Decent robot toy for 6yr old?
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Discussion

aww999

Original Poster:

2,078 posts

292 months

Sunday 8th December 2019
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Hello all, top of my boy's Christmas list was a robot. Further interrogation reveals that he envisions a walking talking semi-sentient remote controlled companion. I worry that most of the Chinese crap on Amazon will spastically twitch a limb, emit some muffled buzzing noises, and thoroughly disappoint him.

Can anyone recommend a decent quality option for less than 100 quid that actually does some robot stuff and that he can have some fun with? I think he would love to chase his brother round the house with it, or have it repeat phrases he's said to it, or make it dance etc. Perhaps I am asking too much at this price point? He has a basic android tablet, if that's required to control it.

Thanks very much!

UnluckyTimmeh

3,695 posts

244 months

Sunday 8th December 2019
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Have a look at the Anki robots.

I have a Cozmo which is great fun and my friends kids love playing around with it when they come over. They’re aged 4 - 7. It’s not quite the walking talking robot that maybe you’re thinking of but it’s good.

It does require a smart phone to use, but that’s fine if you want it to be something to you can all get involved in.

There’s an Anki Vector too, while he’s smarter and will go off and do his own thing, the Cozmo is more interactive.

Hope this helps possibly?

  • editted to add* might be worth seeing if you can get the app on their tablet first. With the app it’ll do everything you’ve asked for above smile. It uses facial recognition which once he’s learnt you, I’ve found even the adults find fascinating smile
Edited by UnluckyTimmeh on Sunday 8th December 08:59

AlexC1981

5,857 posts

248 months

Sunday 8th December 2019
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I was given a Dingbot in the 80s. Cute little thing, but a massive disappointment to the 6 year old me. I've still got it somewhere.

aww999

Original Poster:

2,078 posts

292 months

Sunday 8th December 2019
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Thanks very much, will do some research on them. Anyone had a go with the MiBro? Looks like fun and only 30 quid!

vaud

59,856 posts

186 months

Sunday 8th December 2019
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If you can push the budget then the Lego Boost is supposed to be very good. £135 on Amazon.

Combined 5 models in one, sensors, can be programmed, and can be rebuilt into entirely new toys.

alorotom

12,789 posts

218 months

Sunday 8th December 2019
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We have a Sphero Sprk+

I bought it for me when she was just 3 ... She played with it more than me and now she is 5 she likes to programme it (drag and drop blocks interface) ... And uses it to chase the dog. Thankfully it's a hard polycarbonate so stands up to the dogs jaws!

Baldchap

9,635 posts

123 months

Sunday 8th December 2019
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If you're feeling flush and want to drop a car's worth on little Jimmy this Christmas...

https://www.bostondynamics.com/spot

mike9009

11,006 posts

274 months

Sunday 8th December 2019
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I bought a £30 robot for my six year old last Xmas. He has used it about twice. Once on Xmas day which lasted about 30 minutes. Once all commands were learnt by my son he lost interest..

Bigtrak has lasted much better, with regular excursions plus hopefully helping him to learn how to code.


Mike