Mar 7, 2024 | Makeblock
What's the best way to reward children when they achieve excellent marks on exams or complete a school assignment? The answer lies not just in the reward itself, but in the opportunity to inspire and fuel their curiosity. Maybe what you need is a cool toy igniting kids' interest in creative learning.
These innovative playthings are not your average run-of-the-mill toys; those cool toys curated in this blog are carefully crafted to blend education with entertainment, ensuring that every play session is a step toward a brighter future. As we delve into the realm of these cool toys, we uncover how they can transform a child's imagination into a powerful tool for STEM learning, all while having a blast. So, let's embark on this exciting journey together and discover the perfect blend of fun and intellect that these top-notch toys have to offer.
1. Makeblock mBot Neo
mBot Neo certainly captures children's attention with its sleek aluminum alloy design. However, its appeal extends beyond just its looks; the robot's wide range of capabilities adds to its cool factor.
Highlights
- A perfect cool toy combining coding, robotics, and electronics.
- With the most versatile microcontroller, electronic, and mechanical parts.
- Best companion for learning coding from scratch with free courses and cases.
- Enable integration with mBuild modules to perform advanced tasks like voice control, smart camera.
Key Specifications
| Age Range | Material | Coding Language | Sensors | Playtime | Avg. Price for the past year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age 6+ | Aluminum Alloy | Block-based; Python | light sensor, microphone, gyroscope, acclerometor | ≈5 hours | $137.49 |
2. Yahboom Raspberry Pi Robot Kit G1 Tank
Yahboom AI Robot Kit is an advanced DIY project designed for individuals aged 16 and above, offering a unique blend of robotics, electronics, and programming. This kit is centered around the Raspberry Pi 4B, a powerful single-board computer that serves as the brain of the robot. The kit includes a robust tank chassis, which is made from aluminum alloy for durability and stability.
Highlights
- With AI functions such as face detection, color/object/gesture/QR code recognition.
- Included 2DOF camera which can be controlled remotely via an Android phone app.
Key Specifications
| Age Range | Material | Coding Language | Sensors | Playtime | Avg. Price for the past year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age 16+ | Aluminum Alloy | C++; Python | RGB light module, ultrasonic modules, line inspection module | 1-2 hours | $138.99 |
3. Makeblock mBot Mega
Makeblock mBot Mega is a sophisticated robot kit that comes with mecanum wheels designed for multidirectional movement. It is powered by the robust Mega AT2560 microcontroller, which enables the connection of numerous servos (over 10), stepper motors (up to 4), and DC motors (8). This kit includes an array of 7 sensors, all-terrain 4-wheel drive mecanum wheels, and a Bluetooth module for wireless connectivity.
Highlights
- Mega AT2560 offers extensive connectivity options, making the mBot Mega suitable for complex projects that require multiple motor and sensor integrations.
- The built-in Bluetooth module enables wireless communication.
- Its MegaPi mainboard is compatible with Raspberry Pi.
Key Specifications
| Age Range | Material | Coding Language | Sensors | Playtime | Avg. Price for the past year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age 8+ | Aluminum Alloy | Block-based, Arduino, Python | IR obstacle avoidance sensor, line follower sensor, crash sensor (limit switch), RGB LED module | ≈3.5 hours | $106.99 |
4. ELEGOO Conqueror Robot Tank Kit
ELEGOO Conqueror Robot Tank is designed to work with the Arduino UNO R3, a popular microcontroller board used for educational purposes. This cool toy is equipped with various sensors, such as infrared photoelectric sensors, an ultrasonic sensor, and buttons for input. It also features a motor, servo gimbal, and LED outputs, providing a range of functionalities for different projects.
Highlights
- Supporting Scratch programming with its own app ElegooKit and text-based programming with Arduino IDE.
- FPV control experience and using Wi-Fi for Video transmission.
- The camera horizontal control range is 0-180°.
Key Specifications
| Age Range | Material | Coding Language | Sensors | Playtime | Avg. Price for the past year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age 13+ | Aluminum Alloy | Block-based, Arduino | infrared photoelectric sensor; ultrasonic sensor | 2 hours | $179.99 |
5. VATOS Robot Dog Toy
These black cool toys boast a curvy design that radiates a lively energy, making it hard for children to resist the urge to continuously interact with the intelligent robotic dog. A simple tap on its rear or a soft caress under its chin can elicit a variety of reactions, with up to six distinct responses programmed into this remote-controlled toy. The engaging nature of this interaction fosters the development of crucial social abilities, such as compassion and accountability, in young learners.
Highlights
- Support over 8+ voice commands.
- With 2.4 GHz Long-Range Remote Control.
Key Specifications
| Age Range | Material | Coding Language | Sensors | Playtime | Avg. Price for the past year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age 3+ | ABS plastic | / | remote control sensor | 1 hour | $59.99 |
6. Qoopers 6 in 1 Programming Robot Building Kit
These cool toys can be built in six different types with diverse functions. The process of assembling is friendly to both children and adults, allowing children to improve their hands-on ability, concentration, self-learning and problem-solving skills. The shiny metal robot kit is also a perfect tool for family entertainment education.
Highlights
- 100% compatible with all major Mechanical Building Block sets.
- Qoopers can be easily operated through Robobloq App.
Key Specifications
| Age Range | Material | Coding Language | Sensors | Playtime | Avg. Price for the past year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age 8+ | Alloy and ABS plastic | block-based, Python, Arduino | ultrasonic sensor;RGB LED | 1 hour | $169.99 |
7. Yahboom UNO R3 DIY Smart Robot Car Kit
As a regular curated on the cool toys lists, SunFounder Zeus Robot Car Kit is an educational robot toy featuring 360° omnidirectional movement and complex maneuvers like drifting. It comes equipped with an ESP32 CAM for a first-person view (FPV) experience through an app, and an 8-channel grayscale module for line following in any direction.
Highlights
- Using a 6cm Mecanum wheel, it is easy to achieve 360 ° omnidirectional movement.
- With 2 obstacle avoidance modules and an ultrasonic module, it can realize obstacle avoidance and following function.
Key Specifications
| Age Range | Material | Coding Language | Sensors | Playtime | Avg. Price for the past year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age 12+ | plastic | Arduino, C++ | IR remote controller; ultrasonic sensor; obstacle avoidance sensor | 1 hour | $109.99 |
8. Whaelsbot E7 Pro Coding Robot Set
WhalesBot E7 Pro Coding Robot Set is an advanced cool toy designed to introduce children to the world of programming and STEM education. This interactive robot is equipped with a powerful 32-bit Cortex-M3 processor, running at 72MHz, and features 512KB FlashROM and 64K RAM for robust performance. The E7 Pro boasts 12 input/output interfaces, including digital/analog ports, closed-loop motor control interfaces, and TTL servo motor serial interfaces. It also has a USB interface for online debugging and supports software upgrades with its built-in 32Mbit memory chip.
Highlights
- Providing 12 different models of robot construction.
- Offering 3D model resource on the WhalesBot APP.
Key Specifications
| Age Range | Material | Coding Language | Sensors | Playtime | Avg. Price for the past year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8-12 years old | plastic | Block-based | / | 1 hour | $249.99 |
9. ANT001 Hexapod Tank
With their fascinating appearance, these cool toys are sophisticated robotic kits designed for enthusiasts and educators looking to explore the intricacies of hexapod locomotion and robotics. This six-legged marvel is equipped with a robust chassis that supports a variety of sensors and actuators, allowing for complex movements and interactions with its environment.
Highlights
- With six legs to improve stability and adaptability on the battlefield.
- Combination of engineering, soldering, and mechanics.
Key Specifications
| Age Range | Material | Coding Language | Sensors | Playtime | Avg. Price for the past year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age 12+ | plastic | / | / | 1 hour | $89.99 |
10. RC & APP Control Robot Dog Building Kit Set
RC & APP Control Robot Dog Building Kit Set is an innovative and educational toy designed to inspire creativity and technical skills in children. This 2023 upgraded version comes with 886 pieces, offering a comprehensive building experience that results in a fully functional, walkable electronic pet dog.
Highlights
- Two Bluetooth remote control operation modes: handheld remote control and mobile app.
- The remote control distance is more than 20 meters.
Key Specifications
| Age Range | Material | Coding Language | Sensors | Playtime | Avg. Price for the past year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age 8+ | ABS plastic | / | remote control sensor | 1 hour | $59.99 |
Conclusion
These 10 Cool Toys featured in this blog are not just sources of entertainment for children; they are gateways to the fascinating world of STEM. These innovative toys have been carefully selected for their ability to captivate young minds and inspire a love for learning through play. By integrating interactive elements, engaging challenges, and educational content, these toys encourage kids to explore, experiment, and discover the principles of science and technology in a fun and accessible way.
From the mBot Mega's versatile programming capabilities to the ANT001 Hexapod Tank's intricate mechanical design, each cool toy on this list offers a unique learning experience that aligns with the interests and developmental stages of children. Those cool toys promote critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a hands-on approach to learning, which are essential for success in the 21st century.
As we look to the future, it's clear that STEM education will play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of innovators, thinkers, and leaders. By providing children with cool toys that ignite their curiosity and foster a passion for learning, we are equipping them with the knowledge and skills they need to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.
