Best Programmable Robots

Here is our list of the Top Ten Programmable Robots. Please click on the list to read the relevant review or scroll below.

What is a Programmable Robot?

Programmable robots are robots that can be programmed using code to carry out a series of actions. Most will therefore have some form of autonomy (ability to move around by themselves) but some may still require a form of external device (remote control) or activation such as voice to work. Our list includes both.

How we Review Programmable Robots?

When reviewing robotic toys we consider the following:

Dash is pre-built, charged and ready to use out of the box. Dash is a fun and entertaining robot great for children 6 yrs +. It’s designed to make learning to code fun and engaging. It dances, sings, responds to voice and navigates objects. There are hundreds of projects, challenges and endless possibilities.

The Wonder app is visual and intuitive. There are five different apps for different coding levels enabling kids to design more complex programs.

Dash has won many awards and is the ideal combination of fun entertainment and STEM education for young children.

Sphero 2 is an app controlled robotic ball with an amazing ability to entertain whilst teaching the basics of programming. Suited for children 8 yrs + endless possibilities can be created to ensure hours of fun.

There are over 30 apps to choose from including augmented reality and educational.  The SPRK program (Schools, Parents, Robots, Kids) teaches both simple and complex principles of computer programming, maths and science whilst augmented reality apps brings virtual 3D characters to life. Play battles with virtual creatures or turn Sphero 2 into an animal!

Sphero 2 is not just for the indoors. It is waterproof and pet proof with a rugged design for extreme stunts. Accessories include protective covers, jump ramps and terrain parks.

Cozmo is a robot with a huge personality. Armed with artificial intelligence Cozmo is able to express many different emotions making it the most adorable robot on the market. What’s even more amazing is that he continues to learn and evolve the more time you spend with him! Cozmo is not just a robot he is a companion.

Cozmo uses code lab a visual drag and drop platform which enables complete beginners to learn to code. Once that is mastered one can use the SDK app (Software Development Kit) to take your skills to the next level by harnessing Cozmo’s advanced robotics.

One thing to note (especially for adults experimenting with SDK who have young children) when using SDK you have the ability to change Cozmo’s personality. Although this can be fun as well as educational some young children have been negatively impacted by this due to losing Cozmo’s original personality.

Cozmo comes with three power cubes which are used for multiple games that you can play with him, giving you endless hours of entertainment.

MBot is a kit robot for children 8 yrs + that can be assembled relatively easily within 20 mins. It’s a good introduction to kit builds and the skills required for building. As one gets more competent there are lots of add-on parts one can get to produce more complex designs and it is compatible with Lego.

It is also an Ideal introduction to projects based on the Arduino board if wanting to get into more advanced robotics.

The mBlock Blocky app teaches kids entry level coding based on Scratch and it is pre programmed out of the box with three modes for instant use.