Coding Robots Perfect for Byte-Sized Learners

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Ever since my son was little, computers have fascinated him, Coding robots were some of his favorite toys, and remain a huge interest to him now that he's 15. (They're a lot more sophisticated now, and I am a bit concerned that his robots are smarter than me.) They're such cool toys, and so varied. You can get coding robots for kids who are as young as 3, and cool coding robots for teens, and every age in-between.

Coding is a real boon to kids learning according to the University of Texas, Austin. They note how it improves children's problem-solving skills, how it improves their computational thinking (the way of the future), and that it encourages children to think creatively and to be persistent.

Some coding robots use different programming languages like javascript to make the robot move and interact like the Sphero, while others are simpler, using apps or even tracks, like Botley from Learning Resources to determine the robot's movement. My son, who is now on the robotics team, and taking college computer programming and engineering classes during high school, credits robots like these for sparking his interest in learning how to make machines move and make computers better.

These coding robots have been approved by my 15 year old, and all of his coding friends, as well as by other parents who have loved and used them for their children. There is a coding robot for everyone from preschool to retirement on this list, so have fun!

TaleBot Pro Coding Robot for Kids

A bit like a remote-control toy, a bit like a storytelling toy, and definitely a coding toy, the TaleBot uses a combination of the cards included in the kit and the buttons on the top of the bot to determine their path. Kids learn how to teach algorithmic behaviors in an organic way, and they also learn how to make commands and patterns.

The robot itself talks while you're coding, telling the story of the cards based on placement and the commands of your child.

More: The Best Laptops for Kids

Botley The Coding Robot Activity Set

Once your child gets a feel for how algorithms work, what commands are, and what robots are capable of, Botley is the perfect next step. (Though, it's also a pretty great first robot.)

Botley is a screen-free coding robot that uses six different tiles and 77 pieces that act like a track for your robot. It can detect objects, follow obstacle courses designed by your kids, and it teaches coding through a combination of commands on the remote.

The building blocks of code are built right in, teaching children how to problem solve in the moment. There's also coding games embedded into the play that further cement the skills learned and provide hours of fun.

A3 Coding Robot for Kids

If your child is into not just the coding aspect, but also building the robot itself, Whalesbot is the way to go. The first step of this bot is building it. Then, you use coding blocks to manipulate its movement and follow commands.

Parents who have this coding robot tell me that they love how interactive and changeable it is. Your child "never has to play with the same robot twice," and that "it really allows their creativity to flourish."

PYXEL A Coder’s Best Friend

Python and Blockly have never been more fun or easier to learn than with Pyxel. This robot coding dog is one of the most-requested toys of the year, and it makes sense.

It's an app-enabled coding robot that teaches kids how to manipulate the (very basic) code to get Pyxel to do what they want him to do. The instructions are easy, and when I took this robot to be tested to a group of second graders, they picked it up and had him moving in about 10 minutes. Their favorite part? They quickly learned that he responds well to being pet, and that you can even make him fart. Laughs abound.

And don't worry, the app is not communicative, and Educational Insights assures me that no one can hijack your kids' robot.

Artie 3000 the Coding & Drawing Robot

Artie is my favorite, and he's been a top pick on our Christmas gifts list for a couple of years. It's an art coding robot that draws via command! You place the marker (Regular Crayola fits as well) into Artie, and then by using Blockly, Snap!, Python, or JavaScript (which it teaches you) or the drag and drop menu on the app, you decide what Artie draws.

You can get pretty intricate, too. My son figured out how to get him to do all kinds of art in almost no time when he was only 12.

Smart Robots for Kids

Ruko is massive. He's just about 2-feet tall and very cool to look at. He's pretty intense, but easy to learn. The coding feels like a cross between remote control and actual coding, and it's easy to grasp.

He can do all sorts of fun tricks, and can be activated through touch, the app, or through voice control. Make him dance, sing, play music, or even tell you one of the pre-loaded stores.

Dash

Dash is a simple code robot that can do a lot of really not-so-simple tasks like follow a maze, go through obstacle courses, and even throw balls through hoops or into cups.

Sequencing, coding events, loops, algorithms, operations, and variables are taught with Dash using his app and his app or self-directed play. The level of play is extremely sophisticated for how easy it is to operate, even for kids as young as first grade.

Mini (Blue) App-Enabled Programmable Robot Ball

Sphero is for older kids who enjoy setting up puzzles. You can use the drag and drop menu to power and code this robotic ball, or you can get far more advanced by using javascript, which it teaches you to do in a clear, concise way.

Hilariously, it comes with both bowling pins and traffic cones to knock down and avoid, and while it is our cats' arch nemesis, my daughter (12), has created elaborate routines for it to follow through our home, and it's incredible to watch.

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