Educational robotics kits

Fun robot kits for children are great for fostering love for science and engineering. Balqis Lim picks eight kits

FUN DOODLING

Build a robot that draws. Children will enjoy building their own robot — and their own works of art. The Doodling Robot can doodle a unique picture while vibrating around, demonstrating its energetic spinning powers, creating patterns with markers in its grip. This fun kit has a motor that makes the robot shake and spin. When pens are removed from the body, the robot will slide across smooth surfaces. Price: US$14.99 at Amazon.com.

INTERACTIVE SPIDER

This robot-building kit offers a challenging yet rewarding build that will keep children engaged for hours. Once assembled and programmed, the MeccaSpider opens an array of possibilities for interactive play, including built-in games. The robot features a distinctive personality and three behaviour modes: autonomous, guard and attack. A built-in infrared sensor allows the spider to navigate smoothly around obstacles, while the free Meccano app lets children take manual remote control of their creation. Price: US$38.27 at Amazon.com.

ROBOT REVOLUTION

Building a robot is not enough? Lego Mindstorms EV3 lets children pick from its 17 robots. Then use the intuitive drag-and-drop interface to programme their favourite robots to walk, talk, think and do anything they can imagine. When they are ready for more, fire up the advanced programming features of the EV3 Software on the PC or Mac, or take instant control with the free Robot Commander app on the smart device or infrared remote control included with each set. Price: RM1,575 at Lazada.com.my.

FUN FOR GROWN UPS TOO

Mi Robot Builder is a modular coding toy that can be assembled into different structures using 978 toy blocks, including parts like wheels, gears and chains to make it come to life. Its revolutionary 3-in-1 design allows you to build a robot, a plane, or even a dinosaur. Its main engine is powered by a CPU processor and a proprietary operating system, allowing the robot to perform perfectly coordinated actions.

Give intelligence to your robot by simply dragging and dropping complex command codes to the robot right from your smartphone. Price: US$139.99 at Amazon.com.

BUILDERBOTS

Construct your own robots or build either of the two BuilderBots characters with the Jimu Robot Kit. Using the snap-together parts, you can build your own robot and then programme movements and code simple and complex sequences from detecting objects, pick up objects and even flash its LED colour-changing light. The step-by-step 3D instructions are also available on the free Jimu app for guide. Price: US$89.99 (RM350.30) at Amazon.com.

SIMPLE YET EXCITING

You can make 11 different robots with the Rokit Smart robotics kit. From a clapping monkey to mouse, bug, trailer and a sumo bot which uses the edge detection sensors to stay in the ring and push its opponents out. A sure way to keep your child engaged for long hours, the kit has been designed to be simple and safe so your child can learn without any risk of getting hurt. Price: US$119.78 at Amazon.com.

LOYAL SIDEKICK

Everyone loves Star Wars. With littleBits, children get creative as they engineer new Droids. They can take their Droid apart and put it back together in new ways to give it additional abilities or make it perform new tasks. With just the wave of a hand, children can guide their Droid like they’re using the Force.

Droid-driving is easy with in-app controllers, including a joystick, sliders and tilt mode. The Droid can also navigate itself by detecting obstacles in front of it and change course like it has a mind of its own. Price:

US$89.99 at Amazon.com.

INVENTION MADE EASY

Cubelets robot blocks are the easiest way to explore robotics, coding, design and engineering. There’s no wrong way to build with Cubelets; just snap the robot blocks together and see what novel behaviours emerge from the construction. The included Brick Adapters connect to your favourite brick-based construction systems (such as LEGO) to add new levels of detail and artistry to the robots. Price: US$149.95 at Amazon.com.