Best Remote Control Robots

Here is our top ten list of the best remote control robots. Please click on the list to read the relevant review or scroll below.

What Type of Remote Control Robots Make our Top Ten List?

Remote controlled robots can either be preprogrammed or not, programmable to a limited extent and pre built or kit built. This means some remote controlled robots will not have educational value but merely entertainment. Our list includes both. If you are looking for more educational based robot toys please look at our list of the top programmable robots or robot kits.  The focus here is on remote control rather than programmable robot toys with semi autonomous capabilities.

What is a Remote Control Robot?

Remote controlled robots are machines that are controlled by some sort of external device or activation such as voice or movement to carry out a series of actions. A pure remote controlled machine is not autonomous (able to move by itself) however an autonomous robot can usually also be controlled using an external remote.

Some people believe if a machine does not have some level of autonomy it cannot be classed as a robot however the toy industry has generalised the term “robot” and now uses it to sometimes describe remote controlled machines even if they are not autonomous! This has led to a lot of confusion! For our purposes, the remote controlled robot toys listed here are mostly NOT autonomous (able to move by themselves). If you are looking for a partly autonomous robot toy please see our top programmable robot list.

Boxer is a fun loving robot full of character, ideal for younger children. Boxer displays a full range of emotions which children will get to know as they play.

There are multiple ways to interact. Boxer comes with a remote control which one can use to make him move, spin and perform tricks. A phone or iPad is not required however you can download the Boxer Bot App to have access to more games.

Boxer comes with 10 activity cards which when he rolls over them enables him to do different activities from Bot bowling to dancing.

Little bits Star Wars droid is an award winning fun robot kit for beginner builders that inspires invention and creativity.

The droid comprises electronic blocks that snap together and perform different functions. These can be reconfigured and customized to transform the original R2 unit into any droid you can imagine. One can even customize the droid using household items to create your own personal droid. The possibilities are endless and only limited by creativity.

Once built the free droid inventor app enables the droid to function and there are 22 preprogrammed missions available. This teaches kids how to control electronics with code however at this stage there is no ability to write your own programs.

The droid comes with 20 sounds from the Star Wars film and is compatible with other Little Bits kits.

The Smart Machines kit is a good all round introduction to robotics. The kit contains building pieces to create 8 different motorised machines focusing on wheeled robots. Once constructed you can connect them via Bluetooth 4 and control them using your smart device.

The App gives you an introduction into programming as you can write your own programs as well as use the 8 pre-loaded programs. Coding is done using a simple visual drag and drop platform.

The machines also use an ultrasonic sensor which sends out waves which is then communicated back to the App. This helps avoid obstacles and aids the App with control.

Mip is a robot with a difference. Full of character and able to navigate surroundings, follow hand signals and even follow objects.

MiP has a unique wheel balancing capacity to ensure it stays upright. Armed with gestureSense technology, users can control MIP using only their hands. Sound detection also allows MIP to respond to noises. MiP speaks it’s own language and by feeding it mood chips you can see his personality come to life.

Although not required MiP can also be controlled via Bluetooth using the free Apps on a smart device. This allows for multiple modes including Roam, Stacking, Dance and Programming. (Please note, only install one App at a time otherwise conflict can occur and MiP won’t work properly.) MiP also comes with an accessory tray which enables MiP to carry its own weight.

A purely entertainment based toy but one that children love! The robot walks, turns, dances and can perform 10 different movements. It has colored flashing lights and makes realistic robot noises. There are 7 darts that you can shoot from his chest providing lots of fun for children.