A robot with a remote programmer is a good fit if you’d like to enter your own sequences of movements without using a screen. A build-it-yourself kit makes sense if assembling the robot is part of the project. An app-based option may suit you if you have a compatible device and want to change how the robot responds using visual blocks. Learning Resources, Makeblock and Sphero explain these different ways of using their respective models.
For families who want to enter sequences of movements using a remote programmer or map out a course with colour cards, without having to keep a smartphone or tablet to hand. Learning Resources explains how to use the remote programmer with Botley 2.0, while Sphero describes the colour-card mode for indi.
For families who want screws, assembly and creating their own programmes to be part of the project. Makeblock describes mBot2 as a robot you build yourself, with block-based coding and Python. The manufacturer’s overview recommends it for ages 8 and up.
For families with a compatible device who want to change movements, lights or sounds using coding blocks. Sphero recommends indi for ages 4 and up. Device compatibility and potential firmware updates are also part of this way of using the robot.
A good fit if: you want to enter and try out your own sequences of movements without a coding app. Learning Resources says Botley 2.0 is operated using a remote programmer.
Bear in mind: this way of using the robot is not the same as an open block-based or Python coding environment. Botley 2.0 needs five AAA batteries for the robot and remote programmer.
A good fit if: you want both mechanics and coding to be part of your family project. Makeblock describes mBot2 as supporting block-based coding and Python.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to assemble the robot and set up the software before creating your own driving programme. Makeblock says you need to sign in to use its IoT blocks.
A good fit if: you want to start with colour cards and later change how the robot responds using visual blocks. Sphero describes both ways of using indi.
Bear in mind: the app has device requirements. If the firmware is out of date or invalid, you may need to update it through Sphero Edu Jr.
| What matters to you | What to look for when buying | Who is it most relevant to? |
|---|---|---|
| Create your own programmes | Check whether you can enter command sequences, build courses or change how the robot responds to sensors. Learning Resources, Makeblock and Sphero each describe different options. | If you want to change routines or how the robot responds, the freedom to create is what matters most. Around 33 % of consumers prioritise being able to create their own programmes or designs. |
| Less reliance on devices | Check what’s needed to programme, operate and update the robot. indi can drive using colour cards without an app, but firmware updates may require Sphero Edu Jr. You need to sign in to use Makeblock’s IoT blocks. | If you don’t want to keep a screen-based device available for the project, it’s important to know exactly which devices are needed. Around 27 % of consumers prioritise a way of using the robot that relies as little as possible on other devices. |
| The right starting point | Compare the activity you have in mind and the assembly involved with the manufacturer’s recommended age: Learning Resources recommends Botley 2.0 for ages 5 and up, Sphero recommends indi for ages 4 and up, and Makeblock recommends mBot2 for ages 8 and up. If you’re choosing an app-based option, check its requirements too. | If you’re looking for a starting point that suits the activity and level of assembly you have in mind, you’ll want to know how it works before buying. Around 20 % of consumers put finding the right starting point first. |
| What’s involved after purchase | Check the batteries, what’s included and whether the app may need maintenance. Botley 2.0 needs batteries; depending on its firmware, indi may need an update through Sphero Edu Jr. | If you want to keep ongoing effort to a minimum, consider the power supply, included materials and software maintenance. Around 20 % of consumers prioritise keeping ongoing maintenance manageable. |
A robot may be limited to remote control or pre-set play modes. For your own coding project, the key question is whether you can change a sequence of commands or how the robot responds.
Look for a specific example of the activity you have in mind: entering commands, building a course or programming sensor responses. Music and movement modes are separate features.
Sphero says indi can be used with colour cards without an app. However, if the firmware is out of date or invalid, you may need to update it through Sphero Edu Jr.
Check separately which devices are needed for everyday use, creating your own programmes and any potential updates.
A compatible device may be needed temporarily to install a required firmware update.
Botley 2.0 is available as a standalone robot and as an Activity Set. The contents of indi packs can vary too.
Compare the full pack name and its contents rather than relying on the robot’s name alone.
Extra activity materials, obstacle pieces or storage may need to be bought separately, depending on the pack.
The robot and remote programmer both need power. According to the instructions, low batteries can affect how they work.
Plan for the power supply for both devices, and check the remote programmer’s batteries too if you run into problems.
Botley 2.0 needs five AAA batteries in total. The Activity Set described by Betzold does not include them.
A good option for families who want to get started by entering their own movement commands using a remote programmer.
A good option if you want to build the robot and then use block-based coding or Python as part of the project. The information here relates to mBot2.
A good option for families who want to start with colour cards and optionally change how indi responds using Sphero Edu Jr.
These Joybuy products are humanoid robots and robotics development platforms. In particular, check that the intended user and the actual programming features suit your first project.
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The description is aimed at developers, researchers and technology enthusiasts, and mentions programming complex tasks and experimenting with AI algorithms.
The product name specifies 48 TOPS AI and 22-DoF.
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The description names developers, researchers and technology enthusiasts as its intended users, and mentions programming and experimenting with AI algorithms.
The product name specifies 117 TOPS AI and 22-DoF.
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The description mentions software APIs and development tools for programming tasks.
Important safety information: according to the safety guidance, this device is not a toy, is unsuitable for anyone under 14 and should be kept out of children’s reach.
No. With Sphero indi, these are different ways of using the robot. Colour cards let you map out a course using its existing responses; in Sphero Edu Jr, you can also choose which movements, lights and sounds each colour triggers.
Yes, for maintenance. Sphero says indi can be used without an app, but devices with out-of-date or invalid firmware need an update through Sphero Edu Jr. So app-free everyday use doesn’t necessarily mean app-free maintenance.
Sphero specifies iOS 15 or later, or Android 8.0 or later, and Bluetooth LE 4.0. German is supported. Meeting these minimum requirements doesn’t guarantee compatibility with every Android hardware combination. On Amazon Fire devices, disabled location permissions in child profiles may prevent the app from finding the robot.
According to Learning Resources, point the remote programmer directly at Botley, move closer if necessary and check for low batteries. Bright ambient light can affect transmission. Press the CLEAR button to erase stored commands before entering a new sequence.
For toys sold on the German market, the Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety lists information about the manufacturer or importer in the EU, instructions for use, any applicable warnings and the CE mark. CE is the manufacturer’s own declaration of conformity, not an independent product test. A recommended age does not replace the specific warnings for the product.