Top 8 Interactive Robots for Kids Review in 2024
Educational robots have been around for quite some time, with the goal of making learning a more hands-on and interactive experience. By combining play with educational content, these robots help kids develop important skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and coding. They also ignite curiosity and creativity, sparking a passion for STEM subjects.
In this article, we’ll be comparing and reviewing several popular educational robots. First up we have the Anki Cozmo – Collector’s Edition Educational Robot for Kids. This adorable little robot features expressive AI, which allows it to engage and interact with your child on a personal level. Next, there’s the WowWee MiP Arcade – Interactive Self-Balancing Robot, which offers a variety of screenless and app-enabled games for endless fun. For those interested in building and coding their own robot, we have the OKK Robot Building Toys and the Makeblock mBot Robot Kit, both providing hands-on engineering and coding projects.
But the fun doesn’t stop there! We also have the Sphero Mini, an app-enabled programmable robot ball that incorporates game and code-based learning. For even more creativity, the Makeblock Interactive Light & Sound Robot Add-on Pack can be attached to the mBot, allowing kids to explore sound, light, and shape. Lastly, the LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor Building Set offers a comprehensive STEM kit that combines remote control functionality with coding, promoting both fun and learning.
So, whether your child is into coding, building, or simply having fun with interactive robots, there’s something here to captivate their imagination and provide a valuable learning experience. Let’s dive into the world of educational robots and discover what each one has to offer. Get ready for an adventure filled with innovation, creativity, and lots of giggles!
Cozmo Collector’s Edition Kids’ Educational Robot
Cozmo by Anki is an interactive and educational robot designed specifically for kids. It serves as a sidekick and offers endless entertainment through various games and challenges. Additionally, Cozmo provides an engaging platform for learning to code, making it a valuable tool for educational purposes.
There are several reasons why we highly recommend Anki Cozmo. First and foremost, it brings the magic of real-life robots into your child’s playtime, making them feel like they are living in a science fiction movie. This immersive experience captivates young minds and encourages creativity.
Furthermore, Cozmo’s beginner-friendly interface allows kids to interact effortlessly with the robot. Whether they are challenging it to games or exploring the world from its perspective, Cozmo provides a seamless and intuitive user experience.
Anki Cozmo serves as an educational companion for children, offering a wide range of interactive activities. Through the Cozmo app, kids can learn to code by programming the robot to perform different tasks and solve puzzles. This hands-on approach to learning promotes problem-solving skills and critical thinking.
One of Cozmo’s key features is its durability and security. Designed with rigorous testing, this robot can withstand the playful excitement of kids while ensuring their safety. Additionally, Cozmo requires a compatible iOS or Android device to operate, making it accessible and compatible with various devices.
The overall quality of Anki Cozmo is exceptional. From its lifelike movements to its engaging personality, this educational robot provides an immersive experience for kids. The seamless integration between the physical robot and the digital app enhances the overall interaction and ensures a smooth user experience.
Before making a purchase, it’s essential to consider both the pros and cons of any product. Some of the advantages of Anki Cozmo include its high-quality construction, diverse interactive activities, and educational value. However, it is important to note that Cozmo requires a compatible device and may not be suitable for younger children without adult supervision.
Anki Cozmo – Collector’s Edition Educational Robot for Kids is an excellent interactive toy that combines entertainment and education seamlessly. Its lifelike movements, beginner-friendly interface, and coding capabilities make it an ideal choice for young learners. With Cozmo, your child can embark on a thrilling journey of creativity and exploration while gaining valuable skills.
WowWee MiP Arcade- Robot
The WowWee MiP Arcade is an interactive self-balancing robot that is designed to provide hours of entertainment for kids. It offers a variety of play modes, including app-enabled games, screenless games, remote control, dancing, and even multiplayer modes.
There are many reasons why we love the WowWee MiP Arcade robot. Firstly, it combines both physical and digital play, making it a versatile and engaging toy for kids. Whether they prefer using a mobile device for app-enabled games or playing screenless games, this robot has it all covered. Additionally, the remote control feature allows kids to have full control over the robot’s movements, making it a fun and interactive experience.
The WowWee MiP Arcade robot aims to provide kids with an interactive play experience. It encourages physical activity through its self-balancing feature and dancing mode. The robot can be controlled using a mobile device, allowing kids to play a variety of app-enabled games. It also offers screenless games, which can be enjoyed without the need for a separate device. The multiplayer mode allows kids to compete or play together, promoting social interaction and cooperative play.
Key features of the WowWee MiP Arcade include its self-balancing technology, which ensures stable and smooth movements. The robot can also dance to music, adding a fun and entertaining element to playtime. The app-enabled games offer a wide range of challenges, puzzles, and activities, keeping kids engaged and entertained for hours. The screenless games, on the other hand, promote creativity and imagination as kids create their own games and challenges.
The overall quality of the WowWee MiP Arcade robot is outstanding. The robot is sturdy and durable, capable of withstanding rough play. The self-balancing feature works effectively, ensuring the robot stays upright even on uneven surfaces. The app-enabled games are well-designed and offer a high level of interactivity, providing an immersive gaming experience.
Pros:
- Versatile play modes for different preferences
- Encourages physical activity and social interaction
- High-quality construction and durable design
- Engaging and interactive app-enabled games
Cons:
- Some users may find the remote control feature difficult to use initially
- Limited number of screenless games available
With the WowWee MiP Arcade robot, your child will be entertained for hours. Its versatile play modes, high-quality construction, and engaging games make it a top choice for interactive robots in 2023.
OKK Robot Building Toy
The OKK Robot Building Toys for Boys is a versatile and educational STEM toy designed for kids ages 8-12. It offers a unique combination of remote and app control, allowing children to engage in hands-on building, coding, and programming activities.
We love the OKK Robot Building Toys for Boys because it provides an excellent way for kids to learn and explore STEM concepts while having fun. It encourages creativity, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking, making it a valuable educational tool.
The OKK Robot Building Toys for Boys comprises 635 pieces of building blocks made of safe and harmless ABS plastic. It comes with a picture guide instruction manual that assists children in constructing the robot toy step-by-step.
This STEM toy not only functions as a robot but also doubles as a learning and educational kit. It enables children to practice their hands-on skills and nurture their curiosity in the creative world of coding.
With remote control and app control capabilities, the robot can perform various movements, including flexible left, right, front, back, and 360-degree rotating stunts. It can be controlled through Bluetooth connection on a phone app or via a 2.4GHz remote controller with a 65ft radius range.
The OKK Robot Building Toys for Boys features joints that are free to move, allowing the head, shoulders, arms, elbows, tracks, and eyebrows to rotate, creating various expressive expressions. This adds an element of interaction and fun to the play experience.
The OKK Robot Building Toys for Boys stands out for its high-quality construction and design. The ABS plastic building blocks are durable and safe for children to use. The robot’s movements are smooth and precise, thanks to the servo motors and updated gear movement system.
Pros:
- Provides a hands-on learning experience in STEM fields
- Encourages creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking
- Offers both remote and app control options
- High-quality construction using safe ABS plastic
- Includes detailed instruction manual for easy assembly
Cons:
- Remote control requires separate AAA batteries
With its educational value, versatile control options, and overall quality, the OKK Robot Building Toys for Boys makes an excellent choice for children interested in engineering and creative play. Whether it’s for birthdays or holiday gifts, both boys and girls aged 8+ will have a blast playing with this interactive building toy.
Sphero Mini (Blue) STEM Educational Toy
The Sphero Mini is an app-enabled programmable robot ball that serves as a STEM educational toy for kids ages 8 and up. It is designed to introduce beginners to the world of robotics and coding, making it a great tool for learning and entertainment.
We are impressed by the Sphero Mini’s ability to combine fun and education in a tiny robot ball. It is equipped with a gyroscope, accelerometer, and colorful LED lights, offering endless possibilities for learning and play. The Sphero Edu app seamlessly integrates coding and customization, allowing kids to unleash their creativity and problem-solving skills.
The Sphero Mini is designed to provide an entry point into robotics for beginners. With the Sphero Edu app, kids can create and customize games, and code the Mini using various methods, including drawing on the screen, drag and drop coding blocks, and JavaScript. Additionally, the free Sphero Play app offers drive mode and STEM-inspired games, making the Sphero Mini versatile and engaging.
The Sphero Mini is a high-quality educational toy that offers a well-rounded experience for kids. Its durable construction ensures that it can withstand the rigors of playtime, and its compact size makes it easy to transport and use in various settings. The Mini’s advanced technology, including its gyroscope and accelerometer, adds to its overall quality and enhances the learning experience for kids.
Some pros of the Sphero Mini include its compact size, interactive programming capabilities, and versatility in both play and education. Additionally, the Mini comes with 3 traffic cones and 6 bowling pins for obstacle course fun. However, it is important to note that the Sphero Mini requires a compatible device, such as a smartphone or tablet, to access the Sphero Edu and Play apps.
The Sphero Mini (Blue) App-Enabled Programmable Robot Ball is an exceptional educational toy that combines fun and learning. It provides an excellent introduction to robotics and coding for kids, fostering creativity and critical thinking. With its compact size and advanced features, the Sphero Mini is sure to inspire the creators of tomorrow.
mBot Robot Kit
The Makeblock mBot Robot Kit is primarily designed as an educational toy for children ages 8-12. It serves as an entry-level coding robot that teaches kids about electronics, robotics, and computer programming in a simple and fun way.
We love the Makeblock mBot Robot Kit because it provides a hands-on learning experience for kids. It encourages them to explore the world of coding and robotics through interactive software and learning resources. This kit helps children build a solid foundation in programming, step by step, using Scratch and Arduino.
The Makeblock mBot Robot Kit serves as an excellent tool to introduce kids to the world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). It allows children to learn about programming, electronics, and machinery while having fun building their own robot. With clear building instructions, kids can easily assemble the robot within 15 minutes using just a screw.
The mBot Robot Kit is not only a construction project but also a versatile toy. Once built, kids can use it as a remote control car with various functions, such as line-following and obstacle avoidance. The kit comes with coding lessons and coding cards that enable children to explore different programming concepts and create their own projects. Additionally, the robot is compatible with 100+ electronic modules and 500+ parts from the Makeblock platform, allowing for endless customization.
The overall quality of the Makeblock mBot Robot Kit is exceptional. The components are sturdy and durable, ensuring that the robot can withstand the rigors of play. The kit is well-packaged, making it a perfect gift for birthdays, holidays, or other special occasions.
- Provides an excellent introduction to coding, electronics, and robotics
- Easy to assemble within 15 minutes
- Multiple coding lessons and resources included
- Versatile toy with various functions
- Compatible with a wide range of electronic modules and parts
- Requires additional batteries (4 AA batteries for the robot kit and a CR2025 battery for the remote control) which are not included
The Makeblock mBot Robot Kit is a fantastic educational toy that combines fun and learning. It helps kids develop their coding skills and introduces them to the world of robotics. With its easy assembly, versatile functions, and compatibility with various add-on packs, the mBot Robot Kit provides endless opportunities for creativity and exploration.
Makeblock mBot Interactive Light & Sound Robot Add-on Pack
The primary use of the Makeblock Interactive Light & Sound Robot Add-on Pack is to enhance the mBot robot’s capabilities by providing interactive light and sound features. It allows kids to create more engaging and dynamic projects with their mBot robot and explore the world of coding in a fun and interactive way.
We absolutely love the Makeblock Interactive Light & Sound Robot Add-on Pack because it takes the mBot robot to a whole new level. With the addition of lights and sounds, kids can create more visually appealing and interactive projects. It adds an element of excitement and creativity to their coding experience, making it even more enjoyable.
The Makeblock Interactive Light & Sound Robot Add-on Pack is specifically designed to work with the mBot robot. It includes various components such as a sound sensor, an LED matrix, and a buzzer. These components allow kids to incorporate different light and sound effects into their robot’s actions. They can program the mBot to play melodies, display messages, and respond to specific sounds or inputs.
The key features of this add-on pack are its versatility and ease of use. It comes with a variety of shapes that can be easily attached to the mBot robot, allowing kids to experiment and create various designs. The components can be controlled using block-based coding software, which is beginner-friendly and suitable for kids aged 6 and above. It also provides a hands-on learning experience for children, helping them develop problem-solving skills, logical thinking, and creativity.
The Makeblock Interactive Light & Sound Robot Add-on Pack is made with high-quality materials, ensuring its durability and longevity. The components are well-designed and provide reliable performance. The pack comes with clear instructions and is easy to assemble, making it accessible for both kids and parents. Its compatibility with the mBot robot ensures seamless integration and enhances the overall quality of the play and learning experience.
- Pros:
- Enhances the mBot robot’s capabilities with interactive light and sound features
- Stimulates creativity and imagination through visual effects and melodies
- Encourages hands-on learning and develops coding skills
- Well-designed components and easy assembly
- Cons:
- Requires the mBot robot to fully utilize its features
- Sound sensor may not be as sensitive as expected in noisy environments
LEGO Robot Inventor Building Set
The LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor Building Set is designed to inspire kids to learn and explore STEM skills through building, coding, and controlling their own robot creations.
This interactive robot set offers an exciting and engaging way for kids to learn about robotics and coding. It combines hands-on building with digital programming, allowing children to unleash their creativity while developing important STEM skills.
With almost 1,000 pieces, including an intelligent Hub, 4 Medium Motors, Color Sensor, and Distance Sensor with a break-out interface, the LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor building set provides endless possibilities for creating and controlling robots.
Kids can follow the step-by-step instructions to build five unique robot models, such as Blast, a towering robot that shoots missiles, and Gelo, a robot that can play ball and drive around. The set also includes a rechargeable battery, ensuring uninterrupted playtime.
One of the standout features of this product is the integration with technology. Through the LEGO MINDSTORMS app, kids can program their robots, customize their behavior, and control them remotely using a smartphone or tablet. They can even share their creations with others on LEGO Life, an online platform for LEGO enthusiasts.
LEGO is known for its high-quality building sets, and the MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor set is no exception. The pieces are durable and well-crafted, ensuring that kids can enjoy hours of play without worrying about them breaking or wearing out.
The intuitive and user-friendly app interface enhances the overall experience, making it easy for kids to dive into the world of coding and robotics. The set also offers plenty of room for creativity and personalization, allowing children to truly make their robots their own.
Pros:
- Encourages creativity and innovation
- Develops essential STEM skills
- High-quality and durable pieces
- Easy-to-use app interface
- Integration with other LEGO sets and platforms
Cons:
- Requires a compatible smartphone or tablet for programming and remote control
The LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor Building Set is a fantastic choice for kids interested in robotics and coding. It offers a comprehensive learning experience, high-quality components, and endless possibilities for imaginative play. With this set, your child can become a master builder and programmer while having fun along the way.
Smart Robots for Kids
The Ruko Smart Robots for Kids is an interactive and programmable robot designed for children aged 4 to 9 years old. It serves as an educational toy that can entertain and engage kids while stimulating their creativity and logical thinking skills.
We love the Ruko Smart Robots for Kids because it offers innovative ways for children to play, learn, and explore. With its large size of up to 15.8 inches, this robot is sure to impress and surprise kids. It provides a wide range of features and functions that help build imagination and creativity.
This interactive robot is aimed at providing STEM enlightenment to children. It comes with 10 emojis, 9 flexible joints, and 10 music options, offering kids the opportunity to engage in creative programming with over 200 different movements. Through rhythmic activities, children can exercise their logical thinking, enhance their creativity, and improve their brain coordination abilities.
The Ruko Smart Robots for Kids also boasts diverse functions such as gymnastics, storytelling, dancing, music playing, and recording. These features contribute to cultivating children’s artistic perception from an early age, making this robot an entertaining companion and a great source of fun.
The Ruko Smart Robots for Kids is made of high-quality and environmentally friendly ABS material, ensuring durability and safety for kids. Its smooth edges without burrs protect children’s skin from any potential harm. Additionally, the robot has obtained FCC and CPC certificates, guaranteeing its compliance with safety standards.
- Variety of play options to stimulate creativity
- STEM enlightenment for logical thinking and brain coordination
- Diverse functions including gymnastics, storytelling, dancing, music playing, and recording
- Kid-friendly materials and safety certifications
- Multiple control methods for versatile play
- Limited battery life of 100 minutes
- Requires charging for 150 minutes
The Ruko Smart Robots for Kids offers a brilliant gift idea for children between 4 to 9 years old. With its numerous features, it provides a fun and interactive experience while promoting education and creativity. The robot’s high-quality construction and safe design make it an ideal companion for kids’ playtime.
Comparison of Specifications
| Product | Compatible Age Range | Educational Focus | Control Methods | Battery Requirements | Number of Pieces | Dimensions | Included Accessories | Additional Compatible Products/Accessories | Warranty |
| Anki Cozmo – Collector’s Edition | 8 years and up | Creatively coding, beginner-friendly interface | Cozmo app (compatible with iOS and Android devices) | Rechargeable via USB | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| WowWee MiP Arcade – Interactive Self-Balancing Robot | 6 years and up | Robotics | App-enabled, screenless games, RC | Rechargeable via USB | N/A | N/A | 3 traffic cones, 6 bowling pins | LEGO BOOST Creative Toolbox, Droid Commander | N/A |
| OKK Robot Building Toys | 8-12 years | STEM projects, hands-on skills, creativity, coding | App-controlled, remote-controlled (bluetooth connection), voice control, gravity sensor, STEM programming | Rechargeable via USB | 635 | N/A | Picture guide instruction, remote controller | N/A | 90 days |
| Sphero Mini (Blue) App-Enabled Programmable Robot Ball | 8 years and up | STEM educational toy, code and play, learn programming | Sphero Play App (drive with joystick mode, slingshot mode, tilt mode) | Rechargeable via USB | N/A | 1.57 inches | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Makeblock mBot Robot Kit | 8 years and up | Learn to code with Scratch Arduino, computer programming, STEM | Remote control, phone app (bluetooth connection), STEAM coding | 4 AA batteries (not included) | N/A | N/A | N/A | Add-on packs | N/A |
| Makeblock Interactive Light & Sound Robot Add-on Pack | 8 years and up | Light and sound effect for mBot robot, creativity, programming | App-controlled (bluetooth connection) | N/A | N/A | N/A | 3-in-1 robot add-on pack | mBot robot kit | N/A |
| LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor Building Set | 10 years and up | STEM skills, build, code, play with remote-control model robots | Remote control, coding and programming through apps | Rechargeable via USB | 949 | N/A | Color Sensor, Distance Sensor, 4 Medium Motors | LEGO BOOST Creative Toolbox, Droid Commander | N/A |
| Ruko Smart Robots | 4 years and up | Logical thinking, creativity, brain coordination, musical activities | Remote control, Carle App (bluetooth connection), gravity sensor control, voice control | Rechargeable via USB | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 90 days |
Conclusion
In conclusion, we have reviewed eight different robotic products for kids, each offering unique features and educational benefits. Let’s summarize the key points for each product and address any drawbacks:
Anki Cozmo – Collector’s Edition Educational Robot for Kids
Anki Cozmo is a highly interactive and educational robot that offers engaging gameplay and learning opportunities. It has a charming personality and can teach kids basic coding skills. However, some users have reported connectivity issues with the app, which may affect the overall experience.
WowWee MiP Arcade – Interactive Self-Balancing Robot
The WowWee MiP Arcade is a versatile robot that offers a range of play modes, including app-enabled and screenless games. It can dance and perform various tricks, providing endless entertainment. However, it may require some initial setup and calibration, which could be challenging for younger kids.
OKK Robot Building Toys for Boys – STEM Projects for Kids
The OKK Robot Building Toys set is an excellent choice for kids interested in engineering, coding, and robotics. With its remote and app control features, it offers a comprehensive learning experience. However, with 635 pieces, it may be overwhelming for younger children and require adult assistance during assembly.
Sphero Mini (Blue) App-Enabled Programmable Robot Ball
The Sphero Mini is a small yet powerful robot ball that introduces kids to programming and coding. It provides a wide range of activities through its play and edu app, offering a fun and interactive learning experience. However, its small size may limit some of its functionalities and may be easily lost or damaged.
Makeblock mBot Robot Kit – STEM Projects
The Makeblock mBot Robot Kit is a versatile and beginner-friendly robot that allows kids to learn coding with Scratch and Arduino. It offers a structured and hands-on approach to programming and robotics. However, it may require additional sensors or modules to fully explore all of its capabilities.
Makeblock Interactive Light & Sound Robot Add-on Pack
The Makeblock Interactive Light & Sound Robot Add-on Pack is a great extension to the mBot Robot Kit. With its 3-in-1 robot add-on pack, it adds new forms and functionalities to the mBot, enhancing the overall learning experience. However, this add-on pack requires the mBot Robot Kit as a prerequisite.
LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor Building Set
The LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor Building Set offers a comprehensive STEM learning experience with its remote control and coding capabilities. With 949 pieces, it provides endless possibilities for creativity and problem-solving. However, the complexity of the set may require some parental guidance for younger kids.
Ruko Smart Robots for Kids – Large Programmable Interactive RC Robot
Ruko Smart Robots is a feature-packed robot with voice and app control, making it highly interactive and programmable. It offers a wide range of capabilities to keep kids engaged. However, for younger children, it may be challenging to fully utilize all of its functions without adult supervision.
Recommendation
Considering the different features and drawbacks of these eight products, the Anki Cozmo – Collector’s Edition Educational Robot for Kids stands out as a top recommendation. It offers a perfect balance of educational content and engaging gameplay, making it suitable for kids of various ages. Its programming and coding features are user-friendly and intuitive, providing a fun and educational experience. The only drawback would be occasional connectivity issues with the app, but overall, Anki Cozmo is a fantastic choice for both boys and girls who are eager to learn and have fun with robotics.
