7 Programmable Robot Kits for Beginners – Easy Coding With Fun

Executive Summary

Programmable robot kits for beginners offer an engaging entry point into the world of coding and robotics. In this executive summary, we explore seven such kits that combine learning with fun, enabling novices to delve into coding principles while building and programming their robots. These kits provide a hands-on approach to learning, allowing beginners to understand coding concepts through practical application. From basic commands to more complex programming, these kits cater to various skill levels, making them accessible to all. With features like drag-and-drop interfaces and step-by-step guides, beginners can quickly grasp coding fundamentals without feeling overwhelmed. By fostering creativity and problem-solving skills, these kits empower learners to explore the possibilities of robotics in an enjoyable manner. Whether for educational purposes or sheer curiosity, these programmable robot kits offer an exciting journey into the world of coding and robotics for beginners.

Have you ever used a programmable robot kit for beginners? As a child, my parents had no idea what I was talking about when I asked them to program a robot. Programming a robot would have changed my life right then and there if they did.

While it may sound difficult, robotics kits can be very approachable and easy to use. There are plenty of different options for choosing the perfect kit for your child. We have tested and researched many of the best robotics kits for beginners, leading us to create a list of the best ones available.

1- Lego Boost Creative Toolbox 17101

The Lego Boost Creative Toolbox 17101 is the perfect programmable robot kit for beginners who have never built a robot before or want to try building from a more intuitive system.

This kit uses software more like a game than an engineering tool, allowing users to program their robot using bricks and commands in a way that feels more like programming behavior rather than a series of complex instructions.

The kit comes with over 840 pieces, including sensors and a motor, which can be combined to create five different robots: Vernie the Robot, Frankie the Cat, Guitar 4000, M.T.R.4 (Multi-Tooled Rover 4), and AutoBuilder. Each robot has its app that provides step-by-step instructions on how to build it. It’s fun, easy, and will teach you the basics of robotics in no time.

Suppose you are passionate about robotics and looking for a comprehensive and easy-to-use programmable robot kit for beginners. In that case, Lego Boost 17101 Creative Toolbox is an ideal choice. It comes with over 840 pieces, of which 843 are LEGO bricks and 8 are linear motion elements. The kit includes a Move Hub, an interactive motor, a color & distance sensor, and a medium motor. The kit also features Vernie the Robot, which response to its surroundings using the color & distance sensor. The Move Hub has a tilt sensor, light, and buttons to control it. With the help of technology in this kit, you can build 5 different models, including Vernie, the robot, and Frankie the Cat. If you want to program these robots to perform various tasks, you can use the Drag-and-Drop coding interface on your tablet or PC.

The Boost app allows kids to make these models move, play sounds, talk, and even dance. This app is available on iOS and Android devices but is unsuitable for PCs. If you want to use it on your computer or laptop, you need to use the Tynker App instead of the Boost App (although it is more complicated). Other than that, we didn’t find any drawbacks in this kit, as it offers

2- Kano Computer Kit

The kit comes with a Raspberry Pi 3, a keyboard, a speaker, and an array of sensors and components.

It’s not just a set of gadgets you can connect to but also a learning kit that includes step-by-step instructions on how to get started with coding.

Kano Computer Kit teaches you how to build a computer from scratch, code JavaScript and Python, and create games using Minecraft, Pong, Snake, Flappy Bird, and other popular titles.

The Kano Computer Kit is a perfect introduction to the world of coding and computing for beginners. This programmable robot kit for beginners teaches users how to assemble and code their computer powered by a Raspberry Pi 3, a tiny but powerful microcontroller. The kit includes the necessary components for assembly, including the screen, keyboard, and case. Once assembled, you can use the computer to code games and videos or browse the internet.

The Kano programmable robot kit for beginners comes with three books that will guide you through the entire process of building your computer step by step. The first book is a storybook about Kano and his friends, who built a computer from scratch using simple code blocks. The second book teaches users to create apps and software using simple coding techniques. The third book teaches users to make animations and games using more advanced coding commands.

For beginners, the programmable robot kit includes two USB cables, a micro SD card with pre-installed operating systems and apps, stickers, and sticker shapes.

Kano’s website has video tutorials on how to assemble the kit and other resources for beginners.

If you’re looking for an easier way to learn how to build your computer, check out Kano’s Make Your Computer Kit!

3- Sphero Bolt

Programmable robot kits for beginners have come a long way in just a few years. The Sphero Bolt is the latest and greatest, with some serious tech. The programmable robotic ball can do all kinds of things, including teaching kids how to code.

The Bolt is white polycarbonate with a single LED matrix eye that displays animations, images, and games. It’s powered by an ARM Cortex M4 processor and Bluetooth LE connection, which lets it connect to your phone or tablet.

The robot ball has an infrared sensor to communicate with other Sphero robots and stop signs for navigating around the house. The programmable robot kit for beginners also comes with a new reversible cover that keeps the Bolt rolling away too fast on smooth surfaces.

The Sphero Edu app (available for Android, iOS, and Kindle) gives you access to several modes to play with the robot ball. You can watch block-based tutorials to learn how to code or try JavaScript text-based coding in the new Lightning Lab mode.

4- Meccano G15 KS Special Robot

The Meccano Special Robot is a programmable robot kit for beginners. It comes with a rechargeable battery, a charging cable, and an instruction manual.

This robot has four motors and over 640 mechanical parts for walking and moving its arms, hands, and head. 

The Meccano Special Robot is compatible with a free app that allows you to program your movements for the robot. The app has step-by-step instructions for programming your robot, including simple games that feature the robot’s movements. If you want more challenges, you can create more complex programs using JavaScript or Python code (the app also allows you to convert your JavaScript or Python code into movement instructions for the robot).

This programmable robot kit for beginners is suitable for children aged 10 and older. It is compatible with other Meccano construction sets, which means builders can customize their robots by adding new ones.

5- Wonder Workshop Dash and Dot

We’re in the midst of a robotics revolution. We see more programmable robots at lower prices than ever, and they’re no longer being pigeonholed as educational tools. These robots are so fun that kids will be okay with learning to code while playing with them.

Wonder Workshop makes two such robots: Dash and Dot. Dash is a small, four-wheeled robot that rolls around the house and performs tasks like picking up objects, playing with sounds, and even dancing. Dot is a stationary robot that looks like a small desktop computer (minus the monitor). It talks and responds to voice commands but can’t move independently.

Both programmable robot kits for beginners are meant to be played using the Wonder Workshop app on an iPad or Android tablet (there’s yet to be an iPhone version). Kids assemble graphical programming blocks that tell Dash or Dot what to do — like Legos for code. Amazon’s Kindle Fire tablets come pre-loaded with the Wonder Workshop app and other educational software.

6- LittleBits Star Wars Droid Inventor Kit

Packing a ton of fun in an easy-to-use kit, the LittleBits Star Wars Droid Inventor Kit is the perfect starting point for young programmers. The programmable robot kit for beginners comes with all the bits needed to build and program R2-D2 in under 30 minutes (with no soldering required), but there are also instructions on how to build a variety of other droids.

The kit is designed to help kids learn the basics of building and coding while encouraging creativity and experimentation at the same time. Kids can use their droids to create interactive stories and games by using household items as tools or obstacles.

The Star Wars Droid programmable robot kit for beginners includes step-by-step instructions for building R2-D2, with additional instructions available on the littleBits website for more advanced projects. Once finished, kids can use the free littleBits Invent app on iOS or Android to bring their droids to life.

The app features a remote control mode where kids can steer R2-D2 around using virtual joysticks on their mobile devices. There’s also an autopilot mode that allows kids to record a series of movements and actions so they can be played back in sequence at any time.

7- Makeblock mBot-S STEM is the Best Programmable robot kit for beginners 

If you have a young kid fascinated by robotics and STEM, the Makeblock mBot-S STEM Educational Robot Kit for Kids is a perfect gift. It’s a great introduction to coding and engineering for younger kids, and with Bluetooth, you can control it from your smartphone.

The Makeblock mBot-S has a modular design so that it can be upgraded with more sensors and different accessories. It’s easy to build, with only minimal assembly required out of the box. And instead of programming via USB or PC, you can use the mBlockly app on Android or iOS to program behaviors using drag-and-drop blocks to control how the robot behaves.

The programmable robot kit for beginners is intended for ages 8+, but it’s an easy toy to help your child understand the basics of robotics at an early age.

The most-S features two motors used to drive and turn the robot, which can be programmed using the included remote controller. The app includes 16 tutorials that combine mechanical and electrical components, programming concepts, and engineering practices so kids can learn how everything works together to make their robot move around. Many project ideas are also available online if you want to expand beyond what’s included in the kit.

Conclusion

These programmable robot kits for beginners have their unique advantages and disadvantages. For example, the Kano kit is a great all-rounder with an excellent price tag that includes an app store for easy program downloading. The LEGO Boost Kit is programmable with a clever and intuitive app that aids the programming process for children younger than 7. The two-way relationship between technology and physical creations keeps interest and understanding high. The littleBits Droid Inventor Kit is insanely cool and magical but requires familiarity with previous coding skills.

The Meccano Special Robot is the best programmable robot kit for beginners. This educational robot is highly recommended because it comes with everything a beginner needs to learn to become a robotics engineer. Plus, it has many cool features and capabilities, making it one of the most fun robots you’ll ever get. So if you want to build your robot and be part of the exciting world of robotics and robotic engineering, this would be an excellent choice.

Hopefully, this guide has given you a better idea of which robot kit is best for you. There are many different robot kits, but these five are all excellent in their own right. Just be sure to pick the one that best aligns with your needs and interests!