Robotics
How we choose the robot kits we use in class
Price, parts and how often they break. The questions we ask before a new kit reaches a classroom.
Every year we test new robot kits, and most of them never reach a classroom. A kit that looks exciting in a video can be frustrating on a Tuesday afternoon with ten children and one teacher. Here are the questions we ask before we buy a class set.
Can a child fix it?
Things break in every class. If a wheel falls off, a nine-year-old should be able to put it back without waiting for a teacher. Kits with standard screws and easy-to-find spare parts win over sealed ones every time.
Does it grow with the student?
The best kits work with block coding at first and with written code later. That way a student can keep using the same robot when they move from a beginner class to an intermediate one, and the skills carry over.
Does it work without extra setup?
We avoid kits that need a new account, an app update or a fast internet connection before the first build. Class time is short, and every minute spent on setup is a minute not spent building.
Our checklist
Replacement parts are cheap and easy to order.
It survives being dropped from a table.
It runs on rechargeable batteries.
Two children can build it together without fighting over parts.
The instructions are pictures first, words second.
A good kit is one that is still in use three years later, with a few scratches and a lot of rebuilds.
What this means for you at home
If you are thinking of buying a kit for home, the same questions apply. Start small, check how easy it is to get spare parts, and choose a kit that your child can grow with. Our teachers are always happy to recommend one at the open workshop.
Thanks for reading
