Robotics Smart Machines Junior Review From Thames & Kosmos Editor's Rating ★★★★★ Rated 4 out of 5 Age Recommendation 8 Share! Editor's Review Kids ages 8 and up can build and code their own robot with the Robotics Smart Machines Junior STEM kit. Follow the instructions to assemble the nine-inch robot, then pair it with the free block-based coding app to program up to 200 different actions for the robot. (The Thames & Kosmos Junior app is compatible with Android and Apple devices.) There are three ways to play. Control lets you directly control the robot’s movements, speed, light-up eyes, sounds, and more. Program lets you write a program for the robot, including different movements, speeds, lights, and sounds. And playing Workshop lets you unlock new features by fixing pretend errors. There’s also a built-in keypad on the robot’s head if you’d like to program your robot using those easy-to-use buttons. You can either press a directional button and watch Junior perform the action, or switch to Programming mode and store up to 50 individual movements for Junior to perform. Price Check $69.95 Should I get it? We like that this offers two ways to play: on-screen and off-screen. Obviously, the app offers more functionality and play, but if you’re limiting screen-time, that doesn’t limit a kid’s ability to still play with and program their robot. This introductory coding toy makes it easy for kids to program. The hardest part of this is probably the robot assembly. It took us 90 minutes to build the robot, and kids on the younger end of the age range will definitely need adult help. Pros2 ways to play Introduces coding basics Imaginative play ConsBatteries are not included Time & patience to assemble Adult help needed More From This Category ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Philbin Bunny $27.99 Watch the Review ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Spring and Hatchlings Moosh-Moosh $14.99 Watch the Review ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Ms. Rachel Goodnight Frankie Bedtime Playset $24.97 Watch the Review ★★★★★ Rated 4.5 out of 5 The Fantastic Four First Steps Stretch & Bend Mister Fantastic and Human Torch “Flame On!” Flyer $29.97 Watch the Review ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Skibidi Toilet Plunger Blaster $24.99 Watch the Review ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 Connetix Pro Constructor Set $99.99 Watch the Review ★★★★★ Rated 4.5 out of 5 Disney Stitch Many Moods Angel $44.99 Watch the Review ★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 KPop Demon Hunters Journals and Stickers $4.97 Watch the Review
