We all know the global phenomenon that is LEGO but there are so many different kinds of LEGO products and sets available that it can often be hard to keep track of them all!
There are all sorts of kits around that allow both kids and adults to build a wide range of models and sets that are accessible to everyone.
From beginners to experts, you are sure to find a LEGO kit to suit your needs! In this article, we are going to be looking specifically at LEGO Robotics Kits.
LEGO Robotics are a great way to inspire and challenge the minds of kids with an interest in technology but they are also a brilliant way for adults to get in on the world of robotics or to strengthen their skills if they already have an interest in the subject.
With this in mind, we are going to be taking a look at the best LEGO robotics kits that are available right now to bring some joy to tech-savvy children and grown-ups of all ages!
This robotics kit is a great way for younger kids to not only be introduced to the world of robotics but also the world of coding.
As a STEM toy (which stands for science, technology, engineering, and math) it is an engaging and inspiring way to get kids interested in these kinds of fields.
This kit is recommended for 7 to 12 years old and so, although the kit is sure to be a challenge, it is still accessible to younger children and a fantastic starting point for wannabe coders and techie kids.
This kit will teach a vast array of STEM-based skills, such as building, coding, color, and tilt sensor technologies as well as distance technology. The LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox actively inspires creativity thanks to the five-in-one nature of the kit.
Five models can be created with the contents of the toolbox and each is a little tricker than the last. If you want to be able to successfully create all of the models, you have to be keep improving and building your skills as you go.
This will encourage kids to keep practicing their LEGO building skills so that they can make all of the models. The first model is Vernie The Robot. Vernie can dance, make jokes, and even fart, which is obviously a bonus!
Next is Frankie the Cat, an interactive, robotic cat that can purr, play and express its emotions. Frankie is sure to be an appealing model for animal lovers.
There is then a guitar that can be built with the kit that acts as a learning toy thanks to the pitch bend and the sound effects. A brilliant option for anyone looking to get into learning a musical instrument or for those just generally interested in music.
The following model is called the M.T.R. 4, which is a rover vehicle that is incredibly versatile thanks to the four different tool attachments and a spring-loaded shooter.
This would be great for those with an interest in vehicle toys. The last model that can be built with the kit is an Auto Builder, a miniature automatic production line that builds miniature LEGO models!
So once the models are built, how do you get them to work? Well, all you have to do is download the free LEGO Boost app and follow the step-by-step guide and you are good to go!
This app is brilliant for teaching kids the simplest and most basic first steps of coding via an easy-to-use, icon-based interface that offers tons of different activities for each of the five models.
Offering various kinds of activities gives kids more of a chance to flex their creativity alongside their logical skills. The activities are designed to teach a range of STEM-based skills such as loops, variables, and problem-solving.
The variety of models that can be built with the LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox makes it one of the most versatile LEGO robotics kits but also one of the most accessible ones due to the differing levels of skills that are required to complete the five models.
As well as that, it is also one of the most encouraging kits when it comes to kids building and developing their skills so that they can complete all of the models.
Challenging yet accessible, the LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox is definitely one of the best LEGO robotics kits. This kit comes with a playmat that can be used as well as a LEGO Boost wall poster to display your LEGO robotics interest with pride!
This next kit is part of the LEGO Boost series so it works in a similar way to the LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox that we have already discussed.
This kit would be great for fans of Star Wars as it is specifically themed around the intergalactic series, offering kids the chance to build various droids from a galaxy far, far away.
With this kit, you will get the chance to build three droids from the iconic franchise. Alongside the Mouse Droid and the Gonk Droid, the world-famous R2-D2 is also buildable with this kit!
Star Wars fans of all ages are sure to get a kick out of making their very own R2-D2 but the other droids are also pretty cute and appear in memorable moments within the movies.
The droids themselves are a bit of a challenge but the recommended age to take on these builds are ages eight and over so they are not going to be too advanced for younger kids.
They are also relatively well-sized models, with the completed R2-D2 measuring at 20cm in height, 10cm in length, and 14cm in width, the completed Mouse Droid measuring at 14cm in height, 17cm in length and 9cm in width and the completed Gonk Droid measuring at 18cm in height, 16cm in length and 9cm in width.
The droids also come with various LEGO weapons and tools (including a catapult, rocket boosters, and even a cake shooter!) that can be attached.
These attachments can then come to life with the activities that are available via the LEGO Boost app. There are also buildable props too that further the interactivity with the app, such as dodge barriers and targets that can be aimed at and shot by the droids.
The level of interactivity is heightened thanks to all of the cool accessories that can be added to the three droids.
It also gives kids a fun learning experience thanks to the wide array of activities that be performed through coding via the app due to these extra accessories. They make all the difference in both the educational and the enjoyment factors.
The kit works in the same way as the other LEGO Boost kits in that the models sync up with the free Boost app. However, the Star Wars Droid kit adds a bunch of additional, Star Wars related features to the app.
For instance, the user can use their droid to engage in missions for either the Empire or the Rebel Alliance. If you're not in the know in regards to the Star Wars universe, the Empire = bad guys, and the Alliance = good guys!
There are around forty missions to take part in with tons of fun activities, such as traveling to Star Wars locations like Darth Vader’s planet-sized weapon The Death Star and Princess Leia’s homeworld Alderaan (before it came to a rather explodey end!) as well as performing tasks like training for battle, decoding messages and even engaging in some espionage against the Empire!
When it comes to installing the Move Hub- which allows the droids to move around- installation is quick and easy, utilized with Bluetooth to make for a strong connection and quick, efficient, easy use.
Whether you are young or old, you are sure to find some enjoyment with the LEGO Star Wars Droids Boost Kit, particularly if you are a big Star Wars fan.
Even if you’re not particularly familiar with the series- but enjoy LEGO- this kit is a great way to jump into the franchise and learn more about the science fiction world of Star Wars whilst also developing your building and coding knowledge.
This robotics kit is one of the best available from LEGO thanks to its ability to combine the galaxy hopping adventures of Star Wars with fun and educational coding content.
The MINDSTORMS LEGO series is all about building robots and- let’s be totally honest here- how can you not think that is the coolest thing ever?
No matter what your age might be, building robots will never not be awesome and the MINDSTORMS series lets both kids and adults indulge in this whilst also teaching the basics of robotics.
This kit is suggested for kids who are in the double digits- ages ten and over-and it isn’t hard to see why as this kit is certainly a little more complex.
It comes with almost 1,000 LEGO pieces (mostly LEGO Technic pieces) which include motors, sensors (including both color and distance sensors that have a handy user interface for kids to use), and an intelligent Hub.
The MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor kit is similar to the Boost Creative kit in that it has five different models that can be created from what comes in the kit. In the same manner as the Boost kit, these models also increase in difficulty as the user progresses which emphasizes learning as you go.
The buildable models that can be created with the kit are the following: Blast the Robot- who fires projectiles such as hammers and missiles to navigate through obstacles-, Charlie the Robot- a helpful and handy robot who can play the drums and has got some stellar dance moves too-, M.V.P.- a vehicular robot who is not only multifunctional and modular but also enjoys eating bricks-, Gelo the Robot who walks, can avoid obstacles and is super smart- and Tricky the Robot, who loves to play sports including basketball.
The variety of robots- both intelligent vehicles and remote control robotics- that can be created are sure to inspire creativity in kids whilst also developing their dexterity and building skills.
The buildable LEGO robots can be synced with the Robot Inventor app, which contains over fifty activities to bring your robotic creations to life! Much like the other inclusions on this list, the app is simple to use and aids in teaching the basics of coding.
This kit has an easy-to-install rechargeable battery too so you won’t have the hassle of searching around for batteries. Just plug in and you’re ready to get started!
We’re getting into the kits for the older kids now with the LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 31313 robot kit, which is recommended for children of around ten to fifteen years old. This is another kit that allows the user to build multiple bots.
The five robots that can be made with the EV3 31313 are the EV3Storm- a fighting robot with weapons attached, including a bazooka and a spinning tri-blade-, Track3R- a crawler, mounted robot that has four tools attached and is adaptable to all terrains-, Gripp3r- a muscle-bound bot that has powerful gripping tools and can lift heavy objects- R3Ptar- a cobra-like robot with fangs and who is super speedy- and Spik3R- with a design inspired by a scorpion made complete with six legs and a lightning tail.
There are 601 pieces in this kit that can be used to create this group of super awesome robots! They all have various designs too- all of which have their own unique features- which have instructions to build.
This variety allows for tons of creativity as well as the development of logical building skills. The kit itself includes the intelligent EV3 Brick (with an ARM9 processor, which is incredibly powerful), servo and color motors, touch sensors, and IR sensors.
With this modern technology, kids are sure to learn whilst having tons of fun too.
When it comes to taking control of your chosen robot, the EV3 programmer app not only lets you control the bots but also teaches some simple coding like a lot of the other LEGO robotics kits we are discussing.
This coding method consists of a drag-and-drop interface which will then allow the robots to walk, talk and even grab things and shoot at targets.
There are ready-made missions to take on or you can just get straight to commanding your robot friend with instructions via the app. One of the unique parts of this particular kit is that it comes with a specific remote that can be used to control the bots.
The great thing about LEGO MINDSTORMS is that the toys are compatible with other LEGO construction sets that are intended for creative building. Versatile and educational, the MINDSTORMS sets are some of the best when it comes to LEGO robotics kits.
This 528 brick kit is a fantastic learning tool that emphasizes learning in regards to STEAM (which is similar to STEM but includes art within the framework, standing for science, technology, engineering, art, and math).
This particular kit is well suited for kids in grades six, seven, or eight. The main feature of the SPIKE Prime system is a programmable Hub which uses a brick-shaped device that has six input/output ports.
This Hub also features Bluetooth connectivity for quick and easy connections and access, a rechargeable battery, a speaker, a six-axis gyro, and a five -by five -light matrix.
Along with the easy yet advanced technology of the Hub, the SPIKE Prime set also includes various accurate and efficient sensors and motors which combine with the standard, bright and colorful LEGO bricks and building elements to attract the attention of both kids and adults to create a kit that is as appealing to the eye as it is a handy learning tool.
Kids can design and create their own robots and include a wide range of dynamic, interactive elements and devices. It might seem complicated, but it’s super simple!
You don’t even have to worry about pieces of LEGO flying around here, there, and everywhere thanks to the handy storage boxes and storage trays.
The coding element of the SPIKE Prime set comes from a system for computers and tablets that uses features from the well-known coding language known as Scratch.
Scratch is a free programming language that is often used by kids thanks to its simple and educational nature. Scratch allows users to create their own interactive games, animations, or stories via basic coding processes.
A similar drag-and-drop technique to some of the other LEGO robotics sets we have mentioned is used within the coding system, emphasizing the simple and easy to learn nature of the coding that is used within the SPIKE Prime kit.
Kids can learn a wide variety of skills as well as coding too with SPIKE Prime, including cloud data, variables, data arrays, engineering design, and much more.
With the combination of both software and hardware elements to educate and entertain- much like the other inclusions on this list- kids can make all sorts of creations related to science, robotics, engineering, and more via the simple coding techniques and the playful nature of vibrant LEGO bricks!
As the name would suggest, the LEGO SPIKE Essential kit is pretty similar to the SPIKE Prime kit.
The main difference here is the age range that the kits are aimed at, with the Prime focusing on kids over twelve and the Essential aimed at younger children between the ages of six and twelve.
They are both part of the LEGO Education series of LEGO sets, more specifically the LEGO Learning System of toys and kits which incorporate an emphasis on programming, engineering, research, and building via the application of coding within the STEAM framework.
This then helps kids to build a huge variety of skills, such as critical thinking, creativity, and logic to name just a few.
Much like the SPIKE Prime kit, SPIKE Essential has lesson plans that are focused on utilizing the LEGO kit within a school environment.
These curriculum-aligned lesson plans are aimed at younger pupils and are based on problem-solving via fun narratives and themes that incorporate the Essential LEGO kit.
This next LEGO kit we are going to look at is aimed at a particularly young audience and whilst it is mostly a toy for fun, it is also a great way to introduce little ones to the basic concepts of coding.
The LEGO DUPLO train set comes with various adorable figures- such as a squirrel and a train driver- action bricks and a sixteen-piece train track to name a few of the features of the set.
The bricks are super colorful and are sure to keep toddlers entertained for hours but it is the interactivity that is the selling point of this particular LEGO set.
The action bricks allow the user to change what the train does, such as what direction it goes and introducing light or sound. This may seem like a basic function but it is also a fantastic way to teach toddlers problem-solving and spatial thinking whilst also being tons of fun for them.
They are also made to be very attractive to toddlers to encourage use (and therefore encouraging the little ones to develop these skills), such as utilizing bright colors for each action brick and recognizable symbols on each one.
The LEGO set also features a corresponding app- like the other entries on this list, though this one is much more basic- that allows toddlers to learn coding on the absolute simplest level that is easy to understand and easy to use.
Coding elements such as looping and sequencing are utilized within the LEGO DUPLO train set in its most basic form.
Not only does this combine a physical learning method (in regards to the action blocks) with a digital learning method- which is sure to help toddlers understand the importance of education via both methods-, the train set also encourages learning with play to enhance the experience and encourage interactivity.
However, the app is optional and so it does not have to be introduced straight away if you would rather wait until your little one is a little bit older before they start playing with phone apps!
This kit might seem relatively simple compared to the others on this list and you would be right to think so. It isn’t the complexity of the robotics in this kit that makes it one of the best robotics-based LEGO kits.
Instead, it is how the set encourages STEM-themed learning from an age as young as two without being overwhelming, confusing, too complex, or inappropriate for a toddler.
The coding elements are utilized perfectly, simple enough for toddlers to understand whilst still allowing them to learn the absolute basics.
The optional nature of the app along with the physical action blocks means that kids won't miss out even if they don't have access to the digital element of the set.
As a toy for toddlers and a LEGO robotics kit, the LEGO DUPLO train set is one of the best when you consider its amalgamation of education with entertainment designed for an age that can be very difficult to create suitable educational toys for.
Hi, my name is Elena Jones, and my full-time job is a teacher. Through teaching, I have discovered that children learn in many different ways, and have seen the positive impact both STEM and Montessori toys have on children.
Through this site I hope to educate parents and adults about these toys, providing them with useful information on how they can be used, and provide some in depth reviews of different toys to consider too.
