Learning Resources Botley 2.0 The Coding Robot
Learning Resources
$63.44
Makeblock mBot STEM Coding Toys Robotics for Kids Ages 8-12
Brand: Makeblock
$69.99
In Stock · (as of Sep 29, 12:38 AM EDT – Details)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, PicksHive earns from qualifying purchases.
Live Amazon listing, not a hands-on PicksHive review — image, features, price and availability come from Amazon; the buying notes below are PicksHive's.
PicksHive Take
The Makeblock mBot is aimed at children ages 8–12 who want to build a robot and then learn to program it, rather than just drive a finished toy. Its listed path from Scratch to Arduino makes it worth considering for a beginner who may want more advanced projects later. Match it to the child’s current skills and interest in coding, though, not just the age on the box. PicksHive has not tested this kit by hand.
At the current $69.99 price, the main appeal is the combination of assembly, coding lessons, and robot behaviors such as line-following and obstacle avoidance. The listing says assembly takes about 15 minutes; treat that as an estimate, not a guarantee for every child. Coding cards, lessons, three free Makeblock apps, and mBlock software provide several ways to get started. The trade-off is that this is not simply an all-included toy: the robot needs four AA batteries, and the remote controller needs a CR2025 battery, all sold separately. Check the listing for supported devices before buying for app-based activities.
Skip it if you want to avoid apps and software entirely, or if the child mainly wants construction play without programming. For that latter interest, compare PicassoTiles 120-piece building blocks, an interlocking building-block set rather than the robot-and-coding format offered here. For an older child, TEACH TECH Mech-5 is another coding robot building kit to investigate, with a listed age range starting at 10. mBot’s expansion support—including Makeblock modules, parts, and LEGO compatibility—is a useful reason to shortlist it, but confirm any intended add-on’s compatibility before purchasing.
Written by PicksHive from the product listing and category research — not a hands-on test.
What to know before buying stem toys
PicksHive buying note
Match kits to the child's current skill, not only their age. Check whether coding toys need a tablet or app and which devices it supports.
Key features and specifications (from Amazon)
| Brand | Makeblock |
|---|---|
| Amazon category | Science Kits & Toys |
| ASIN | B00SK5RUQY |
- Entry-level Coding Robot Toy: mBot robot kit is an excellent educational robot toys, designed for learning electronics, robotics and computer programming in a simple and fun way. From Scratch to Arduino, this STEM projects for kids ages 8-12 helps kids to learn programming step by step via interactive software and learning resources
- Easy to Build: With clearly building instructions, this building kit can be easily built within 15 minutes. Kids will learn more about electronics, machinery, and robotics components through building mBot. You can also play this STEM projects for kids ages 8-12 as a remote control car with its multi-functions: line-follow, obstacle-avoidance and so on
- Rich Tutorials for Programming: With Offerring coding cards and lessons, children can easily use all fonctions of mBot and creat projects by themselves. Matched with 3 free Makeblock apps and mBlock software, kids can enjoy remote control, play programming games, and coding with mBot robot kit. Note that the remote controller needs a CR2025 battery(NOT INCLUDED), and the robot kit needs 4 AA batteries (NOT INCLUDED)
- Awesome Gift for Kids: Surprise your little Kids with super cool robotics kit and let them discover the secrets of programming and electronics. Being well packaged and metal material, this robot kit is a perfect learning and educational toy gift for boys and girls on Birthday, Children's Day, Christmas, Easter, Summer Camp Activities, Back To School, Home Fun Time
- Creative Robot with Add-on Packs: So many fun configuration with an open-source system, this programmable robot is compatible with rich add-on packs. mBot can be connected to 100+ electronic modules and 500+ parts from the Makeblock platform, compatible with LEGO parts
Questions about this product
- Which batteries does the mBot kit need?
- The robot needs four AA batteries, and the remote controller needs one CR2025 battery. Neither is included.
- Does mBot support both beginner and more advanced coding?
- The listing describes a learning path from Scratch to Arduino, supported by coding cards, lessons, three free Makeblock apps, and mBlock software. Check the listing for compatible devices and software requirements.
- What can mBot do besides coding exercises?
- The listing says it can be used as a remote-control car and includes line-following and obstacle-avoidance functions. It also involves assembling the robot from its components.
- Can mBot work with LEGO parts and Makeblock add-ons?
- The listing states compatibility with LEGO parts and support for more than 100 electronic modules and 500 parts from the Makeblock platform. Check the listing for details on any specific expansion you plan to use.
Compare with
Learning Resources Botley 2.0 The Coding Robot Activity Set
Learning Resources
$99.99
In Stock · (as of Sep 28, 11:45 PM EDT – Details)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
National Geographic Earth Science Kit with 100+ Activities for Kids 8-12
Blue Marble
$28.99
(as of Sep 28, 11:45 PM EDT – Details)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Thames & Kosmos Mega Cyborg Hand STEM Experiment Kit | Build Your Own GIANT Hydraulic Amazing Gripping Capabilities Adjustable for Different Sizes Learn Pneumatic Systems
Thames & Kosmos
$23.99
In Stock · (as of Sep 28, 11:45 PM EDT – Details)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Similar picks
Wonder Workshop Dash Robot - Coding Robots for Kids 6 and Older
Wonder Workshop
$179.99
(as of Sep 28, 11:45 PM EDT – Details)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
PicassoTiles 120pcs Hedgehog Interlocking Building Blocks Tiles Construction Toy Set Learning Playset STEAM Development Preschool Kindergarten Toy for Kids Age3+ PTB120
PicassoTiles
$24.99
In Stock · (as of Sep 29, 12:38 AM EDT – Details)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Learning Resources Botley The Coding Robot Activity Set - 77 Pieces, Ages 5+, Screen-Free Coding Robots for Kids, STEM Toys for Kids, Programming for Kids, for Kids
Learning Resources
$75.76
In Stock · (as of Sep 29, 12:38 AM EDT – Details)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Learning Resources Botley the Coding Robot
Learning Resources
$65.45
In Stock · (as of Sep 28, 11:45 PM EDT – Details)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
ELEGOO UNO R3 Smart Robot Car Kit V4 with Camera, Compatible with Arduino
ELEGOO
$79.99
In Stock · (as of Sep 29, 12:17 AM EDT – Details)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
TEACH TECH Mech-5 STEM Coding Robot Building Kit for Kids Ages 10+
Teach Tech
$41.99
In Stock · (as of Sep 28, 11:45 PM EDT – Details)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Sillbird 12-in-1 Solar Robot Building Kit STEM Gift for Boys Ages 8-13
Sillbird
$14.97
In Stock · (as of Sep 28, 11:45 PM EDT – Details)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Smartivity Robotic Mechanical Hand STEM Toy for Kids 8-14
Smartivity
$25.26
In Stock · (as of Sep 28, 11:45 PM EDT – Details)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Makeblock mBot STEM Coding Toys Robotics for Kids Ages 8-12
Makeblock mBot STEM Coding Toys Robotics for Kids Ages 8-12