There are loads of fun ways you can put a remote control to use, but none with the excitement and engagement that a robot kit brings.
These toys are for kids and adults alike, and rather than just being a mindless thing to pass the time with, robot kits like this develop a love for STEM and are educational tools worth their weight in gold.
What are the best remote control robot kits on the market?
A good RC robot kit could be suitable for its intended age group, have detailed instructions, and be the perfect mixture of fun and education. These are robots ranging from very simple to broad and in price ranges from $20 through to hundreds of dollars, with something for everyone.
If you’ve been looking for a robot kit for kids or adults, and want to make sure you’re not choosing a dude, we’re here to assist. We’ve selected a list of our favorite RC robots and what makes them so good (and potentially bad) so you’ve only got the best to choose from.
Our Picks for the Best Remote Control Robot Kit
To narrow down your search for the best RC robot, we’ve done the research for you, and come up with an expert selection instead. These are the best overall RC robots and STEM robot kits on the market, and everything they have to offer.
Best Overall: Wonder Workshop’s Dash Robot
- Type: Pre-built
- Weight: 1.5lbs
- Size: 6.69 x 7.17 x 6.34 inches
- Age: 6+
If you’re looking for a fun RC robot kit that’s already assembled, the Dash Robot from Wonder Workshop is our favorite. Dash arrives in the box ready to go, but then it’s up to the kids to code and give it commands using the free apps that come with it.
The robot weighs around 1.5lbs and is bright blue and orange, with a kid-friendly shape that’s easy to handle. You can choose from either voice activation or remote control, using your compatible device, and there’s a neverending list of things you can try.
The best thing about this robot is its ease of use, and the way it can teach anyone about coding and commands, even if they’ve never used a robot before. There’s no need to build it, so you get straight to the good stuff, and as an open-ended learning platform it makes it easy for kids and adults to access tech knowledge that they never had a chance to learn before.
On the downside though, Dash Robot is expensive for a first time robot, and if you want to get the most out of him you’ll want to upgrade to purchase the challenge cards. Some kids might get bored after a few days without them, depending on where their robotic knowledge is, so make sure you shop according to your kids’ existing skills.
The Dash Robot comes with everything you need including the ready-made robot, micro USB charging cable, and two building brick connectors. It’s compatible with a range of devices including iPads and iPhones, Samsung Galaxy phones and tablets, and other Bluetooth friendly systems, and you do everything from this device to control him. One charge will get five hours of full playtime, or 30 days standby, so it’s a robot with staying power.
If you’re ready to welcome Dash Robot into your home with loving arms, head to Amazon for the best price online of around $110. This includes free shipping, free returns, and a one year limited warranty from Wonder Workshop. For a fun way to introduce your child to robotics and remote control devices, Dash Robot is our favorite choice.
Runner Up: Really R.A.D Robots Turbo Bot
- Type: Pre-built
- Weight: 1.24lbs
- Size: 5.12 x 10.45 x 3.95 inches
- Age: 5+
When you’re more interested in the RC feature of a robot, and not the ability to program it, something like the Really R.A.D Robots Turbo Bot will be up your alley. This fun rolling robot operates at full speed and can be controlled with either voice command or a full-function remote. Turbo Bot can spin, dance, explore, record sounds, and move around, and you can leave it to do it on its own or with your command.
The coolest thing about this robot is how easy it is to use, but still with a lot of fun features. It can do more than a standard toy robot with the ability to record messages and prank your friends, and without needing to learn anything about coding or programming. This robot is ideal for those looking for a fun factor rather than expanding their STEM knowledge.
However, it’s somewhat limited in what it can do, and although Really R.A.D Robots recommend it for up to 15 year olds, we think kids at this age would be a little bored and probably looking for the chance to do some coding of their own. You’re better off sticking to younger kids for this toy otherwise its minimal capabilities can get old pretty quickly.
Turbo Bot weighs around 1.2lbs and measures 5.12 x 10.45 x 3.95 inches and is shaped with two rolling wheels on either side. It moves fast and can actively avoid obstacles while it’s moving around, making it seems as if it has a mind of its own. The robot features a database of sounds and comments, and an ability to tell jokes, so it’s got a personality that seems pretty realistic.
If you’re looking for an RC robot that’s more about fun than learning, you’ll love everything about the Really R.A.D Robots Turbo Bot. This cool toy costs less than $50 when you shop on Amazon and comes with everything you need to get started, with minimal robotics knowledge required. Amazon will ship him for free to your door, offer free returns for 30 days, so if Turbo Bot isn’t the RC robot that you dreamed of, you can send him back without a hassle.
Alternative: Elegoo Uno Smart Robot Car Kit
- Type: Robot kit
- Weight: 2.71lbs
- Size: 10.35 x 5.71 x 3.15 inches (package)
- Age: 13+
When your dreams for an RC robot kit are a little more technical, you’ll be impressed with everything the Elegoo Uno Smart Robot Car Kit has in store. This is a complete robotics kit suitable for kids and adults aged 13 years and over and allows you to make a robot from scratch, giving you all of the tools, materials, and instructions you need.
According to customers, this kit provided hours of entertainment, and it featured seemingly hundreds of small parts, each with their place. The sense of satisfaction gained from building a robot like this was phenomenal, and although it’s recommended for kids aged 13 years and over, if you have a younger kid with a special interest in robotics, they might be able ot put it together.
However, some people found that the Elegoo Smart Robot Car Kit had issues with sonar, which meant it ran into walls and obstacles a fair bit, and couldn’t seem to navigate stairs. You may need to spend extra time working on the infrared component to fix this, which can be out of the scope of possibility for some beginner users. If you can’t fit it, you’re better sticking to a flat surface when you test it out, otherwise, it could take a tumble and receive serious damage.
The Elegoo Smart Robot Car features an infrared remote or can be linked to your phone or tablet for control. Within the kit is 24 different kinds of model parts to create everything from obstacle avoidance to line tracing, so you’ll get a fully functional robotic car when the job is done. The Elegoo Robot Car module interface was designed with XH2.54 ports which makes it easier to use, especially for first-timers.
To get your hands on this complete robotics kit from Elegoo and feel the satisfaction of creating your own RC robot, head to Amazon for the best price on this car for around $90. Included with this is all of the parts and instructions you’ll need, as well as free shipping and returns from Amazon, and it’ll provide hours of entertainment and education for kids and adults of all ages.
Best STEM Robot Kit: Anysun Building Block Toy
- Type: Robotic kit
- Weight: 1.32lbs
- Size: 11.1 x 8 x 2.8 inches (package)
- Age: 8+
STEM robots offer a lot to kids and adults, with a fun and educational toy that provides hours of use, and the Anysun Building Block Toy is no exception. This robot kit comes with everything you need to build and control your very own robot, and the options to control it include a compatible phone app, remote control, voice command, and joystick.
The Anysun Building Block Toy is a great way to teach your kids about STEM that provides the right amount of learning and control for them. If you’ve shied away from other building kits because they seemed too technical, and others seemed too basic, this is the perfect middle ground.
For younger kids, they may need some help snapping the parts together, as others have mentioned. Although Anysun recommends this is for eight year olds, they will need some adult assistance with this part, which is kind of disappointing if you were hoping it was something your child could do on their own.
Anysun has included all parts and instructions needed to build this robot toy from the beginning, and when you’re done, there’s even more to do. You’ll be able to control the toy and give it commands like moving forward and backward, as well as turning around, and it can be controlled by up to 65 feet away.
This robot weighs just over 1lbs when built and features all moving parts that make it look, feel and operate as a robot. Once it’s built, you can enhance gaming further with the dedicated app that lets you try a range of things like STEM programming and using a joystick to control the robot.
The Anysun Building Block Toy is a STEM-based robotic kit that gives kids more of a learning experience and lets them enjoy the fun of RC at the same time. Priced at around $45 on Amazon with free shipping to your door and free returns for the first 30 days, it’s a great way to get your kids into robotics and a good gift for all ages.
Runner Up: Petrip Building Block Robot
- Type: Robot kit
- Weight: 2.55lbs
- Size: 11.46 x 10.28 x 3.11 inches (package)
- Age: 8+
The Petrip Building Block Robot is a versatile way to let your kid build their own RC robot, in more ways than one. This robotics kit features 606 pieces of building blocks that work like LEGO, and allow you to build whatever you choose. All pieces are non-toxic and BPA free, so you can feel good about your children playing with them, as well as the learning experience they’ll receive.
The best thing about this robotics kit is that it’s not just designed to make one thing and then be done, meaning better value for money and a bigger learning experience. Customers loved how there was a range of projects you could work on, including building a real-life robot or a robotic car, and all of the parts were already included to let you mix and match between tasks.
This is not a robot kit for adults or even older kids, though, as it’s aimed more at those between six and 10 years old. In some parts, customers found it basic, and although it’s designed to educate on all of the stages of building a robot from scratch, some kids got bored during the process because of how easy it was.
There are many moving parts in this robotics kit, including turning wheels and rubber tires, or arms that can swivel and pick up objects. With an included joystick controller, you show the robot what to do, and take full control of the process, from building to playing. Petrip has broken down the different models into varying challenging levels, which lets your kid build on their confidence and skills at the same time as they progress.
The Petrip Building Block Robot is a simpler way to introduce robotics to your children without getting too involved in the coding and programming side of things.
If you want to spur an interest in STEM using fun toys, head to Amazon to get your hands on this robot for around $45, as well as free shipping and free returns for 30 days. This is a fun way to learn and an even better way to enjoy the fun of remote control toys, so consider introducing your child to the Petrip Building Block Robot today.
FAQs of Remote Control Robot Kits
A remote control robot kit is a great way to get kids, or yourself, interested in STEM concepts and they allow you to build, code, and control a robot for yourself.
If you want to learn more about how these RC devices work, check out the answers to some commonly asked questions.
How Can I Start My Own Robot At Home?
The best way to start building a robot at home is with a kit that comes with all of the instructions and materials needed. With a ready-made kit, you’ll have detailed steps and explanations on what each part is, as well as the guarantee that you have all of the parts as well.
Is It Hard To Build A Robot?
Robotics can be a challenge, even for the experts, but it’s not hard to build your first robot from scratch with the right instructions and materials. Start small by learning about electronics and focus first on building a robotic arm, rather than building the whole robot as your first project.
Can I Learn Robotics On My Own?
There are loads of online resources for teaching robotics, electronics, and all other concepts relating to the field. You’ll be able to learn robotics on your own with these guides and experimenting for yourself with robot kits and parts that are available to purchase online.
What Are The 5 Major Fields Of Robotics?
Component-based robots, operator interface, locomotion based robots, programming, and robot identification are some major fields of robotics that are studied today. However, depending on your chosen specialty, there are many more to learn.
Building A Love of STEM the Fun Way
Kids and adults alike can benefit from learning STEM concepts, and when it’s done in a fun way like robots, even better. Any of these recommendations will be a great addition to your home, and with all of the joy of remote control toys with the education factor that building and coding a robot can bring.