking to teach coding to their children, this kit just works perfectly. This kit is more suited to beginners as it already comes charged for about five hours of play.
One of its impressive features is that it is compatible with five iPhone and Android apps that allow users to program the robots to dance, draw, and sing, among other things. Wonder workshop also provides additional attachments, so you can update your robot at regular intervals should you get bored.
| Available on | Amazon |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Wonder Workshop |
| Price | $104 |
| Suitable for ages | 6+ years |
| Customer Rating | ★★★★☆ (4.5 stars) |
| Review by customer | Get this for your child, but you should see compatibility of your phone before buying the product. the soft wares needed to be downloaded on to the phone to get this robot going. Try to download the software, if it downloads, its compatible. |
7. mBot Neo
mBot Neo is the upgraded version of the classic mBot, but it is more powerful, accurate, and faster. This DIY robotics kit provides limitless fun and creativity. It is very easy to build and promote AI, IoT learning.
It is powered by Cyberpi who has provided a high-quality speaker, and an onboard microphone. mBlock’s cognitive services combine well with Cyberpi to make text reading and speech recognition easier, helping students experience advanced technologies.
| Available on | Amazon |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Makeblock |
| Price | $149.99 |
| Suitable for ages | 8+ years |
| Customer Rating | ★★★★☆ (4.4 stars) |
| Review by customer | I like the product and when you finally get it to respond it works well. You will need to do a lot of searching through several websites to find the necessary info to make it perform through your coding instructions. The documentation is lacking and for something that is designed to develop coding skills the instructions are not intuitive. Better documentation would really enhance the experience with this well-designed product. |
8. 3 in 1 Educational DIY Solar Robot Kit
As we know, resources are depleting, so it is better we teach our kids the importance of renewable energy at an early age. The 3 in 1 Educational DIY Solar Robot Kit is a very creative way of introducing this concept to kids.
The kit offers three different working models— a robot, scorpion, and tank— all powered solely by direct sunlight. Perfect for kids and adults, it’s an engaging way to learn about solar energy while having fun. With easy-to-follow instructions, assembly is a breeze, making it a great addition to homeschooling curriculums.
| Available on | Amazon, eBay |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Toysmith |
| Price | $14.95 |
| Suitable for ages | 8+ years |
| Customer Rating | ★★★★☆ (4.4 stars) |
| Review by customer | My daughter loves this for her Christmas gift. A little flimsy but it’s easy enough for a 12-year-old to assemble. It moved down our driveway nicely. |
9. DIY Junkyard Drummer robot Kit
Get ready to groove to the beat with the DIY Junkyard Drummer Robot Kit. This kit takes players into the world of robotics and music as they build their very own drum-playing robot. It’s not just any ordinary kit, it’s an adventure filled with creativity and learning.
Watch as robot drummer comes to life, pounding out rhythmic beats that you can’t help but dance to. As your kids assemble the kit, they’ll master the art of coded locks, honing their hands-on skills along the way. So, get ready to bring your child’s inner inventor, customize your robot’s look, and compose your very own tunes.
| Available on | eBay |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Science Museum |
| Price | $18.97 |
| Suitable for ages | 8+ years |
| Customer Rating | ★★★★☆ (4.3 stars) |
| Review by customer | Perfect. Exactly as Described. Well Packed, Excellent Price. Arrived on time in perfect condition. Highly recommend this Ebayer and will definitely use it again. Will be one happy 5 year old on his birthday. Discounted postage without me requesting and gave a discount for multiple buys. Many thanks |
10. 4M Tin Can Robot
Not only is this robotics kit one of the cheapest, but it is also very creative. Your kids don’t need much except an AA battery and a soda can and you’re good to go. Learn to use a used object as a working, functional bot.
This is one of the best DIY robotics kits for beginners, recommended for children 8 and above. The kit has very easy-to-read instructions, and it’s a great toy to build your confidence and move on to other high-tech robotics kits.
| Available on | Amazon |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Toysmith |
| Price | $14.63 |
| Suitable for ages | 8-15 years |
| Customer Rating | ★★★★☆ (4.3 stars) |
| Review by customer | My niece enjoyed this very much. It required her dad to fix some loose connections to make the robot work though. |
11. Be Cre8v 3 in 1 Stem Box
The Be Cre8v 3 in 1 Stem Box is an innovative combo pack bursting with exciting and creative activities to keep your child engaged for hours and is perfect for kids aged 6 years and up.
With three standalone projects, each offering unique challenges and no shared parts, the fun never stops. From exploring circuits to unleashing creativity, this STEM box offers endless possibilities. Designed with child-friendly instructions featuring colorful visuals and annotations, it ensures easy understanding and hours of enjoyment.
Tested and approved by both kids and parents, this DIY kit is the ideal way to connect STEM education with imaginative play.
| Available on | Desertcart Cayman |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Be Cre8v |
| Price | $12 |
| Suitable for ages | 6+ years |
| Customer Rating | ★★★★☆ (4.2 stars) |
| Review by customer | Be Cre8v is very good to enhance a kid's concentration and focus. My son is extremely active n It’s a fight to get him to sit down and work on something. Somehow, Becre8v seems to have the answer for this. He doesn’t move, sits patiently and executes the activities. He is learning to read & understand the instructions by himself too! Hands-on activities, interactive and engaging materials. Kudos to Be Cre8v 👍🏻😊 |
12. Multi-Functional 4WD Robot Car Chassis Kit
Imagine a cool kit that lets your child build their robot car with four-wheel drive. This Multi-Functional 4WD Robot Car Chassis Kit is perfect for all sorts of robot enthusiasts.
It’s super versatile, so your kids can take it on all kinds of adventures. Plus, they can customize it with different sensors and gadgets to make it do exactly what they want.
Whether they’re into learning or just having fun, this kit makes it easy to dive into the world of robotics.
| Available on | Amazon |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Kuongshun |
| Price | $37.54 |
| Suitable for ages | 8 months & above |
| Customer Rating | ★★★★ (4 stars) |
| Review by customer | This Multi-Functional 4WD Robot Car Chassis Kits UNO R3 For Robot Car Assembly is a simple yet versatile 4WD Robot Car Chassis Kit designed specifically for students and hobbyists. |
13. Sparklebox Science Class 5 Kit
The SparkleBox Science Learning DIY Kit is tailored for 5th graders aged 7-10 years. With 25 exciting experiments, this kit is a gateway to the exciting world of science.
From force & its effects, types of force, simple machines, properties of light & how it helps us to see objects, magnetism, natural phenomena, it’s a hands-on journey for your kids through STEM and robotics education.
With clear instructions and all the necessary parts provided, kids can explore robotics with ease, enhancing their curiosity and sparking their creativity.
| Available on | Walmart |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Sparklebox |
| Price | $54 |
| Suitable for ages | 7+ years |
| Customer Rating | ★★★☆☆ (3.7 stars) |
| Review by customer | It is a really interesting sparkle robotic kit. It is very easy to assemble. This kit is very useful & skills booster for students. It improves logical thinking and enhances creativity. With this my child can learn robotics easily. |
14. Code-A-Pillar
Were you ever used to being enthralled watching a caterpillar as a kid? This is quite a similar experience but with fun learning. This is one of the most appealing robotics kits for kids which provides a simple yet appealing design along with STEAM learning.
The motorized head, the light-up segments, and the lights, sounds, and eyes that blink at you are sure going to make your experience wonderful. The kids will have the challenge to structure the segments and also engage in the learning of coding.
| Available on | Walmart |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Fisher-Price |
| Price | $40 |
| Suitable for ages | 3-6 years |
| Customer Rating | ★★★☆☆ (3.5 stars) |
| Review by customer | Just how much entertainment it is. My niece absolutely loves playing with it. She takes it to my brother's house... it's annoying to him. |
15. Halocode
This robotics kit for kids takes hands-on learning to a different level. This STEAM robotics toy has a single board computer and an inbuilt Wi-Fi.
It is primarily created for programming education with its integrated setup of electronic modules. Kids can play around with AI speech recognition and use the unique technology to design voice-activated devices. The embedded sensors allow the Halocode to even respond to movement, sound, and touch.
| Available on | RobotShop |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Makeblock |
| Price | $23.99 |
| Suitable for ages | 8+ years |
| Customer Rating | Not Available |
| Review by customer | great kit with everything you need to get started. Everything in the kit was of good |
What kids can learn from robotic kits for kids?
Robotics kits for kids are a great way to nourish STEM literacy. Learning coding and robotics comes with long-term benefits, according to studies. Robotics helps in encouraging other skills such as problem-solving, hands-on learning, communication, and teamwork.
Therefore, teaching robotics to your kid isn’t just about giving them a playful experience, but it’s also about making them tech-savvy.
Robotics sounds like a complex subject, so it is widely assumed that it is for middle and high-school goers, but that’s just not the case.
According to research, when children are introduced to robotics from pre-kindergarten to second grade, they develop the ability to acquire basic robotics and programming skills. There are robotics kits for children as young as three and eight.
Robotics kits for kids are extremely helpful. When children finish their projects, it provides them with a sense of accomplishment. As children work on DIY robotics kits for kids, it also helps them grow and develop hand-eye coordination and motor skills.
Conclusion
If you’re going to take up your own robotics project, it is important to make the right choice. Robotics kits for kids to start with should be complex enough to provide a good hands-on learning experience as well as easy enough so that kids don’t lose their confidence and miss the fun element of making it. Kids should feel that the robot is their brainchild.
Want to make your child future-ready with Robotics? Moonpreneur offers a tailor-made program. Reserve a spot in our free 60-minute workshop today and introduce them to the amazing world of robotics and innovations!
Update: This article was last updated on 5th March 2024 to reflect the accuracy and up-to-date information on the page.
I bought a 4M Tin Can Robot kit for my son but the manual says a 10yr old should be able to build this without help, which is a lie. In place of this I would suggest buying a 4M Table Top Smart Robot. It is easy and can be built without parent’s help.
What is the right age to introduce robotics for kids?
If you are wondering whether what is the right age to introduce robotics to kids, then the basics can be learnt from as young as Year 2.