The Best Robot Kits
It's impossible to understand the way the modern world moves and operates without some knowledge of robotics. When most people think of robots, they think of the hyper-intelligent humanoid machines from science fiction films. However, the reality of robotics is a tad less fantastical and a lot more practical. Tech companies and scientists use robotics to power our essential devices and innovate the products of the future. One of the best ways to get a hands-on intro to robotics is by purchasing a robot kit. Robot kits provide you with everything you need to build your own fully-functioning robot. These kits are ideal for kids, teens, and adults looking to learn a bit more about how the world really works. We've put together this list of the best robot kits on the market to help you get started.
Lucky Doug 12-in-1 Solar Robot Kit
A Robot of Many Faces
Lucky Doug’s robot kit packs a whole lot into a small package. You can create 12 unique robotic designs with this kit, each one performing a different function. As an entry-level robot kit, this is the perfect way to get your kids excited about learning science and technology. Once you’ve assembled one design, you can disassemble the parts to create another. The detailed instruction manual is easy to follow and extensive, providing an excellent blueprint for you to follow on your journey through the fascinating world of robotics. The kit is powered by solar energy, so you don’t have to worry about purchasing or recharging batteries. We can’t recommend this kit enough for people of all ages looking to get started with robotics.
Pros:
- A versatile 12-in-1 robot kit with many cool designs
- Solar-powered
- Detailed instruction manual
Cons:
- It might be hard for a kid to follow without help
4M 3782 Solar Rover Robot Kit
Go Green
Robotics and green energy will be two of the biggest STEM fields of the future. With 4M’s Solar Rover robot kit, you can get a hands-on intro to both of them. Many robot kits on the market are overly complicated and hard for kids to understand, but 4M makes learning plain and simple with this engaging kit. With some time, energy, and a soda can (yes, a soda can), you can turn this kit into a fully-functioning solar-powered robotic rover. There’s no better way to understand the technologies that power our modern world than getting into the weeds and working with them yourself. This kit makes it easier than ever before to do just that.
Pros:
- Learn about robotics and solar energy with one robot kit
- Very easy to use with minimal assembly
- Not an overwhelming amount of parts
Cons:
- It might be too simple for intermediate robotics fans
Aesgogo 6-in-1 Space Fleet Robot kit
Outer Space Adventure
If you’ve ever dreamt of exploring the galaxy in a spacecraft or testing the land of an uncharted planet in a rover, this robot kit from Aesgogo is the pick for you. It’ll be a long time before space travel is available for the general public, but you can start to prepare the launch pad with this versatile robot kit. Aesgogo’s 6-in-1 robot kit provides you with everything you need to create six futuristic, super-cool space-themed robotics designs. If you have kids who love science fiction movies but not science class, this kit is a great way to bridge the divide between fantasy and practical application.
Pros:
- 6-in-1 space-themed robot kit
- Creates durable, sturdy robots
- It can be powered by solar or rechargeable batteries
Cons:
- It might be a little overly simplistic for teens and adults
Elegoo UNO R3 Robot Kit
Gears of Innovation
The kits we’ve covered up to this point are ideal for kids and teens just starting out with robotics, but this pick from Elegoo has a little more to it than that. Perfect for intermediate robotics fans looking to challenge themselves, this robot kit offers a more complex, intensive build with intricate programming and circuitry. The sheer number of parts in this kit can seem overwhelming, but luckily, Elegoo does a great job of outlining the process step-by-step in the informative instruction manual. Not to mention, the robot in this kit is a super-fun remote-controlled robot car that’ll be fun for the whole family to play with.
Pros:
- A more challenging robot kit perfect for adults and intermediate robotics fans
- Detailed instruction manual
- Creates a durable and fun remote-controlled robot car
Cons:
- Parents will definitely need to work with their kids on this kit
Makeblock mBot Robot Kit
If You Build it, It Will Run
If you’re on the hunt for a robot kit that’ll help you hone your programming skills, don’t pass up this kit from Makeblock. Makeblock’s mBot robot kit connects to your smartphone or tablet so you can program and control your robot right from your device. The build on this kit is a little more intensive and challenging than most of the kid-friendly robot kits on the market, so be sure to know your audience before purchasing. Best of all, you can create three awesome robotic designs with this kit (a tank, a self-balance car, and a three-wheeled car. The asking price on this robot kit is a little steep, but we highly recommend it for intermediate to expert level robotics fans interested in taking on a more complicated build.
Pros:
- Allows you to program and control the robot from your phone or tablet
- Creates three different designs
- An intricate and challenging build
Cons:
- Pretty pricey
Frequently Asked Questions
Are robot kits meant for kids or adults?
While most of the robot kits on the market (and on our list) are marketed for a younger demographic, there are plenty of more intensive builds you can purchase that will challenge adults and older teens. Regardless of experience level, the kits we’ve featured for this piece contain detailed instructions that simplify the building process by taking it piece by piece.
Can I control the robot from my smartphone or tablet?
Most of the robot kits on the market are simpler builds powered by remote controllers. However, some of the more expensive, programming-intensive kits can connect to your smartphone or tablet for programing modifications and controls.
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