Arduino Robot kits are a one-stop solution for newbies, hobbyists, and engineers to be familiar with the Robotics and Arduino. It is a great technical platform to start and build mobile robots with a great sense of creativity.
To perform such tasks, you must get all the necessary parts from different sources which is a bit complicated. A solution to this is to pay for Arduino robot kit and get them with less effort for designing cool projects. A good robot kit comes with clear instructions, support and saves Your time and money.
There are many Arduino robot kits on the market today; each has its unique hardware devices and specifications. As it is very difficult to decide the right one, We made a case study on different Arduino robot kits and presented you the best 7 Arduino robot kits that offer various components, cost, project details, source code and many more.
List of the Best Arduino kits for beginners
1. Elegoo Project Smart Robot Car Kit
First on our list is the ELEGOO UNO R3 smart robot car kit. This is a robocar kit that is Arduino compatible and made specifically for beginners and pro electronic enthusiast kids and adults.
With an easy to follow tutorial for assembling it, this STEM educational kit teaches programming and robotics to kids with ease.
It comes in a 24 module package and is an integrated solution for robotics learning. The modules include Infrared remote control, obstacle avoidance, Tracking and mobile control as well. These are both for the Android and iOS operating systems.
Elegoo has a BLE tool app which gives you control over the kit using your mobile. It has an HC-08 module which is easy to use. The manual CD will give you a tutorial on how to use it as well. It has HD Videos of the tutorials, rendering and assembly of the car along with programming education for the car as well.
Very easy to assemble, the interface of the module has been modified with an XH2.54 port which makes the assembly much easier and removes any chance of any errors.
The car has a rechargeable battery and an overall minimal design. A great gift for budding learners of the age 12 or above. The robot car comes with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty from the date of purchase.
Compatible Age groups: 12 years or above
Things we liked about the kit:
- STEM educational robot car kit
- Has a detailed tutorial CD
- 24 Modules for easy assembly
- Intelligent obstacle avoidance
- Line tracking
- Elegoo BLE Tool Mobile App
- Rechargeable Battery
- 1 Year warranty
Things we didn’t like about it:
- None too specific to mention
2. Makeblock Educational Robot Kit
Next up, we have the Makeblock mBot STEM robot kit. An advanced version with updates than its predecessor, this one comes with transformational features such as a 3 in one robot.
It can be coded with a variety of functions and this makes it a fun tool to learn to code for kids. It can be built in just a few hours that is as simple as assembling building blocks. While it may be advertised as it will take about 45 minutes, it might end up taking a few hours to build it.
Makeblock has a signature Me Auriga Board that is compatible with the Arduino Mega 2560. The Arduino IDE can be used for development and the building guide that comes with the robot aids in this as well.
With proper personalization, the robot lets you add unique features to it and special build models such as a bird, raptor or a land raider too.
To run it, you will need 6 AA batteries. While there is no warranty, you can write to their customer support for any queries and issues [email protected]
Compatible Age Groups: 10+ years of age
Things we liked about it:
- An advanced Arduino model
- Block-based building
- 3 in one model
- Uses the Me Auriga Board that is compatible with the Arduino Mega 2560
Things we didn’t like about it:
- Has No warranty
- As it does not have a dedicated interface, you will be forced to use the Arduino Mega 2560 IDE for development
3. Ubtech Jimu Robot Astrobot Series: Cosmos Kit
Next up, we have UBTECH JIMU Astrobot Robot series. This cosmos kit is enabled by a mobile app and teaches kids to build and code through STEM Learning.
With over 384 parts, connectors and fasteners, the robot has a total of 5 servo motors, 2 LED lights and a central control box. The battery has a USB based charger. The sensor that comes can be connected to the Bluetooth speaker and can amplify your reach and capability to use the robot more.
Blockly’s unique coding platform teaches you to learn to code very easily and better. You can program your robot to be able to pick stuff, navigate obstacles, control the light settings, create sound effects, develop a unique personality and much more.
With the Brickly coding challenges, you can test your skills against others and also slowly learn to create and write better code. The 360 Degrees 3D animated building instruction will further aid in developing a better model.
The robot can be programmed for custom actions with the Pose, Record Play function or the PRP function. With a total of 387 snap-together parts in it, it is truly a fun play piece. The free app works both on Android and iOS devices.
The winner of the Tillywig 2018 brainchild award AND the CES 2017 innovation awards honoree, the robot also won the Time to Play magazine’s 2016 most wanted list and the IFA awards for 2015 best of show. Thoroughly highly rated and reviewed, as it is primarily a toy, there is no warranty to it
Compatible Age Groups: 8 to 12 years of age
Things we liked about it:
- STEM learning robot kit
- 360 degrees animated building instruction
- 387 snap together pieces
- The app allows for easier learning to code and play
- Award-winning design
- Sensors and a Bluetooth speaker embedded too
- The PRP function is truly revolutionary
Things we didn’t like about it:
- No warranty
4. Osoyoo Robot Car Starter Kit
OSOYOO’s robot car kit is a DIY robot that is made on the Arduino UNO R3 chipset. This lets you control the robot from both using Android and iOS app as well. High in quality, the robot comes with a wide range of functions and is one of the affordable and budget-friendly models in our list.
This kit can be modelled into a robot with WiFi controlled driving or even a battle bot as well. You can also program it for imitation driving as well. The DIY robot can also perform line tracking, detect and avoid collisions with obstacles and much more.
Perfect for beginners and pros alike, the detailed tutorial that comes with the kit will help you get started with it and become a pro as well on it. Kids can easily learn to code, the basics of IoT (Internet of Things), electronics, robotics and much more.
It can also be controlled using an Infrared remote control that is included in the box. The kit comes with two 9 volt batteries which are based out of rechargeable lithium-ion. The charger box lets you charge it. It also includes all the accessories needed for building it further.
Compatible age groups: 10+ years
Things we liked about the kit:
- Highly affordable and easy to build a DIY Robot kit
- High-Quality UNO R4 Arduino board
- Beginner-friendly yet pro built
- Detailed tutorial included in it
- Can imitate drive, automatic drive and much more.
- Can detect and avoid obstacles, line track and object motion follow as well.
- IR Control remote also available
- Can also be controlled using the WiFi and a smartphone
- Two 9 volt rechargeable batteries included
Things we didn’t like about it:
- No warranty
5. Lewansoul Robotic Arm Kit
Next up, we have a Robotic Arm kit rather than a movable entire robot. The LewanSoul 6DOF is a robotic arm kit based out of an Arduino. This is also a STEM-based robot learning kit that comes with app control and a tutorial as well.
A highly mechanical and minute detailed kit, the arm uses a high precision digital servo that increases the accuracy of the robot’s control.
LeArm has detailed video tutorials on how to use the robotic arm and there is also detailed 3D videos available for setting it up as well.
Entirely made out of metal, the robot arm is highly durable in nature..the metal mechanical claw is made out of durable aluminium brackets and the bottom plate is also pure metal.
The structural design of the robot arm is made for a greater freedom of movement and this let’s it grab any object with greater grip and move it in any direction possible.
The robot can be easily controlled using the Android or the iOS app and also through the Graphical PC software as well.
It has a 5axis rotation, a very cool surface design and greater grip and movement making it a great guy for both beginners and pro level enthusiasts.
Compatible Age Groups: 8 Year and above
Things we liked about it:
- Highly precise movement and high quality budget friendly robotic arm
- Can move about in 5 axis breadth
- Has a detailed tutorial for design and using it.
- Can perform various operations from.simple holding to moving and also be programmed for complex actions as well.
- Can be controlled using the mobile app (both Android and iPS) or the PC software.
Things we didn’t like about it:
- No warranty
- Batteries not included
- Only a single part of movement on a single place; no wheels
6. Elegoo Penguin Bot Biped Robot Kit
Yet another ELEGOO Robot Arduino kit on our list, the Penguin bot, as the name says, when assembled, looks like a penguin robot. The Bot Biped robot kit is a STEM learning kit for beginner kids and hobbyist adults as well.
Based on the DIY Arduino platform, the ELEGOO penguin bot comes with the promise of quality of the ELEGOO and its reviews and ratings are high as well.
Coming to the actual bot, it has great features such as auto-follow, Music player and dancing as well. It can follow a single line, can detect and avoid obstacles and can also be controlled using an IR remote as well. Using the Bluetooth APP, you can control the robot to sing, dance and move from a point to another.
Available not just in red colour, the bot is also available in black and transparent colours as well. The headcovers or head masks are available in 6 delicate designs to make it more personalized as it gets.
With the easy to follow tutorials, your kid can learn to code, program and do much more with robots and have hands-on experience while doing so. This tutorial CD comes enclosed in the kit of the robot.
Perfect for kids above the age of 10, even adults can find fun assembling and using the robot. The pack comes included with the Servo motors, parts and the containers and everything needed to assemble and use the robot. The kit includes a magnetic screwdriver and a few extra spare parts as well.
Compatible age groups: 10+ years
Things we liked about the kit:
- Easy to build STEM Learning ROBOT kit
- Highly reviewed and rated
- Can auto-follow, sing, dance and through the speaker, also mimic singing and avoid obstacles as well
- Can also be controlled using the Bluetooth App as well
- Comes with 6 extra delicate design face covers for added personalization
- The tutorial CD teaches coding at a basic level extensively
- Includes extra parts and a magnetic screwdriver as well
Things we didn’t like about it:
- No warranty
- No advanced customizations available
7. Freenove Quadruped Robot Kit
The Freenove Quadruped Robot has a very cool design to it. Made out of the evergreen Arduino Raspberry Pi Processing board, the robot has a Spider-like feature to it and can crawl about the surface rather than just roll on wheels.
This kind of movement by the robot makes it one of a kind and very interesting to code and program from scratch. All you need to do is follow a simple step by step tutorial that will help you in assembling and coding the robot to work.
The robot can be controlled using a wireless remote control. This remote comes in pieces in the package and you will be building it as well. It can also be controlled using a PC software or using an Android phone as well.
Freenove gives you the necessary code library to let you reprogram the robot. This, with the extra free ports that are available to the robot, gives you the ability to connect to other modules, circuits and re-purpose the robot to your creative and imaginative extent.
The package is complete with not just the parts but also additional magnetic screwdrivers and spanners required to get the job done.
Compatible Age Groups: 13 Years and above
Things we liked about it:
- A unique model that walks on 4 legs (quadrapod) rather than moving on wheels
- Easy to build and code using the step by step tutorials
- Can be controlled using a computer, a mobile app or a wireless remote
- The remote comes in the package and is part of the DIY process
- Package comes with magnetic screwdrivers and spanners for fixing and building it
- Can be reprogrammed and repurposed as well
Things we didn’t like about it:
- No warranty
Buying Guide for Arduino Robot Kits
One must consider the following factors before choosing the Arduino robot kits that satisfy their requirements. Read on to know more about them…
1. Price
Price is the most important factor you should look into when you decide to purchase the Arduino robot kits. One must go with the price that he can afford. Also, check for the best features that the branded product offers.
If you are not willing to spend more amount then go for mid-range products that are given in the article.
2. Smart navigation
Nowadays all the electronic devices are equipped with the smart navigation feature. Without this feature, no manufacturer is releasing the product in the market. It has become very important because you can simply control the device with single touch even at your busy times.
When you turn ON the smart navigation mode, it automatically starts moving in left-right, front-back directions. It can even crawl and jump sometimes to avoid the obstacles using the smart technology feature.
If you wish to opt for this amazing feature then you need to pay extra dollars. Take a wise decision before you make a purchase.
3. Easy accessing
So far you have considered only the price and smart navigation option. But the 3rd essential factor is easy accessing. For instance, you have purchased a product and unable to handle it or don’t know how to assemble the robot kit then its totally waste of your coin.
My best suggestion for you is whenever you decide to purchase any gadget get complete idea about it and then make a plan.
If you wish for an item and doesn’t know how to use then it doesn’t make a sense.
4. List of components
When you heard about the list of components, it may be wired or funny. Trust me you should also check for the number of components provided in the kit. Because sometimes the kit may not have all the necessary components required for a project.
The other reason is heavyweight, some of them do not like to carry heavy weighted items. There is also a misconception that heavy weighted items do not offer high performance. But its totally false and you may not be satisfied also.
Make sure you check the list of components offered in the robot kit and purchase the best one that matches your requirements.
