Roll out, autobots!

With robots making their appearances everywhere — in movies, at airports and also restaurants — it’s no wonder they are desired as toys too. Nur Zarina Othman lists eight DIY robots suitable for children

MECCANO M.A.X

MEET Meccano M.A.X., a 30cm-tall robot packed with a multitude of fun and educational features. Having an artificial intelligence built into it, M.A.X. can be programmed to do a lot.

It plays games, talks and moves around on wheels, avoiding objects using infrared sensors.

Designed for budding engineers and tinkerers aged 10 and above, this robot-building kit consists of 332 parts.

M.A.X. can be controlled in three ways — using an app, voice command or with the in-built controls keypad.

Customisable programming allows each M.A.X. to meet its builder’s specifications so that every assembled robot is truly one of a kind. Price: US$54.99 (RM222) at Amazon. com

LEGO BOOST

LEGO building kits are always a favourite and a great activity that parents and children can do together.

The Lego Boost set gets a little more educational and teaches children to program using a simple drag-and-drop code.

Consisting of 847 pieces, the toolbox can build five different robots — Vernie the robot which dances, cracks jokes and passes gas; Frankie the cat which plays, purrs and expresses its mood; Guitar 4000, a musical instrument learning toy with sound effects; Auto Builder, the automated production line that builds miniature Lego models and M.T.R. 4, a robust, versatile rover with four different tool attachments including a spring-loaded shooter.

With the free tablet app downloaded to your device, just follow the step-by-step instructions to build these robots. Price: US$159.95 at Amazon.com

BIOLOID

OKAY, here is something for the bigger boys. The Robotis Bioloid premium kit is a DIY educational robot kit that uses modular DC Servos (Dynamixels).

The Bioloid, which comes with assembly manual and basic programmes for 29 robots, is not just a toy. You can build a variety of robots as the kit utilises a high-performance CM-530 controller with ARM CPU, sensors (including gyro) and external IO ports.

Suitable for children aged 15 and above, the robot also has remote control capability. It also has excellent humanoid walking performance (with adjustable posture while walking). Price: US$1,199 at robotis. us

COZMO BB-8 DROID

THE BB-8 Droid is possibly the coolest robot on the planet. Controlled using a smartphone or tablet, this little guy can recognise and react to your voice and record holographic videos. It comes with fully autonomous behaviour.

Based on your interactions, BB-8 will show a range of expressions when you give voice commands.

Built with all the quality and technology of the Sphero, the BB8 uses an app that directs him to explore his surroundings and complete missions.

Suitable for children aged 5 and above, the BB-8 is more than a toy — it’s your companion. Price: US$59.99 at Amazon.com THIS little guy is like something out of the movies. Cozmo is the newest generation of playful robots powered by cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI).

Cozmo is made of more than 300 parts that create a super smart, and super entertaining robot. He doesn’t just move; he gets curious and explores. He doesn’t just learn; he plots and plans.

Cozmo is compatible with iOS and Android and requires the Cozmo app to be downloaded.

He knows your name, face, and quirks. Cozmo is equipped with Code Lab, the perfect platform for new coders. Simply drag and drop a few blocks and you’ll see Cozmo act out your creation. Price: US$176.10 at Amazon.com

DASH & DOT

IF your little ones have a penchant for Lego or Lego Technic systems, they will love this robot duo.

Dash & Dot interact with the world using sensors. They can hear sounds, detect objects, and know if you are moving them.

They can also be connected to the Lego Brick system, especially the Technic series, using building bricks extenders.

They can also be programmed to do stuff using a simple visual programming language which is available for iOS and Android.

Suitable for children ages 6 and above, this robot duo will provide your children with hundreds of projects, challenges and puzzles. It also works with five free mobile apps for Apple, Android and Kindle Fire devices. Price: US$143 at Amazon.com

ULTIMATE 2.04

MAKEBLOCK DIY Ultimate 2.0 robot is a 10-in-1 programmable robot kit for children to learn coding, robotics and electronics.

In line with STEM Education, the robot kit helps children acquire knowledge and skills such as mechanical structures, electronic modules and programming with ease.

Ultimate 2.0 can be programmed from your iPad and tablet with an easy-to-use app called Makeblock HD. Price: US$250 at Amazon.com

MIP

THE WowWee’s MiP toy robot is very responsive and has an inquisitive personality.

This robot can be “trained” to follow objects and hand gestures as well be programmed to perform various tasks.

The robot comes with dual balancing wheels that allow it to navigate a wide variety of terrain and obstacles with ease.

With seven different game modes and a free app, you’ll be surprised at what MiP can do.

The robot can steer around obstacles, take on other MiPs in battle or dance to your music library. Price: US$79.99 at Wowwee. com