What kinds of toy robots are available?

The most basic type of robot is operated by remote control. It's a great choice for smaller kids who want to get their first robot. It will perform all the basic functions you'd expect and sometimes puts on a bit of a show through lights and sounds. Some other robots need to be built before they can be operated. They're made out of building blocks or some other types of pieces that can be put together to build the robot. There are also robots that are controlled with coding. Kids will learn the coding language required and then code their robot to perform certain actions.

What ages are toy robots appropriate for?

Children as young as the age of 3 might enjoy a basic remote control robot. As children get into elementary school, a robot that involves coding or one that has to be built are great choices. Tweens and teens can also enjoy some of the robots that are specially made for older kids. These challenge kids to use their problem-solving skills to operate their own robots.

Are all toy robots educational?

The toy robots that are most educational are the ones that need to be built or the ones that can be controlled through coding. These really ask kids to use their problem-solving skills and even learn a whole new language. The more basic toy robots for the younger kids can encourage fine motor control and hand/eye coordination. All toy robots encourage a love of science and may just inspire kids to think of a career in engineering.

The 5 Best Robot Toys of 2022

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If you're looking for a toy that encourages your child to unleash his or her imagination, a robot is a smart pick.

We researched and tested the best robot toys on the market, evaluating age recommendation, safety, educational value, and value. Our top pick, the Think Gozmos RoboShooter Remote Control Robot, is innovative, can move, dance, and shoot discs, and has a recordable voice option.

Here are the best robot toys for kids of all ages.

Our Top Picks

Think Gizmos Remote Control Robot at Amazon

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LEGO Creator Robo Explorer 31062 Robot Toy at Amazon

Read Review

SmartGurlz Coding Robot for Girls at Amazon

Read Review

ZOOB BuilderZ ZOOB Bot at Amazon

Read Review

Fisher-Price Code 'n Learn Kinderbot at Amazon

Read Review

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
Why Trust The Spruce

4.7

Think Gizmos RoboShooter Remote Control Robot

Courtesy of Amazon

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RoboShooter Robot Toy Review

What We Like

Interactive sounds
Disks are safe and gentle
High quality

What We Don't Like

Disks can get stuck

This remote-control robot does everything from talking to shooting disks and busting a move. Load it up with the brightly colored disks—there are 12 included—use the remote to get it into position, and it's ready, aim, fire. (Parents, take cover!) It can even be programmed ahead of time to move and fire on its own for a surprise attack.

The robot can also walk forward and backward and greets you when you turn it on, signaling that the fun is about to begin. A touch of the "dance" button, and it'll show you its moves. Our tester noted that the design of this robot is not the most sophisticated, so it's more suitable for younger kids as an introduction to robotic toys.

The multiple functions kept our tester's son entertained for hours, earning it high scores for entertainment value. As with other toys that come with accessories, the discs are easily misplaced, and the noises it makes could prove annoying for parents. The exterior is easy to wipe down if the robot gets dirty. You will need to supply AA batteries for this toy.

Dimensions: 13.62 x 8.58 x 5.43 inches | Charge: AA Batteries | Recommended Age: 5 years and up

What Testers Say

"For whatever reason, kids—including ours—love throwing and shooting things at their parents, friends, siblings, and anyone else around. If your child is in this phase, you will probably appreciate the RoboShooter, as it’s a gentler alternative to, say, Nerf guns."—Kaity Velez, Product Tester

LEGO Creator Robo Explorer 31062 Robot Toy

Courtesy of Amazon

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What We Like

Affordable
Suitable for various ages
Contains alternate builds for more play time

What We Don't Like

May be difficult for young builders

Little builders can create their own robots with this inexpensive LEGO robot kit. It has everything they need to build a robot-explorer, dog, and bird. While the robots won’t talk, dance or move electronically, they feature movable tracks and body parts for lots of kid-powered, imaginative fun. Two batteries (included) power cool features on the robots like light-up eyes and a light-up jetpack.

The set is perfect for tweens, and there are more than 200 pieces in all. Kids can follow the directions for the suggested creations or dream up wild, new robotic characters of their own. For the price, it’s a great gift for young roboticists.

Dimensions: 10.32 x 7.52 x 1.81 inches | Charge: LR44 Batteries | Recommended Age: 7 years and up

SmartGurlz Coding Robot for Girls, Jen on Robotic Scooter

Courtesy of Amazon

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What We Like

Teaches STEM skills and coding
Pairs with app
Stylish design

What We Don't Like

Battery not included

Part of the award-winning line of SmartGurlz toys, Maria is a doll with a robotic “Siggy” scooter that can be programmed by little coders. They use the SugarCoded app on a smartphone or tablet to send her on missions and other adventures including dances, obstacle courses, fashion shows, and more. The app also lets them solve missions, win points, and see how their friends are doing as well. Girl power, indeed.

This stylish toy is a great way to introduce STEM and coding skills in a fun and engaging way. It runs on one nine-volt battery (not included), but you can also purchase a rechargeable battery (sold separately).

Dimensions: 6.5 x 10 x 13 inches | Charge: 9V Battery | Recommended Age: 5 years and up

The 14 Best STEM Toys for Girls to Engage Their Mind

ZOOB BuilderZ ZOOB Bot Moving Building Modeling System

Courtesy of Amazon

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What We Like

Versatile pieces
High replay value
Pairs with other ZOOB kits

What We Don't Like

Younger kids may need help assembling

This kit offers a beginning course in robotics as it contains everything kids need to build their own cool bot. It comes with 49 pieces, two wheels, a pull-back two-wheel motor, four tires, and cool, light up eyes. Instructions to build four ZOOB-Bots are included, as is the required battery. Kids can go by the book, or come with up with creations of their own as their imagination is the best guide. The pieces simply snap together, and they work with other ZOOB kits for expanded building.

At an affordable price, this kit is a great way to get kids interested in robotics and start building those STEM skills

Dimensions: 14 x 2.75 x 11 inches | Charge: Product specific battery | Recommended Age: 6 years and up

Courtesy of Amazon

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What We Like

Suitable for young children
Durable materials
Educational

What We Don't Like

Battery needs changing regularly

Preschoolers will be mesmerized by the Kinderbot, an awesome little robot from Fisher-Price who will play games with them, teach them about colors and shapes, and so much more. From coding paths to transforming the robot into different characters, the games are on when the Kinderbot is on (Don’t worry parents, you can turn Kinderbot off, too). The games are engaging, so they get kids' brains working as they solve problems and experiment with different accessories. The required C batteries, which are included, so the games can begin right out of the box. This is a perfect starter robot that would make an educational and innovative gift for any curious toddler.

Dimensions: 8.43 x 10.47 x 10.24 inches | Charge: C Batteries | Recommended Age: 3 years and up

Recommended Age

Robot toys don’t need to be complicated to be fun. Younger robot enthusiasts can benefit from a simpler, introductory robot kit or friend that introduces them to coding and design. Older children can likely handle a more complex activity that includes electrical components and intricate pieces and construction. You should also consider a child’s individual skills and preferences when choosing a bot. Kids who like a challenge may want a bot they can program themselves, using STEM skills, while others may just want to play games and dance with their toy.

Safety

Like with any toy, make sure to consider the safety precautions when choosing a robot toy. Many robot toys and kits include complex construction, which can pose a safety hazard for younger users. Hooking up electrical components and mechanical parts are best done with some adult supervision and oversight. Always follow the recommended instructions with your toy to keep everyone safe.

Educational Value

Robots are a great way to incorporate educational STEM principles into play. Many require imagination during the design and construction phase. Coding and mechanical design are two skills that bots are particularly good at encouraging. Certain robots come ready to wow kids out of the box, while in the cases of other models, putting them together is part of the fun.

According to Chuck English, Virginia STEM Coordinator at the Science Museum of Virginia, coding is a popular activity for children of all ages. “Coding is a much broader term than what I grew up with. It’s not just learning certain languages. Kids can now develop simple apps and programs where they can see the outcome of it.”

FAQ

What kinds of toy robots are available?

The most basic type of robot is operated by remote control. It's a great choice for smaller kids who want to get their first robot. It will perform all the basic functions you'd expect and sometimes puts on a bit of a show through lights and sounds. Some other robots need to be built before they can be operated. They're made out of building blocks or some other types of pieces that can be put together to build the robot. There are also robots that are controlled with coding. Kids will learn the coding language required and then code their robot to perform certain actions.
What ages are toy robots appropriate for?

Children as young as the age of 3 might enjoy a basic remote control robot. As children get into elementary school, a robot that involves coding or one that has to be built are great choices. Tweens and teens can also enjoy some of the robots that are specially made for older kids. These challenge kids to use their problem-solving skills to operate their own robots.
Are all toy robots educational?

The toy robots that are most educational are the ones that need to be built or the ones that can be controlled through coding. These really ask kids to use their problem-solving skills and even learn a whole new language. The more basic toy robots for the younger kids can encourage fine motor control and hand/eye coordination. All toy robots encourage a love of science and may just inspire kids to think of a career in engineering.

This article was written and researched by Julie Evans, a writer and editor whose work covers topics including health and wellness, parenting, and technology. Her writing has appeared on USA Today, Realtor.com, Brit + Co, and CafeMom, among others. She has nearly 20 years of experience.

Additional research was done by Julia Fields a lifestyle writer for The Spruce covering all things surrounding toys, gifts, and the holidays since October 2021. Before that, she covered similar topics including toy reviews, product round-ups, expert-focused articles, and more. Additional reporting and research for this article was done by Stacy Fisher, a writer with nearly two decades of experience covering crafting, freebies, and other fun pastimes.