The Best Robotic Toys for Kids in 2022

Robots are everywhere. You see them on TV and in movies, such as The Transformers, Star Wars, and WALL-E. Robots are even starting to appear in the home, with robotic toys for kids becoming more common.

With their interactive features, it’s no surprise that robotic toys are popular with kids of all ages. Robot toys can move and make sounds. Some can even develop personalities or emotions, depending on you interact with them.

5 Best Robotic Toys for 13 years and above

1. Cozmo Robot

Cozmo is an adorable, game-playing robot who loves to play. He can express a range of emotions, such as happy, sad and curious, and he also recognizes your name and face.

This cute robot gets to know you and continues to develop his personality the more time you spend with him. I felt a wave of affection towards him when he called me by my name.

Cozmo comes with Code Lab so is able to act out the pattern when you drag and drop blocks. This is a great learning tool for new coders.

Did we mention that Cozmo loves to play? With games such as Power Cubes, Quick Tap and Keepaway, he will always be ready to challenge you. And you won’t always win either, as I quickly found out!

One of my favorite features is the Explorer Mode. Cozmo will guide you, so you can see what he sees through the app.

Cozmo has over 300 parts, but he comes ready assembled. The box also contains a charger and 3 interactive Power Cubes. All you need is the free Cozmo app on your ios or Android device, and you’re ready to start having fun! Cozmo is a great choice for kids that enjoy playing games. And for those that are ready to start learning basic coding concepts.

2. R2-D2 App-Enabled Droid

The Astromech Droid R2-D2 comes from a galaxy far, far away. This Droid uses specialized technology to act like the R2-D2 that everyone knows.

You control R2-D2 using your smart device. He can waddle, wiggle and spin among other authentic movements. This brings the character to life, along with the front and rear bright LED lights and sounds that he makes. Just as R2-D2 does on screen, you can make his front leg retract to a waddle!

The Watch With Me feature is brilliant for Star Wars film fans. You can watch the films and R2-D2 will join in by reacting with you!

You can also explore the Star Wars galaxy and immerse yourself in environments. These include the Millennium Falcon and Obi-Wan’s House with the Holographic Simulation.

R2-D2 is the perfect choice over other robotic toys for kids if your kids are Star Wars fans. They will enjoy seeing R2-D2 come to life and will have a captive companion when watching the films.

3. Anki Overdrive: Fast & Furious Edition

If your kids have ever had remote controlled cars, robotic Supercars are the next level. You control Supercars with your mobile device, and race against family and friends.

Each Supercar has impressive technology. These include an optical sensor, 50MHz CPU and two high performance motors. This ensures you can maneuvre them for racing perfection.

Set up one of 8 different tracks with the magnetic track pieces that easily piece together. Choose from Dom’s Ice Charger, a speed machine with a hook to slow down components. Or Hobbs’ MXT, which is equipped with a rocket launcher, and get ready to race. You can also complete missions, and trigger explosions.

It’s fast. It’s furious. It’s completely addictive! It’s also endless. With software updates you can expand the tracks with jumps and customize weapons.

The robotic Supercars are compatible with ios or Android devices. Simply download the Anki Overdrive App. It will automatically connect your Supercars and teaches you how to race. Every player will need their own compatible mobile device.

The Fast & Furious Edition Supercars are an ideal choice for kids who enjoy car computer games. The Supercars allow them to have a more interactive experience - much better than racing on a screen.

4. LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox Building and Coding Kit

The LEGO Boost robot is the next stage of LEGO. With over 840 LEGO pieces in the kit, you can build 5 different models. This will keep the kids entertained for hours.

You can build a standing robot, a Guitar and a cat, among others. All the characters are interactive. But, you can customize them using code, which is great for teaching kids about coding or robotics.

You do have to take a gradual approach to building the robots, as they unlock more options as you go along. This helps to provide a challenge. Like the feeling of achievement you get when you complete a level on a computer game to reach the next one.

You need an iPad or Android tablet to build the robots, and the free LEGO Boost app will guide you on how to do this. The kit also includes a LEGO Move Hub. This features Bluetooth low energy connectivity, motors, sensors and a light. The Move Hub connects to the LEGO Boost app, allowing you to control the robots.

The LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox is perfect for kids who want to learn coding and building robots. They can let their creativity go wild. Experiment with distance, color and tilt sensor technologies.

5. BB-9E App-Enabled Droid with Trainer

The BB-9E Droid is another robot for Star Wars fans. You can either control it with your smart device to drive it, or should I say, to see it roll. Or you can let it patrol on its own to support the First Order in getting rid of threats.

BB-9E has many features and is programmable using the Sphero Edu App. It has 3 different ways to program it and complete STEM activities. You can also explore holographic environments and the Star Wars galaxy.

Another great feature is the animations in the app that really make BB-9E come alive.

Like R2-D2, this droid also has Watch With Me which allows you to watch Star Wars films with BB-9E reacting next to you.

The BB-9E Droid is a good choice for kids who enjoy Star Wars. Or if they want a robot toy that they can program, but also let patrol on its own to see what mischief it gets up to.

Robotic Toys For Kids: Are They Actually Worth Buying? Definitely, Yes!

Robot toys can provide hours of fun and entertainment. This is a vital quality for toy, but that’s not the only reason to buy one.

As robotic toys are interactive, they also provide valuable educational skills. These include problem solving and communication skills.

Plus, animal robotic toys can provide a substitute for a pet. They are a good alternative if a family member is allergic or if it’s not possible to own a pet.

How to Choose Robotic Toys for Your Kids?

There are several robotic toys for kids available to buy from different retailers. These will have different features and different prices, so how do you choose which is the best one?

It is important to check the age recommendations to ensure the robot toys are suitable. Some robots are more suited for younger children, while some need more programming. Thus, they would be more appropriate for older children.

Check the features of each robot toy to see how stimulating it will be for your kids, to help you choose the best one.

Conclusion

There is a wide selection of robotic toys for kids available. All have different personalities and features. Some robot toys are for playing with, some for programming, and some for building. Most robotic toys also provide educational learning. They introduce your kids to problem-solving, communication and technology.

When choosing the best robotic toy for your kids, consider what they will get out of the robot. Will they be challenged as well as entertained? And most importantly, will they have hours of endless fun!