Apitor Robot J Coding Robot Kit

Description

The Robot J is the one to buy if you want a child to build the robot before they drive it. It’s a box of 480 blocks that goes together into six different models, and once it’s built, the same kit teaches coding through ScratchJr-style blocks in Apitor’s free app. Most robot toys stop being interesting once the novelty wears off. This one has five more builds waiting.

• 480 blocks, six models: Apitor’s figure. The blocks are Technic-style pins and beams rather than stud bricks, so it’s closer to building a machine than a wall.
• ScratchJr-style coding in the Apitor Kit App: Icons you drag into a sequence, no typing. Children who can’t read fluently can still make it do things.
• Four remote control modes: Drive it from a phone over Bluetooth when nobody feels like coding.
• Control module with two motors and two LED lights: The motors are what make the builds move rather than just sit there.
• Apitor lists it for ages 7 and up: The Amazon listing says 8 to 12. Seven or eight is about right for building it alone, younger with an adult on the floor.
• Three AA batteries, not included: Worth knowing on Christmas morning.

Worth knowing before you buy: only one of the six builds comes with a printed instruction book. The other five are online, so you need a phone or tablet next to the pile of blocks. That’s fine for most families and annoying if you were picturing a screen-free afternoon. If screen-free is the point, this is the wrong kit. If you want a child to understand that a robot is something you make rather than something you unbox, it’s the best value on this page.