Toy Robots: Fun and Educational

We’re still far from the reality of robots doing everything we can imagine. If the movie “I, Robot” taught me anything, it’s that we’d have fully functional humanoid robots in our homes by 2035 and that Will Smith loves his Converse Shoes. Unfortunately, that technology isn’t there yet and that’s 14 years in the future, so who knows what kind of tech we’d have then.

Although today for consumers like you and I, we do have “simple” robots for kids (or big kids. Adults, whatever you like to call them) and that’s what we’re going to be looking at today.

Why are robot toys so popular today?

A number of reasons. The most obvious reason is the interest in “smart technology”. So that means products that connect to apps, where you can control over the internet, through your phone, or with voice commands using your smart assistant (like Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Apple’s Siri, etc.). Aside from that, a huge interest in STEM education (more on this below), and most of these toy robots provide exactly that. So not only are they popular amongst kids, but parents also love them because they can spend time with their kids teaching them and helping them learn certain life skills. Finally, they’re also extremely fun and you can get really creative with the way you build and program them.

What is STEM and how does it benefit my child?

STEM is an approach to learning and development that merges areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM for short).  Through STEM, people develop skills such as problem-solving, boosting creativity, critical analysis, teamwork, independent thinking, initiative, communication and digital literacy. So for kids to get hands-on with STEM in their early years is extremely beneficial, but also incredibly important these days as the global economy is rapidly changing. Current jobs are dissolving due to automation, but as a result, new jobs are emerging every day due to technological advances. The advances are changing the way students connect, interact and learn every day. Skills developed by students through STEM education provide them with the foundation to succeed at school and translate those skills into their future work life. Essentially turning them from passive listeners to active learners. Employer demand for STEM qualifications and skills is high, so these toys are a fantastic place to start.

1. UBTECH Jimu Robot BuzzBot & MuttBot Kit

Features: 6 Servo motors | Programmable and controllable | 3D Step-by-step instructions | Build and create unique robots | pre-programmed actions | Easy to use and learn app

• Step-by-step instructions, easy to use
• Create unique actions and paths
• Browse the app to see other people’s creations and share your own
• Share photos and videos with the JIMU Robot community

JIMU Robot is a unique, intuitive, and easy robotic construction system that anyone can have fun and learn with: you may use an existing robot construction model or you may want to develop your own.

JIMU Robot robots are educational in nature as they can then be programmed to help students at school and at home develop their STEM skills, JIMU Robot engages children in robotics in a fun way: They learn without even realizing it. Using real servomotors and sensors, they will experiment with real robotic programming and coding.

2. UBTECH Star Wars First Order Stormtrooper Robot

Features: Augmented Reality | Voice Command | Sentry Mode | Voice recognition | Facial Recognition | Mission Mode

• First and Third Person AR (Augmented Reality) App Modes
• Voice Commands
• Sentry mode allows you to patrol an area, to detect and respond to unwanted visitors
• Connect via secured Wi-Fi on an encrypted platform

The First Order Stormtrooper Robot features both first and third-person augmented reality modes in its app allowing you to use it so that you can launch attacks against the Resistance, issue verbal commands, and more as part of an interactive game.

The robot itself has voice command support, so you can talk directly to it just as you would a smart assistant or your phone assistant.

This droid also has facial recognition abilities. In fact, it can store biometric data for up to three faces. This allows for customized interactions between humans and robots.

Moreover, UBTECH states that the Stormtrooper bot doesn’t connect to the Internet, and therefore the facial data it acquires isn’t at risk of being hacked.

3. Sphero Mini Soccer - App-Enabled Robotic Ball

Features: Drive several ways using the Sphero Play app | Use Mini as a controller to play different games | program your robot with the Sphero Edu app | 4 different drive modes

• Multiple drive modes
• Easily navigate around obstacles in certain modes
• Comes with 8 mini cones for extra fun and obstacles
• Colorful LED lights

The Sphero Mini Soccer packs a ton of fun into a tiny programmable robotic soccer ball the size of a ping pong ball. Equipped with a gyroscope, accelerometer, and colorful LED lights, this educational robot is more than a mini robot toy. Sphero Mini Soccer allows you to drive several ways using the Sphero Play app and get your kicks with the soccer-themed Kick drive feature.

4.  Enabot Ebo Catpal The Smart Robot Cat Toy Companion

Features: Prevent Cat Loneliness and Boredom | Take Photos & Videos Remotely | Interact & Chat Anytime, Anywhere | Wheels, Rolls and Spins | Functions as a Trainer | 1080p Camera | Monitor Your Cat via Wi-Fi & Mobile App | Set a Schedule | Self-Returns to Charging Dock

• Adaptable and customizable smart AI
• Access from anywhere
• Autonomous movements or set your own path
• Self-charging with dock
• Set a schedule

According to RSPCA, cats are one of the most neglected pets in today's society.

The effects of neglect can lead to more than just grumpiness. Without proper stimulation and socialization, cats can develop depression, obesity, and other major health problems.

The good news is, it doesn't have to stay this way. We're here to help with Ebo - The smartest, life-like companion for your cat. Ebo creates a world of interaction, fun, stimulation, and connection that helps your cat to thrive and develop to achieve the best physical and mental health that they possibly can.