Best Coding Robots for Kids

Space and robotics work hand in hand. Some of the most technically advanced robots have been used in space. As space enthusiasts (and parents) we felt we were well placed to bring together this definitive buying guide on the best coding Robots available on the market for kids.

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math; fundamentals of the universe are based on these few branches. In today's world, with millions of distractions present to lure the kids away into mischievous activities, there is still hope because of these creative toys named STEM toys, and they include Coding Robots.

STEM toys are based on activities that work to build complex integrational skills in the kids. In this ever-changing world, where the survival of the fittest makes more sense than ever, the most competitive person is the one who has knowledge about every field from an early age.

Coding Robots bring up the IQ levels of toddlers to a superior level. These toys build the interest of the children in a specific direction of science while having fun. Coding Robots are a type of STEM toys for children above five years of age. 

These specific STEM toys create an environment where coding is encouraged and is a form of playing. Most of these toys are mechanical toys that are operated when the kid applies a specific code correctly. In this article, we have put together reviews of the top 10 best coding robots for kids.

Let's get started!

Our Overall #1 Rated Pick


Sphero Mini (Pink) App-Enabled Programmable Robot Ball
  • You can drive, play games, and do coding through it.
  • It provides both fun and scientific knowledge
  • This robotic ball will provide you fun along with learnings.
  • You will get an idea about programming and coding.

This is an application robot operated by the Sphero Play Application. It is a small, ping pong ball robot that uses programming. It has a gyroscope, LED lights, and an accelerometer. This robotic ball will provide you fun along with learnings. 

You will get an idea about programming and coding. The coding can be done by using various apps. It will provide you a chance to play and code. You can drive it in joystick mode. All you need to do is pull backward and release then simply rotate the mobile screen.

The 10 Best Coding Robots Comparison Chart

The 10 Best Coding Robots Out There

In this section, we review the Top 10 Coding Robots available forKids.

Sphero Mini (Pink) App-Enabled Programmable Robot Ball

This is an application robot operated by the Sphero Play Application. It is a small, ping pong ball robot that uses programming. It has a gyroscope, LED lights, and an accelerometer. This robotic ball will provide you fun along with learnings.

You will get an idea about programming and coding. The coding can be done by using various apps. It will provide you a chance to play and code. You can drive it in joystick mode. All you need to do is pull backward and release then simply rotate the mobile screen. 

You can play games by using it according to choice and can choose among shoot through space, smash a polygon of brick, and speed through the tunnel. Now play or have a command on coding by giving various coding commands through a wide range of free applications. So now, you have a chance to enjoy the fun, along with some knowledge and learning about science, programming, and coding.

PROS

  • You can drive, play games, and do coding through it.
  • It provides both fun and scientific knowledge, for example, now get a command over coding and programming.

CONS

  • It is very small in size.
  • Its battery life is not quite a lot
Wonder Workshop Dash

In this scientific era, kids need advancement in the case of their fun activities. Wonder Workshop Dash is actually a voice-operated robot toy. It is not simply a toy but much more than that. It will totally work on the commands you will simply say. 

Its voice-operated function fascinates kids even more. Now, after giving this Robot various commands, kids can enjoy in their amazing digital world. By using LEGO bricks, you can simply convert this Robot into an animal, catapult, and truck. 

You can charge it with a micro USB. It has a feature of Bluetooth connectivity. Its stand by time is 30 days, and playtime is 5 hours. In addition to voice operation, you can also operate this through five connected applications. It will recognize your voice too. 

It can move around, light up and dance according to your commands. It is suitable for kids having age six years and above. So now make your kid familiar with the digital world too.

PROS

  • It has a unique and decent design.
  • It is used by a large number of teachers for the learning process of students.
  • It has children friendly design and material will also cause no harm.

CONS

  • Its updates require a high cost.
Learning Resources Botley the Coding Robot Activity Set

Botley, the Coding Robot Activity Set is a complete kit consisting of various components. It is a kit that will support your kid's adventure and learning both. It will enhance the kid's STEM skills and will make him familiar with the digital world.

It is designed for the children having age five years or more than that. So now, kid as small as five years old can also get a sense of coding. It comes with five AAA batteries and a screwdriver too. This Robot has a perk that for coding purposes, you do not need any kind of tablet or smartphone that means it comes with the screen-free coding. 

It's remote that is not difficult to use. It can sense objects in front of it and can follow the told path. It can also cross obstacles. The kit has 77 pieces, i.e., remote, detachable arms, forty coding cards, six double-sided tiles, twenty-seven building pieces that will serve as obstacles, and a guide.

PROS

  • It has screen-free coding.
  • It is easy to set up.
  • It has adorable pieces and is durable too.

CONS

  • The remote will not work without coding.
Educational Insights Artie 3000 The Coding Robot

Educational Insights Artie 3000 is actually the coding Robot that makes your kid familiar with some coding and programming. This coding Robot can also draw the lines. It uses four AA batteries that are not included in the package.

It has built Wi-Fi that means no need for internet connection for it. It requires a tablet or smartphone for coding purposes. It has a very simple set up and is preprogrammed. So now, it is easy to learn coding through this Robot for beginners. 

The company's website even offers further coding and will make learning field vast. The kit includes Artie 300 coding Robot, four markers, a guide, and activity cards. It is very safe to use. It is very suitable for the kids having age seven years old or more than that. The company offers one year guarantee for it.

PROS

  • It has an inbuilt internet connection.
  • It can draw lines too.
  • Its package has four markers.

CONS

  • It doesn't come with AA batteries that are required for its working.
  • It has a relatively difficult user interface.
Thames & Kosmos Kids First Coding & Robotics

If you want to introduce your kid to the coding and programming, then the Thames and Kosmos Kids First Coding & Robotics are very suitable in this case. It will introduce your kid with the basics of coding. It has a very good advantage that it does not need any kind of application, software, or any smartphone and tablet for working.

It comes with a guide and instruction book of 64 pages. So you do not have to worry about the manual. It is totally story-based and has storylines that will promote coding lessons for kids, for example, mouse finding a piece of cheese and much more. 

It covers six different areas of coding, and these are sequencing, events, loops, functions, variables, and conditionals. This Robot has a unique math mode that will improve your math skills and will also help you test your math skills. You can build different models using instruction cards. It is for kids of grade K-2 or higher. It uses 3 AA batteries.

PROS

  • It does not use any kind of smartphone or tablet.
  • It is very easy to assemble and disassemble all the components.
  • No need for charging because e it uses batteries.

CONS

  • It has small parts that are not suitable for kids.
Learning Resources Botley the Coding Robot, Coding STEM Toy

Now it is easy for your kid to learn STEM skills through Botley Coding Robot. Now your kid will have fun and learning side by side. This amazing Robot is screen-free, which means you do not need any kind of gadget like a tablet or smartphone for it.

It will increase the thinking and problem-solving skills of your kid. The Robot has smart logic that enables it to sense obstacles and avoid these obstacles. This Robot can follow the straight-line path according to commands given to it. Your kid will learn to code in no time because it is readily available for use right after unboxing. 

It requires 5 AAA batteries and a screwdriver too. Its box contains 42 pieces and contains detachable arms of Robot, a remote programmer, and 42 activity cards. The required batteries s are not included in the box. It is suitable for children having age five or more than that. It has hidden features to unlock too.

PROS

  • It is a screen-free Robot and requires no gadget.
  • It can sense ad avoid obstacles.

CONS

  • Its package does not contain the required batteries.
Learning Resources Botley the Coding Robot Action Challenge Accessory Set

Learning Resources Botley the Coding Robot Action Challenge Accessory Set is perfect for your kid to learn the coding and have fun. This set consists of 40 pieces. The set includes swinging hammers, rolling balls, falling dominos, and other physics accessories that can be used to create various obstacles.

This coding robot has an amazing feature that it can be used with other Botley accessories and gadgets. This Robot is designed for the kids having age five years or more than that. After the setting of components, it is readily available for use, and your kid can easily code it and have a fun time with it. 

It comes with an instruction guide to guide children about what to do? Now your children will experience some really good programming skills.

PROS

  • It can sense obstacles and avoid them.
  • It has components to design obstacles.
  • It improves kid's programming skills and makes him familiar with coding.

CONS

  • It has relatively bigger parts.
  • Its price is relatively high.
Learning Resources Code & Go Robot Mouse Activity Set

Learning Resources Code and Go Robot Mouse Activity Set is an amazing robot set that provides your kid an opportunity of polishing his programming skills. It will develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills in him too. It can light itself up.

It makes some amazing digital sounds too. Its set includes 16 maze grids, 22 maze walls, three tunnels, 30 coding and ten activity cards, a cheese wedge, and a direction guide that will provide you instructions. This is designed for the kids having age four or greater than that. 

It comes with 40 diverse coding commands. Now kids can use various components to make their path that can be followed by their mouse to find cheese. It will improve the creative skills of your kid. Parts can be assembled, disassemble, and can be rebuilt. Its set has a total of 83 pieces and helps to improve the STEM skills of your kid.

PROS

  • It can be used on the maze grid as well as on a flat surface according to your choice.
  • The mouse named Colby has adorable sound and can move in various directions.

CONS

  • The mouse cannot turn in direction precisely.
Elenco Teach Tech "Mech-5", Programmable Mechanical Robot Coding Kit

Elenco Teach Tech "Mech-5" is a robot kid that can be used by both teachers and parents to entertain and teach their kids about coding. It is very useful to introduce kids with the basics of mechanical engineering and coding.

This Robot will develop STEM skills in children. It can throw, lift, kick, draw, and much more. The most amazing feature of this robot kid is that it introduces the children with the concept of renewable energy, i.e., it is powered by water or sun. 

After setting and assembling various parts of Robot according to the instructions, kids can easily code it by snapping the coding buttons on the coding wheels. This robot kit is designed for junior engineers having age ten years or more than that. 

This robot kit has smaller parts ad can prove dangerous for younger kids. This Robot can move back and forth and can also completely rotate in both directions. This kit is widely used in schools, libraries, and homes to enhance skills in children. It comes with an instruction guide to follow.

PROS

  • It uses renewable energy that makes kids familiar with this concept.
  • It makes your kids familiar with the basics of mechanical engineering and coding.

CONS

  • It comes with minimal instructions.
STEM Robot Kit - DIY Mechanical Building Robotic Coding Kit

This Robot is a perfect toy for your junior to develop his STEM skills. You can code it through various applications using your smartphones or tablets. It has component blocks that your kid can use to make robots. It has many features; for example, it can avoid obstacles, follow a track, and play music. It comes with remote control. 

It will improve the kid's creativity and problem-solving skills. You are required to download the application that contains all the instructions because its package does not have an instruction guide in it. It requires 6 AA batteries. 

Now your kid will enjoy a lot of fun with his companion robot that is assembled by himself and can also improve his STEM skills. Children can also develop their coding commands through it. It can change to multi-colors.

PROS

  • It can change to multiple colors.
  • Children can also create their commands.

CONS

  • It does not come with any information guide.

Buying Guide

The market is flooded with products of every category in every price range. But in every product, some crucial features are present that are essential to its function. We have a list of factors that are essential in a coding robot. 

We scoured the internet to create an ultimate list where we could explain to you which aspects are considered a necessity in coding robots. So, before taking out your wallet and spending your toy budget on a poor quality Coding Robot, consider this buying guide as your helper to purchase the best from the lot. 

About Coding Robots

First, let's understand what exactly are coding robots. There are multiple operations of a coding robot, but the basic principle that integrates the toy is that of a STEM toy. Some of these coding robots have various functions. Some of them are mechanically functional, and some produce sounds and lights when operated through a code. 

Some of these robots also offer a DIY feature. In these toys, you have to build the Robot first and then operate it with a code. Mostly, these coding robots work when a code is correctly applied, which then allows the Robot to act in a particular fashion. 

Now let's consider what to expect when you enter the market to buy a coding robot. There are multiple factors on which you can judge a coding robot. The Robot's functionality and the accessories that it is accompanied by are pretty important.

Give the buying guide a read to understand the basics of the coding Robot, and by the end of it, you will understand coding robots a little better!

Compatibility with Devices 

A coding robot has a line of action as per the code applied on a specific app or its remote control, which then is communicated to the Robot via its server. For a coding robot to function with ease, it needs a communication link between the code and the Robot. In doing so, either it has to be accompanied with a remote that can create a code, or an app is connected to the Robot's server. 

If the Robot's server or its app is not compatible with any device, the Robot becomes inoperable, and its primary function to enforce learning of coding fails. The most critical aspect to consider before buying is its compatibility with devices, so your hard-earned money does not go to waste.

Material quality 

We talk about the importance of material quality in each and every one of our blogs because we strongly believe in the principle of quality over quantity. In this scenario where a coding robot is being handed over to a child, quality matters more than ever. A lousy quality robot in terms of construction material can be hazardous to your child's health. 

The plastic that it is constructed with is of high importance because if it is too brittle, it will break easily under minimal strain, and the shards are a potential threat. The paint that is applied to these toys is of importance because if it contains hazardous materials, it could pose a substantial risk to the health of the children in either of the two scenarios of it being ingested or even inhaled.

Accessories 

A lot of toys come with accessories to enhance their functionality and raise the overall quality of experience for the recipient. These accessories, at times, have more than one function. They are not only a tool to capture the undivided attention of a child but are equal stakeholders of the success of a toy. 

Same is the case with coding robots, those models that come with accessories triumph over the ones that do not. These accessories are not just playoffs, but they can expand the functionality of the coding robot. A complete set of the coding robots with its accessories is always better than one single Robot. And the sense of a complete set of a coding robot also gives off a special feeling. 

DIY

Do it yourself projects are not just intriguing and fun but also serve a higher purpose. When a toy is labeled DIY, it means that you probably have to build it yourself. The part where the kid is subjected to the possibility of creating something from their own hands is a prize for their imagination. 

This feature lets the kid's imagination loose into a world full of possibilities, which gives them a sense of accomplishment and boosts their confidence. Another importance of DIY projects is team building. Most of the DIY projects can not be done alone, and many times, children require the help of an elderly person to decode the instructions clearly or to install a complex piece safely. 

This makes the kids realize that asking for help when you do not understand something is not derogatory, and it often provides excellent results. The time that is taken to build a toy from scratch builds team confidence in the toddlers. 

It also strengthens the bond between the parents and their children as most kids learn to rely on their parents in times of need. For parents, this entrance pathway in their child's playtime is very crucial as it helps them understand their kid's interest as well as likes and dislikes.

Educational Purpose

One of the essential purposes that these toys tend to fulfill is education. They are built to mimic a knowledgeable environment playfully. The primary goal of these STEM toys and coding robots is to impart knowledge so that they can enlighten a kid in more than one way in more than one manner. 

A toy is considered successful if it integrates multiple factors and creates a hospitable environment where the child learns more than one skill. The advanced coding robots present in today's age do offer various working modes and thus enhance the experience they provide by many folds.

The other educational aspects that are provided by coding robots are multiple functional modes. Some of the robots offer modes that can either change the operation of the Robot or make it more intense by providing more complex codes. 

A few coding robots can also have gaming features to make it more versatile in functionality. All in all, learning one basic field is not the goal. Instead, creating a network of global knowledge is crucial. Always look for a coding robot that entails various degrees of function, and when you find one, you will know that it is worth your money. 

Creativity

Anything can get boring in the eyes of a toddler pretty quickly, and that too in no time. Something that can capture the attention of a child for a more extended period needs to be creative on another level. When we talk about being creative, we understand it translates to different things for different kids. 

A genuinely inspiring device is the one that can gain the attention of almost every child on the face of this planet. A toy is meant to be attractable enough that it catches the immediate attention of an otherwise conscientious child. 

For a coding robot to be creative, it needs to have specific elements in it. First of all, it needs to be catchy in terms of appearance. A toy that catches the absolute attention of a toddler must have a detailed structure and that too in bright colors. 

Another important aspect that tends to the creativeness of a child is his or her interest. Coding robots come in all forms; they can be Cars or Barbie dolls or something completely different. So, always have your child's interest in mind before picking out a toy for them.

Innovation

Innovation is the key to success, someone wise said it a long time ago, and it is relevant to this day in every field. In today's market, everyone starts producing whatever gets slightly famous, and hence the market gets full of copies of the same type of device. 

The kids of this age are very creative, but the producers are just looking to make quick bucks. So, the very few people who realize the importance of innovation often take the game in their hands. In the world of coding, we see shifts every day; there is always news of new possibilities of codes being deployed in cyberspace. 

The kids need to be up to date with the new trends; after all, the whole point of STEM toys is to keep the children of this era up to date with the vast knowledge of the system. So, the coding robots also need to be ever-changing and ever-evolving to cater to the responsibility that has befallen on their shoulders. Always buy the coding robot that is up to date with the newest trends and applies more unique codes to their systems.

Attention-garnering

As we have talked earlier about how the attention span of a child is shorter than chihuahuas legs. The toys that we subject towards them need to be captivating and creative to catch up on any interest the kids might show to it. This can happen in many ways, but one of the favorite ways a child gets smitten with a toy is if it takes them on a journey. 

If a coding robot set gets successful in being more than just a coding robot by creating a storyline and assigning plots to its creation, it might end up attracting even the naughtiest of kids into a field of science.

FAQs

Do these coding robots perform any tasks?

Yes! They can perform multiple functions based on their model, and if the correct code is applied.

Can kids learn computer languages through these coding robots?

Yes! These coding robots aim towards teaching kids some primary coding languages such as C+ and Java.

Final Words

Everything gets a lot calmer if we know that our little one is engulfed in a creative and positively reflecting game. All kids require playtime, but it is the parent's responsibility to provide the innovative and educational toys to build their interest in a particular field.

If you feel like your kid has an aptitude for learning computer languages or shows any interest in computers, then your kid might love to have these coding robots. They are the ultimate toy to have for a kid as well as the parent as it teaches the kids something informative and takes the burden off of parent's shoulders of always providing kids with new toys.

The reviews of the coding robots, along with the buying guide, will help you choose an excellent toy for your kid.

Happy Learning and Playing, Folks!