LEGO has been making childhood toys for more than 50 years and now even offer kits that allow your child to build a robot. These sets encourage young kids to explore and get excited about STEM. LEGO robot kits are great gifts that combine fun with learning to build, code and program. They come in variations designed for every age and skill level. If you or your child wants to build a fully functional intelligent robot that walks, talks, plays games and completes many different tasks, try the LEGO Mindstorm EV3 31313 Robot Kit.
Start by choosing one of two main types of robot kits: model robots or programmable robots.
The greater the detail involved, the more time and effort required to build the robot. Programmable robot kits will always be more detailed than model robot kits. Look for two key indicators: the number of pieces included and the suggested age range. More detailed and complicated kits will have at least 500 separate pieces. Robot kits with high levels of detail will require tools to assemble and will also be more expensive.
Small programmable robot kits have one motor while larger and more detailed robot kits will have two or even three motors. High-tech add-ons like transmitters and sensors have electrical components that need more than one motor to operate properly.
LEGO’s EV3 Programming App: This app uses intuitive onscreen icons as a simple and effective way to get started programming and coding. The Help documentation explains how to connect your EV3 Brick to your computer source, navigate the programming blocks, write a basic program and run it on your EV3 Brick Controller.
LEGO’s EV3 Brick Controller: This is a brick-shaped, intelligent and programmable control center and power station for your robot. It is powered by six AA/LR6 batteries and has 10 ports to connect computers with motors, sensors and beacons to tell your robot what to do. Using LEGO software, you create, program and play with the robot you built with your own hands.
You will find simple model kits for $15-$25 and more detailed ones for $100 or more. Programmable model kits start at around $150 and increase in cost as you add pieces, motors, sensors and possibilities.
A. Yes, on two different levels. LEGO Boost kits teach younger kids the basic rules of programming through the use of drag-and-drop icons. Those who choose LEGO Mindstorm kits learn how to code by writing their own programs using more complex processes.
A. Anyone can have fun with a LEGO robot kit. If you enjoy technology, try using a more complex model. If you’re new to coding, a simpler kit is a good start.
LEGO Mindstorm EV3 31313 Robot Kit
What you need to know: This fully functional intelligent robot kit allows you to create five different robots that walk, talk and play games.
What you’ll love: Builders of all ages will enjoy creating and commanding their own 16- by 15- by 14-inch robot with this 601-piece kit. It includes the intelligent EV3 Brick, three motors and color, touch and infrared sensors.
What you should consider: This is a pricey robot that requires some technical and programming skills.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
LEGO Creator Robo Explorer 31062
What you need to know: This 3-in-1 model rebuilds into a robot dog and a robot bird.
What you’ll love: The robot dog has a jetpack that lights up and the robot bird’s eyes light up with the battery powered LEGO Light Brick. The wheels roll easily and the claw and searchlight are both functional. This kit is appropriate for kids ages 7 to 12.
What you should consider: Younger kids will likely need help from adults.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
LEGO Star Wars VIII BB-8 75187 Building Kit
What you need to know: This Star Wars droid has more than 1,100 parts and is designed for kids 10 to 16.
What you’ll love: The detailing is authentic. Turn one wheel at the side to rotate the head and another to open the access hatch and extend the welding torch. It also comes with a display stand, decorative fact plaque and mini-figure.
What you should consider: This kit is expensive for a model that can’t be programmed.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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David Allan Van writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
