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The popularity of robots and robotics is fast rising, blame that on the slew of robot movies produced in the recent years. But while having robot helpers in our homes might still be a long time coming, toy robots, on the other hand, are gaining traction among kids and even kids-at-heart. And because the toy market can literally be a smorgasbord of toys, robots included, taking your pick can be overwhelming. It is in this note that the My Mommy Needs That team put this list of the best toy robots out there. The things we considered when we made our picks were:
(Clarification: We used “he” for concision.)
- Quality – kids can be brutal when handling their toys especially if they’re pitting them against each other in one of their many pretend plays. The list below only includes toy robots that can withstand a bit of roughhousing from little (and big!) hands.
- Age Appropriateness – some of the toy robots in the list are for older kids. There are also others children as young as 3 can play with. Manufacturers have included age recommendations for the robots on their boxes, so better take note of them. You also have to consider your child’s special needs when choosing a toy robot for him.
- Value That Goes Beyond Fun – yes, we buy toys for our kids because we want them to have fun. However, it doesn’t mean they can’t have fun and learn at the same time. The toy robots in this list help develop a number of skills – cognitive, problem-solving, creative, as well as build his interest in robotics and AI. Who knows, he might want to pursue a career in the said field in the future!
- Face Value – adults are more interested in a product’s internal features than it’s aesthetic beauty. However, that’s not the case for most, if not all, kids. They’re attracted to the colors, the style, and the familiarity of things, toys included. We took this in mind when we made the list up.
- Price – of course, we always want to get a bang for our bucks. We just have to remember that when it comes to toy robots, we will get what we paid for. It’s best if we invest on one that has these three factors – quality, safety, and usefulness.
(If you don’t have the time to read through the lengthy post, check the table out!)
| Product Name | Image | Price | Features | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cubetto Playset Coding Toy (Primo Toys) |   | $$$$$ | A toy robot set that teaches very young kids (3-6 years old) coding and programming without having had to use additional gadgets. | ★★★★ |
| Imaginext DC Super Friends, RC Transforming Batbot (Fisher Price) |   | $$ | A two-in-one toy robot that comes with an action figure (Batman), four discs and a controller. Good for your little Batman/DC fan and recommended for kids age 3-7. | ★★★★ |
| Think & Learn Teach 'N Tag Movi (Fisher-Price) |   | $$ | Movi is the ideal AI companion for your preschooler. The robot is promised to get your child up, moving, having fun and, most of all, learning in no time. | ★★★★ |
| Zoomer Dino (Spin Master) |   | $$$ | The Zoomer Dino is shaped like a dinosaur yet has the personality of a dog. Teach your kids how to be responsible pet owners along with coding and programming fun with this toy robot. | ★★★ ★ |
| Mr. Robot Remote Disc-Shooting Robot (Westminster) |   | $ (On sale) | Remember those word-spouting and lighting action figures we had when we were kids? This toy robot is a total upgrade to those toys. | ★★★ |
| Dash and Dot Robot Wonder Pack (Wonder Workshop) |   | $$$$$ | These robots are LEGO-compatible and make learning coding fun for kids who are as young as 6 years old. Great to also use in classrooms. | ★★★★ |
| LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox 17101 Building and Coding Kit (LEGO)**Editor's Choice** |   | $$$ | You can build five various models with this one kit from LEGO. Plus, the kit not only teaches kids age 7-12 the joys of building their robots, but robot coding as well. | ★★★★ |
| Orbotix 1B01RW1 Sphero Ollie App-Controlled Robot (Sphero) |   | $$$ | A toy robot that's good for outdoor playing. Remove the rubber grip tires and you can play with Ollie on smooth surfaces as well. It's tough, does stunts and can go as fast as 14 mph. | ★★★★ |
| Tenergy Odev Geo STEM DIY Toy Robot (Tenergy) |   | $ | A very affordable DIY toy robot that runs on renewable energy (saltwater and solar). Teach your kids (or class!) robotics and sustainable energy with this one. | ★★★★ |
| Sphero Original BB-8 (Sphero) |   | $$ (On Sale!) | A cute and realistic-looking BB-8 droid from the Star Wars franchise. Any fan, young or old, will surely like this one. | ★★★ ★ |
| Cozmo (Anki) (Comes in Cozmo and Cozmo Old packaging in Amazon) |   | $$$ | The robot with an attitude, Cozmo has AI comparable (according to buyers) to that of Siri. If you want your kid or yourself to have a cute and lovable robot companion, Cozmo is "it." | ★★★★ |
| MiP the Toy Robot (WowWee) |   | $$ | A companion robot that responds to its owner's gestures/actions and does a lot of things like eating, talking its own language and even fight others of its kind. | ★★★★ |
| mBot 1.1 Kit (Makeblock) |   | $$ | Robots that are great for personal use or for classroom teaching. mBots teach STEM skills, robotics, coding and electronics to kids aged 8 years old and up. | ★★★★ |
| Meccano MeccaNoid G15 KS (Meccano) |   | $$$ (On Sale!) | This 4-foot humanoid robot might be difficult to put up but, once done, it's fun to play with. Older kids and teens (even adults!) will learn a lot on robotics with this robot. | ★★★ |
| Cubelets Robot Blocks (Twenty Blocks In One Package) (Modular Robotics) |   | $$$$$$$ | A very expensive robotic cubes set but, according to buyers, is worth the investment. Cubelets teach kids as young as 4 the mechanics of robotics while older kids, teens and even adults will find building robots from the cubes could be a lot of fun. | ★★★★ |
| 14-in-1 Solar Robot (OWI) |   | $ | Recommended for kids aged 8-15, this robot kit lets your child assemble 14 different robots and make them move with the use of solar energy. | ★★★ |
| BuilderZ ZOOB Bot (ZOOB) |   | $ | A colorful, buildable robot kit that will surely pique your kid's interest in robotics. | ★★★★ |
17 Best Toy Robots
Cubetto Playset Coding Toy (Primo Toys)
Cubetto is a friendly wooden toy robot set to teach kids as young as three about coding and the programming language.
A toy robot for very young kids (recommended age is 3 to 6 years old).
Teaches coding and programming without having had to use any gadgets. Screen time-conscious parents will love this one!
It is a Montessori-approved educational toy. Some parents who are homeschooling their kids use the play-set for introductory lessons to coding and programming.
Aside from Cubetto, the set includes a control board, 16 control blocks, a world map and a story book.
It’s expensive.
Imaginext DC Super Friends, RC Transforming Batbot (Fisher Price)
Made for kids as young as 3 years old (recommended age is between 3 to 7).
The toy’s package includes a Batman figure, discs and the controller aside from the batbot itself.
It’s programmed to make over 100 sounds and phrases, can turn, go forward and backward, fitted with “cool” lights and throws discs. Kids will have fun going through their imaginative plays with this one.
Buyers commended it for being tough, withstanding very rough plays from their kids and grandkids.
Requires batteries (the controller needs AA batteries to function fully).
Think & Learn Teach ‘N Tag Movi (Fisher-Price)
Movi is a good companion to kids with ages ranging from 3 to 6.
The robot is programmed with more than 60 facial expressions which changes during plays.
Not only does Movi gets kids to stand up and move about, the robot also enhances critical thinking skills and encourages kids to follow directions.
If you’re looking for a toy robot that incorporates coding/programming in its package, then Movi isn’t for you.
Zoomer Dino (Spin Master)
Boomer is recommended for kids with ages ranging from 5 to 10.
It can be trained to chomp, chase, roar, and dance by its owners via programming. So, not only does it teaches responsible pet ownership, it can also pique your kid’s interest in the makings of robotics.
Thoy robot’s package include one dino robot, one control pod, one USB cable for charging and an instruction booklet.
It can be programmed to follow your child around the house. However, doing so means your putting it at risk of being trampled on with its tail being the most fragile.
Mr. Robot Remote Disc-Shooting Robot (Westminster)
Mr. Robot is a total upgrade from the phrase or word-spouting, lighting action figures we, the parents, had when we were kids.
This toy robot is ideal for kids who are 5 and up to 9 years old.
It comes with a five-function remote control.
It can throw discs, does twists and turns and has infrared control. These features make it an awesome companion during make-believe plays.
It’s quite affordable.
The toy is very simplistic. There’s a chance that your kid might lose interest playing with it quickly.
Dash and Dot Robot Wonder Pack (Wonder Workshop)
This duo are LEGO-compatible and make learning coding fun for kids as young as 6 years old.
Dash and Dot are robots compatible with LEGO.
Great for kids as young as 6 years old and up.
Makes learning coding fun.
Is suitable to use in classroom settings.
The two bots don’t require batteries.
A little expensive (though you can save a few dollars if you buy the Wonder pack as opposed to buying the two robots individually).
LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox 17101 Building and Coding Kit (LEGO) **Editor’s Choice**
This toy robot set from LEGO makes up five different models, each one with their own set of challenges. Each package includes more than 840 LEGO pieces, a Color and Distance Sensor, Interactive Motor and a LEGO Move Hub.
Best for kids aged 7-12 who love building things. This one is just like a LEGO figure they built, but upgraded as it heeds commands.
Your child can make five different robot models from one kit. It’s like having five toy robots for the price of one.
Aside from building, the kit teaches coding. As what the logo on its box says, your child gets to “build, code, and play.”
Requires batteries (6 AAA 1.5 V batteries) that you need to purchase separately.
You need to download the app that goes with this robot kit.
Orbotix 1B01RW1 Sphero Ollie App-Controlled Robot (Sphero)
Outdoor toy robots are rare and this one, dubbed Ollie, is one of them. It’s a small robot (can fit your child’s hand) that’s big on the attitude and the stunts.
A toy robot you and your child can bring and play with outdoors.
Ideal for those who are 8 years old and up. Even adults find this one fun to play with!
Made from durable materials (polycarbonate shell).
It can go as fast as 14 mph and can be controlled in a distance of up to 100 meters.
One user complained that the Ollie can go very fast and out of control as it doesn’t have a stop button.
Tenergy Odev Geo STEM DIY Toy Robot (Tenergy)
Teach your kids (or your class if you’re a teacher) the power of natural sustainable energy and robotics with this robot toy kit.
Recommended for older kids or teens but 8-year-olds will have fun playing with this kit, provided that they’re responsible enough (We’ll delve into that later).
Kids (and adults!) will have fun building these DIY robots.
They don’t require batteries to operate, just the sun’s rays (solar) or saltwater.
Classes will benefit from this toy kit with regards to STEM, robotics, and lessons on natural renewable energy sources.
It’s cheaper compared to the other sets.
The saltwater-powered robot will have magnesium oxide residue left on its plate. It might be safe to handle but you have to avoid contact with eyes and mouth as it can be toxic.
Sphero Original BB-8 (Sphero)
Recommended for people 7 or 8 years old and up (though adults will love this more as a collectible and not as a robot).
Cute; looks just like the robot in the Star Wars movies albeit a smaller one.
It’s easy to set up (something a child who knows his way around a smartphone can do).
It’s fun to play with.
The robot doesn’t exactly deliver its claims. For one, the holographic images or messages are only see-able in the smartphone you use to control it. Additionally, the robot itself doesn’t make the sounds ads claim it could.
The robot doesn’t detect uneven floors or obstacles on its way, so it keeps falling off from stairs or bang against walls and furniture.
Cozmo (Anki) (Comes in Cozmo and Cozmo Old packaging in Amazon)
A toy robot that’s fitted with AI comparable to Siri. Buyers described Cozmo as a “cute robot friend with an attitude.”
Kids as young as 5 can play with Cozmo as long as there’s adult supervision. The ideal age for this bot is 8 years old and up.
Fitted with AI; this robot is described by buyers as someone with an attitude.
No assembly required. You can play with it right out of the box (provided that you set it up with your device first).
The robot is fun and lovable, a true robotic friend.
Some buyers complained that Cozmo can be difficult to set up especially if you switch devices. Connectivity tends to get lost.
A bit expensive.
MiP the Toy Robot (WowWee)
Recommended age for MiP players is 8 years old to 15.
Fitted with GestureSense, a feature that allows the robot to interact to its owner’s gestures and actions.
It can also detect sounds from its environment.
It’s one of the true robot companions sold in the market. It can do tons of things (via its app) like eating and battling other MiPs!
Some customers had a difficult time making the robot work and syncing it with the app.
mBot 1.1 Kit (Makeblock)
Great for kids aged 8-12.
Fun to play with while incorporating STEM education, robotics, coding and electronics.
Easy to assemble (manufacturers claim one mBot can be put up between 10-15 minutes) and requires no soldering.
Has two versions – one for personal while the other is ideal for classroom teaching.
Some customers who bought mBot kits complained about how the robots are a hit-and-miss when it came to obeying commands/coding.
Meccano MeccaNoid G15 KS (Meccano)
The Meccanoid is best for older kids, teens and adults because it’s a little complicated to put up. You see, the kit has about 10 motors and 1, 223 parts. However, once it’s up, this 4-foot robot is fun and educational to play and be with.
This robot can be considered as a humanoid, standing four feet tall with motor-fitted limbs that allow for human-like movements.
It’s complicated yet fun to put up and the sense of fulfillment kids might feel after is incomparable.
Follows voice commands and knows more than 1000 phrases.-
Recommended age on the box is 8-12. But we think little kids will find putting the robot up a bit difficult unless there’s adult supervision. Our recommended age is 10 years old and up.
Cubelets Robot Blocks (Twenty Blocks In One Package) (Modular Robotics)
It’s the priciest set in the list (at $500). But buyers argued it’s worth the investment.
Kids as young as 4 years old can play with these robot cubes.
It allows free robotic play as kids can make up their own robots using the many blocks with different features.
Comes with a battery cubelet that allows players to play with the cube robots they built. (Battery cubelet is rechargeable)
Sturdy
Very expensive but buyers argued they’re worth the investment (even adults testified how fun they find the robotic cubes).
14-in-1 Solar Robot (OWI)
A very versatile kit – imagine building 14 robot modes from this one set alone!
This educational robotic kit is recommended for kids aged 8 to 15 years old.
It’s ideal for both beginners and experienced robot builders.
With one kit, your child can make 14 various robot modes.
It’s solar-powered; batteries are not needed.
It’s both fun and educational.
Buyers found the kit difficult to assemble; kids might need adult help.
BuilderZ ZOOB Bot (ZOOB)
This robot kit allows kids as young as 6 years old to make up their own robots. While batteries are required for the eyes, it’s pull back motor doesn’t require batteries to operate.
The kit is ideal for kids who are 6 years old and up.
Parts are colorful and could pique kids’ interest when they’re not into robotics and stuff.
Buildable, so kids will learn and will have a basic idea on how robots are created.
Some buyers found the kit difficult and the instructions hard to understand.
If you and your kid are not intrested in robotics, check these other articles out on giftable toys:
Best Watches For Kids
Choosing The Best Toys For Two-Year-Old Girls
Top 25 Best Children Toys