The Best Interactive Robot Toys for Kids
Robots will perhaps always feel a little sci-fi, but the truth is they've become integrated into our lives far more than we're aware. From sewing machines to computers to vehicles to smart devices, robots are helping to make our lives run a little more smoothly. But did you know that robots are also making our lives a little more fun, too? Interactive robot toys are some of the best toys out there. From aiding in the development of motor skills, analytical thinking, creativity development, coding, and other STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) skills, robots are the new essential toy that everyone needs.
Anki Cozmo, A Fun, Educational Toy Robot for Kids
Cozmo, The Real-Life Robot
This is the robot toy of all robot toys. Seriously. You know those adorable little robots you’ve seen in the movies? You know, the ones that you can interact with. They’re expressive, cute, and have all kinds of functions that make them almost human-like. Cozmo, this personable little guy, can express hundreds of emotions and has over 300 parts that combine to make an incredibly smart little robot. One of the best features? Cozmo has four motors and over fifty gears, making him a great exploration buddy.
Pros:
- 30fps VGA camera with facial recognition software. This means that Cozmo can remember interactions.
- 128 x 64 resolution facial display.
- Best for kids 8 and up.
- Multiple games and modes, some of which specifically aid in learning code.
Cons:
- A bit on the pricier side, if your kiddo is a bit younger or just developing their interest in robotics, this might not be the starter robot toy you’re looking for.
Really R.A.D Robots Mibro Interactive Remote Control Robot
MiBro The Prize Prankster
With an age range of 5-15, it’s clear that MiBro has a ton of features that make this a toy that spans across multiple developmental milestones and interests. If you’ve got a youngster who enjoys pranks (who doesn’t?), the MiBro is definitely your robot. This robot tells jokes, and has tons of fun games and skills that totally humanize this little dude. And for a budding spy, this trickster can silently sneak into a room under its ‘Stealth Mode’. Remaining totally quiet, MiBro can listen in on conversations and transmit it back through his microphone and Really RAD Remote.
Pros:
- MiBro can fetch and lift any lightweight (up to .8 lbs) item.
- Voice filters for changing Mibro’s voice–as well as your own.
- Comes with a tray for carrying small items.
Cons:
- The audio quality through the remote is subpar.
Wonder Workshop Dash Coding Robot for Kids 6+
Open-Ended Learning
Dash, the happy blue coding robot, is another excellent learning tool for school-aged kiddos interested in exploring coding. Arriving fully charged out of the box, Dash will tirelessly work on voice commands, loops, events, and more via 5 free apps that are included with this little guy. In fact, this coding robot is so popular and well thought-out that it is used in 20,000+ schools as a learning tool in the classroom.
Pros:
- Lego blocks easily snap on to Dash, allowing for endless creativity in the creation and transformation of this robot.
- Wonder Workshop has accessories that can be added and used with Dash, such as a bulldozer, bunny ears, and other work and dress-up accessories.
Cons:
- You cannot record moves and then playback, which is a bit disappointing.
Novie, Interactive Smart Robot
A Smart and Budget-Friendly Beginner's Robot
Like magic, you can control Novie with specific hand gestures. Then, after mastering hand controls, you can teach Novie 12 tricks and 75 actions. And while many robotic toys such as Novie are more appropriate for older children, this smart toy is actually perfectly appropriate for children 4 and up… the perfect starter for youngsters just beginning to express an interest in robots. And at a totally budget-friendly price point, it’s a win-win for everyone.
Pros:
- 3 different training modes (beginner, intermediate, and advanced).
- Small but mighty, Novie makes 70+ sounds, follows specific hand gestures, has multiple motor speeds, and so much more.
- Budget-friendly but not lacking, this robotic toy is filled with possibilities.
Cons:
- Although batteries are included, the run-time on Novie leaves a bit to be desired. You’ll want to grab some extra batteries at check-out.
REMOKING Robot Toy
A Robot for the Whole Family
Looking somewhat reminiscent of the well-loved R2D2, this yellow robot can walk, talk, sing, and dance. Using the multiple modes, you can program this robot to follow directions, learn new tricks, and so much more. With 3 different recording options, your youngster can secretly record and playback multiple times. For younger learners, this record mode offers up an extra bit of fun. The square head, bright eyes, and round wheels for a body make this little robot an adorable addition to the family (because yeah, that’s precisely what having a toy robot feels like).
Pros:
- Excellent interactive toy for children and adults.
- Responsive to touch and voice.
- Made from material that meets US Toy Safety Standards.
- Appropriate for children ages 3+.
Cons:
- In noisy environments, this robot may make a few mistakes… it’s a phonetic recognition robot, which can confuse it if it hears multiple voices and lots of noise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should you look for in a robotic toy for kids?
There’s a robot for pretty much everything, so the answer to this question lies in what you’re looking for. Want to help develop a budding interest in coding? Go with a coding-specific robot. Have a kiddo that likes to play a bit rough? Make sure you find a super durable robotic toy. Maybe your youngster is highly creative and loves to invent new things. Go with an open-ended toy that’ll play to that. It’s really all about what you’re looking for and, most likely, there’ll be a robotic toy that’ll fit your specifications.
At what age should you introduce your child to robotic toys?
With STEM activities increasingly seen as important in the realm of childhood education and development, there really isn’t a minimum age requirement for introducing robotic toys to your youngster. In fact, introducing STEM toys from a young age can be totally beneficial, even from the earliest days. Over time, concepts and toys can be more in-depth and age-appropriate… and robots can totally be a part of this. Most robotic toys typically begin to target a 6+ age range, but you know your child best. Of course, there are certainly robots that target much younger ages, as well as ones for older kiddos and teenagers. Go with what interests them, build together, and have fun with it. Robots make learning fun, and your child will have a blast whatever their age and skill set may be.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.