Which approach is right for your class?

Classes without pupil devices

If the class is to plan and try out command sequences together first, the Lexibook DOG01 instructions describe an action sequence entered using the remote control. RAABE and the University of Cologne also offer offline coding teaching resources, but these are not evidence of programmable robot dog hardware.

Classes with block-coding workstations

For supervised activities in which children create their own movement sequences using visual blocks, Petoi documents Coding Blocks for Bittle, while ELECFREAKS documents MakeCode for the XGO Robot Kit V2. Before buying, your school should also check the sign-in requirements, data processing and device needs for the exact model and software combination.

Teachers running a project course

If you’re planning a longer project, Petoi offers an English-language Bittle X guide with a Teacher’s Supplement. Petoi recommends Bittle X for ages 10 and up. This is not a blanket recommendation for younger primary-school children, nor is it an age recommendation for every Bittle variant.

What should your school look out for?

First, decide whether the children should enter a command sequence using a remote control or create a programme with blocks. You can then assess software access, teaching resources and group organisation more effectively.

Priority What to check before buying Who will find this most important?
Command sequences without pupil devices Check that you can enter and replay your own action sequence, rather than just choosing pre-installed tricks. The Lexibook instructions describe this process for the DOG01. If I want to plan and repeat movements with the class without pupil computers, I need more than a demonstration. Around 23% of consumers put command sequences without pupil devices first.
Custom block-based programmes For the exact variant, check the full process from creating a block-based programme to running it on the robot. Petoi documents Coding Blocks for Bittle, while ELECFREAKS lists MakeCode for the XGO Robot Kit V2. Anyone wanting children to create their own sequences using visual blocks will need suitable workstations and time to set them up. Around 18% of consumers prioritise custom block-based programmes.
Use without mandatory pupil accounts Check whether sign-in, cloud storage or personal pupil data are required to set up the specific software, transfer programmes and use it in lessons. An offline editor alone does not prove that the entire process works offline. If I need to avoid mandatory accounts containing pupils’ personal data, I want to understand the complete software workflow before buying. Around 23% of consumers prioritise lessons that require as few accounts as possible.
Ready-to-use teacher guidance Check that the activities and teacher guidance are in German and cover the exact hardware. The RAABE unit covers offline coding; Petoi’s Bittle X guide is in English. Anyone who needs a ready-to-use sequence of activities and support with lesson preparation should check the language and model covered. Around 18% of consumers prioritise prepared teaching resources.
Running groups in parallel Decide how many devices each group needs and test simultaneous use of the specific robot and software combination. Charging and battery changes should also be factored into your plans. If several groups are to work at the same time, I want to be able to plan device-sharing and supervision into the lesson. Around 18% of consumers prioritise parallel group work.

Common buying mistakes

  • Assuming a story about a robot dog means there’s a programmable robot dog

    The RAABE unit for Years 3 and 4 describes offline coding teaching resources, but does not include a corresponding programmable Hubi robot dog.

    First decide whether the children should plan commands on paper or programme a real robot.

    If you want to demonstrate actual robot movements, you may also need to buy a hardware device.

  • Confusing a remote-control sequence with block coding

    The DOG01 instructions describe an action sequence entered using buttons. Petoi and ELECFREAKS document visual programming tools for other types of learning activity.

    Set a sample activity and check whether the exact model can carry it out.

  • Assuming one device and a manufacturer’s curriculum make a ready-to-use class set

    One working robot does not show whether several groups can work at the same time. Software set-up, programming devices and supervision all affect how a lesson runs.

    Test your planned group size with the exact device and software combination before buying several robots.

    Several groups may need additional robots, programming devices and supervision time; the requirements will depend on your planned activities.

Key brands at a glance

Lexibook

The Power Puppy DOG01 may suit a simple sequence of movements entered using the remote control.

  • The Lexibook instructions describe a programming mode in which you put together an action sequence using the remote control.
  • This feature does not demonstrate block-based programmes with loops or conditions, or German-language DOG01 lesson plans. Remember to factor in batteries and charging when planning for the class.

Petoi

Bittle may suit supervised block-coding projects; Petoi also provides an English-language project guide for Bittle X.

  • Petoi documents Coding Blocks and other ways to get started with programming its robots.
  • Petoi recommends Bittle X for ages 10 and up. This does not automatically apply to other Bittle variants, and the English-language guide is not evidence of a German-language teaching programme.

ELECFREAKS

The XGO Robot Kit V2 may suit supervised robot projects using micro:bit and visual programming.

  • ELECFREAKS documents MakeCode and Python for the specific V2 kit.
  • The documentation does not prove that it is suitable for every younger primary-school class or that the entire classroom workflow can be completed without accounts.

Robot dogs on Joybuy: checks to make before using them in lessons

The Joybuy products below are described as robot dogs. Check whether they can support your own programming activities by considering your software and teaching requirements.

DOBOT Rover X1 Pro AI robot dog

DOBOT Rover X1 Pro AI Robot Dog

Before using it in lessons, check whether the model supports custom movement programmes; the product name alone does not confirm this learning feature.

Features listed in the product name: Vision, UWB Follow and Voice Interaction.

View on Joybuy
DOBOT Rover X1-W Pro AI robot dog

DOBOT Rover X1-W Pro AI Robot Dog

If children are to work through their own programming activities, check in advance whether the required software lets them do so with this model.

Features listed in the product name: Wheel-Leg Dual Mode, UWB Follow, Vision Follow and Voice Interaction.

View on Joybuy
Unitree As2 Pro quadruped robot dog

Unitree As2 Pro

For a coding activity with the whole class, your school should check in advance whether the model can run custom programmes and what devices are needed.

Features listed in the product name: Voice Interaction, Follow and Obstacle Avoidance.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Is Hubi, the robot dog in the RAABE unit, a programmable robot?

No. RAABE lists an offline coding teaching unit for Years 3 and 4, not a corresponding programmable Hubi robot dog. A teaching story featuring a robot dog is not automatically a hardware kit.

Can a class programme robots without internet access or pupil accounts?

For the Lexibook DOG01, the instructions describe entering and playing back an action sequence using the remote control. There is a MakeCode offline app for micro:bit on Windows and macOS, but this does not prove that setting up and transferring the entire XGO V2 workflow will work offline and without pupil accounts. Your school should also check the specific sign-in and software requirements for its planned Petoi block-coding activities in advance.

Are German-language teaching resources available for these specific robot dogs?

Funduino offers a German-language technical guide to the original Petoi Bittle, but this is not the same as a complete teacher’s guide. Petoi’s Bittle X project guide is in English. The RAABE unit covers offline coding, but does not include a programmable Hubi robot dog.

What should your school plan for several working groups and maintenance?

Plan devices, programming workstations, charging routines and supervision according to the number of groups you expect to have. A guide from the Joachim Herz Foundation and MINT-digital plans for one device per group with a different robot system; this does not indicate the capacity of robot dogs. Lexibook specifies one rechargeable battery for the DOG01 and two AA/LR6 batteries for the remote control.

Which safety and data protection issues matter to schools?

Devices sold as toys in the EU must carry CE marking; this does not demonstrate their suitability for teaching. If your school uses an online learning platform, check how it processes personal data in your specific use case and consult the Data Protection Conference guidance on online learning platforms in school lessons. The European Commission states that the new EU Toy Safety Regulation entered into force on 1 January 2026, but will not apply until 1 August 2030. According to the German Environment Agency, used batteries and rechargeable batteries must not be put in household waste.