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 15 Arduino robot kits that offer various components, cost, project details, source code and many more.
For more information about choosing the Arduino robot kits to read our “Buying Guide“.
| Arduino Robot Kits | Arduino Board Used | Warranty | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELEGOO Smart Robot Car Kit | UNO R3 | 1 Year | Check the Price |
| Makeblock mBot Robot Kit | UNO R3 | N/A | Check the Price |
| UCTRONICS Robot Car Kit for Arduino | UNO R3 | N/A | Check the Price |
| Makeblock mBot Ranger Educational Robot Kit | Makeblock Me Auriga Arduino Mega 2560 | N/A | Check the Price |
| Makeblock DIY Ultimate Robot Kit | Mega Pi | N/A | Check the Price |
| Adeept Arduino Robotic Arm Kit | UNO R3 | N/A | Check the Price |
| Robolink Rokit Starter Robot Kit | Robolink PCB (Arduino compatible | N/A | Check the Price |
| Adeept Smart Car Kit for Arduino | UNO R3 | N/A | Check the Price |
| Emakefun Smart Robot Car Kit | UNO R3 | N/A | Check the Price |
| OSOYOO Robot Car Starter Kit for Arduino | UNO R3 | N/A | Check the Price |
List of the Best Arduino kits for beginners
1. ELEGOO UNO R3 Project Smart Robot Car Kit
First on our list is the ELEGOO UNO R3 smart robot car kit. The third version of the robo car kit that is Arduino compatible, it is made specifically for beginners and professionals too who are enthusiastic to learn electronics.
It comes with an easy to follow tutorial too for assembling it. This STEM educational kit, as mentioned, is all about teaching programming and robotics.
This car is an integrated solution for robotics learning and it comes with a complete 24 module part package. It includes obstacle avoidance, infrared remote control, Tracking module, and mobile control as well (both Android and iOS)
Elegoo’s BLE tool app lets you control the kit with your mobile. The HC-08 module is easy to use and with the manual CD, you are even provided with a tutorial on how to use it.
It easy to assemble and also, the module’s interface has been modified with an XH2.54 port. This makes the assembly much easier and convenient that also reduces the chance of any errors
The tutorial CD comes with HD videos that explain in explicit details of the rendering and assembly of the robot car. It also educates you of all the necessary code and programming required for the assembly of the car.
Even the battery in the car is easily rechargeable. Minimal in design and usage as well, this could be a great gift for budding learners of the age 12 or above. The kit comes with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty from the date of purchase.
Compatible Age groups: 12+
Things we liked about the kit:
A great STEM educational robot car kit for kids of age 12 and above
- Comes with a detailed manual and tutorial CD
- 24 various components provided that can be easily assembled
- Great features such as intelligent obstacle avoidance and line tracking
- Can be controlled with the Elegoo BLE Tool mobile app too
- Rechargeable battery
- 1 Year manufacturer’s warranty
Things we didn’t like about it:
- None too specific to mention
2. Makeblock mBot Robot Kit
Makeblock mBot is a simple DIY robot car kit that comes with mechanical building blocks. It is a budget-friendly and an economical choice that is perfect as a gift for kids.
It’s basic and entry-level programming modules aid in improving a kid’s creative and logical thinking skills. Easy to build and assemble, it takes about 15 minutes to finish assembling the robot.
This robot car can be controlled remotely with the help of a small remote that comes with the kit. It can also be controlled with a mobile app, the mBlock Blockly app that can be downloaded from the Android play store or the Apple App Store. The robot car is very smart and you can switch between various play modes.
One of those modes is to switch it so it can jump away from obstacles, follow and track a single line among others. The mBlock Blockly Mobile app can also be used to programme the robot in any way the kid wishes. Coding the robot is very easy and intuitive and it also helps improve and build basic logical coding and creative coding skills among the kids.
The mBlock software is compatible with Windows, Linux and macOS. With its 450,000 strong online community, it is a breeze to know more about it. There is also a DIY guide that seconds as a manual that helps you set up the robot car. The robot runs on 4 AA batteries and alternatively, you can also use a single lithium-ion battery of 3.7 Volts. For the remote, a simple coin battery of CR2025 is sufficient. (Batteries not included)
Makeblock is a well established global brand that provides STEM education solutions in a number of countries. There is a manufacturer’s warranty available for the kit but the duration is not specified properly.
Compatible Age groups: 10+
Things we liked about it:
- It is a budget-friendly DIY STEM robot kit
- Entry-level programming for kids
- Can be controlled with a remote or the mBlock mobile app
- The app can also be used to code the robot.
- Programming can be done on the desktop as well.
- The robot can avoid obstacles, follow in a single line and a lot more.
- The robot works on 4 AAA batteries or 3.7 Volts lithium battery (non-rechargeable). Remote needs a CR2025 coin battery
Things we didn’t like about it:
- No specification on the duration of the warranty
3. UCTRONICS Smart Robot Car Kit for Arduino
Next on our list is the UCTRONICS Smart Robot Car. It is also a STEM educational programmable and self-assembled robot kit that has UNO R3 Arduino board base.
Though this is a beginner level kit, it might require a basic understanding of electronics if you are to start with it. It that comes with the baseboard of UNO R3, as mentioned before, and also the HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor, L293D Motor Driver Shield and a 9G Micro Servo Motor.
All these modules are XH2.54 port modified and thus the wiring and assembly are very easy. It keeps the sensor installation errors to a bare minimum.
The car comes with interesting features like automatic detection and avoidance of obstacles. The ultrasonic sensor aids in this by sending in waves to calculate the distance like a bat. There is also a tutorial CD that comes with the kit that aids in the construction.
It also comes with the necessary programming code that is needed for the development. As UTRONICS does not specify any kind of warranty for their products, it would have been even more exciting if their parts are better built and more reliable.
Compatible Age Groups: 8 years old and above
Things we liked about it:
- Easy to build
- UNO R3 baseboard
- Easy to build with minimal errors as the modules are upgraded to the XH2.54 ports
- Automatic obstacle detection and avoidance with the HC-SR04 ultra sensor
- Tutorial CD
Things we didn’t like about it
- No warranty
- Needs to improve product reliability
4. Makeblock mBot Ranger Transformable STEM Educational Robot Kit
Next on our list is yet another Makeblock mBot STEM robot kit. This one is slightly advanced than the previous version and comes with transformational features that make it a 3 in one robot toy.
You can code it with a wide variety of functions that make this a fun element to learn to code for kids and preteens. The robot can be built in just a couple of hours with easy to assemble building blocks. (Though the packaging says that it can be built in 45 mins, the proper building will take a few hours)
The robot is made out of Makeblock’s signature Me Auriga board, that is compatible with Arduino Mega 2560. Thus you can use the Arduino IDE for development. It comes with a building guide that helps you to build the robot. The personalization of the robot allows you to add special features to it. You can build a raptor, a bird and a land raider with it by interchanging a few blocks here and there.
Batteries for the robot are not included and you’ll need 6 AA batteries to get this robot up and running. There is no warranty for the product and in order to reach their customer support, they do not have any direct phone line but you’ll have to write to them at support@makeblock.com
Compatible Age Groups: 10+ years of age
Things we liked about it:
- Slightly advanced robot for preteens
- Block by block building
- 3 in one. Can be transformed into another form by replacing a few blocks
- Built on the Makeblock’s proprietary Me Auriga board (compatible with Arduino Mega 2560)
Things we didn’t like about it
- No warranty
- Does not have any interface of its own. You’ll need to use the Arduino Mega 2560 IDE for development
5. Makeblock DIY Ultimate Robot Kit
The Makeblock DIY ultimate robot kit is one of the top-end models in the Makeblock line of products for intermediate programmers.
Instead of using the Makeblock Me Auriga board, this robot uses the Mega Pi board as the main controller board. With this, you can code and build almost 10 different building forms. A few examples would be to build a robotic arm tank, a robotic bartender, a catapult, a rover, a detector, self-balancing robot, an ant and a lot more.
With its threaded slot design and Anodized 6061 aluminium mechanical parts, it is not only easy to build but also is sturdy as well. The 3 powerful encoder motors run the robot as seamlessly and smoothly.
The package comes with all the tutorial material that is required to teach the kids how to program the robot. As this robot is Bluetooth compatible, you can easily control it with your mobile too. You can download the Makeblock app for your mobile and the mBlock 5 software for your computer to code the robot.
This robot is a great toy to teach your kids the basics of electronics, python & Arduino programming and robotics. There is no warranty for this robot kit.
Compatible Age Groups: 12+ years (mostly for kids with a basic level of electronic understanding is fine)
Things we liked about it:
- An intermediate level STEM robot kit
- Can be built into 10 different robot models.
- Sturdy build as it is made out of Anodized 6061 aluminium and has threaded slot design
- Uses MegaPi board (Slightly advanced than the Me Auriga board)
- Can be coded and controlled with its Mobile app and PC software
- Has Bluetooth connectivity
Things we didn’t like about it:
- No warranty
- Batteries not included
6. Adeept Arduino Compatible DIY 5-DOF Robotic Arm Kit
The Adeept Arduino compatible Robotic Arm Kit is one of the most affordable robot kits in this list. This robot arm kit is made to work with the Arduino UNI R3 board (similar to the Utronics robot)
A kit that is made for robot lovers and is also great for beginners who are just now getting into robotics. The 5-axis robotic arm kit comes with a detailed manual that helps you build and set up the robot.
It also has a great deal of interesting Arduino code routines which you can execute to perform some interesting functions. It has a wide range of interesting features such as self-learning, drawing and imitation features among others.
The Adeept robotic arm comes with 2 control options. You can control it manually using the potentiometer knob that is present on the board and also via a remote. The remote control is through a computer using the graphical processing control on the computer.
There is even a small display for you to monitor the functionality of the robot. Both the Arduino UNO R3 and the driver board are integrated into a single PCB for better stability. (Also, this makes it easier for beginners as well).
There is no warranty for this electronic appliance but it does come with a good support team that addresses all queries quite fast. It comes with all the required wrenches and screwdrivers you need to use to build it as well.
Compatible Age Groups: 1-2 Year+
Things we liked about it
- A simple and beginner-friendly affordable robotic arm
- The robot arm can move about in 5 axis
- Design manual also comes with interesting Arduino codes to perform various different operations
- Manual control through the potentiometer knob on the board
- Building Software enables remote control as well
- Increased performance and stability as the driver board and the Arduino UNO R3 are integrated into single PCB
Things we didn’t like about it
- No warranty
- Only a single robot without movement
- Delicate parts which need to be handled with care
- Batteries not included
7. Robolink Rokit Smart (11-in-1) Starter Robot Kit
Next on our list is a beginner friendly arduino programming robot kit, the Robolink Rokit Smart. Robolink is a California based robotics learning center where as Rokit Smart utilizes the learning platform of Robolink for the robot. This robot kit has been included in CNET’s 2016 list of the “Top 10 Notable Robots at CES”.
This starter programming kit has 11 different programmable modes. These modes include line following robot, edge detection and fall prevention robot, rubber band gun robot, interactive game robot, monkey robot, sumo bot etc.,
It’s easy to programme module works to improve your child’s coding knowledge base. The building of the robot is also very easy with easy wiring and no requirement of any soldering.
A proven STEM classroom robot, the Rokit Smart is a great addition to not just school but also for the curriculum of home-schooled children. It does not have any warranty but does come with all the essentials needed to build the robot. (Battery not included)
Compatible Age Groups: 9 years and above
Things we liked about it:
- A Great robo kit that has been in the CNET’s 2016 list of the best robot kits at CES
- Easy to build without any wire soldering
- Comes with all the essentials needed to build like the screw drivers etc.,
- Can be built into 11 different forms
- Has the tutorial and building material in the CD that comes with the robot.
Things we didn’t like about it
- No warranty
- No batteries included
- Needs to improve the parts quality
- No interface
8. Adeept Smart Car Kit for Arduino
Yet another product from Adeept, the Adeept Smart Car Kit is an arduino board based remote controlled DIY robot kit unlike the Adeept DIY 5-DOF which is a simple robotic arm.
Similar to the other Adeept robot kit, this one too is based on the Arduino UNI R3 board. The remote control is based on the NRF24L01. The NRF24L01 is a 2.4 G wireless module that enables communication between the remote control and the car.
As you can see, the entire system is divided between the car module and the remote module. The remote control mode will let you control the movement of the car in front, back, left or right turns. There is also an automatic mode that will detect and avoid any form of obstacles.
There is a detailed instruction and building guide cum tutorial that is available for download. It also contains all the circuit diagrams, assembly steps etc., But there have been reported issues with the remote control and also the coding part (As no proper interfacing is provided).
It works on 4 lithium ion batteries (rechargeable batteries (not included)). Given the complexity involved in the development of the robot, it is not a suggested kit for extreme beginners but only for people who have had some hand in electronics and arduino kits. There is no warranty for the product.
Compatible age groups: 15 and above or for people with a basic understanding of electronics and arduinos.
Things we liked about the robot
- Neatly cut parts for building a remote control car kit
- Comes with NRF24L01, a 2.4G wireless module
- Arduino UNO R3 board used
- Automatic mode will detect obstacles and avoid collisions
Things we didn’t like about the robot
- No Warranty
- The product has functionality issues
- No batteries included
- No proper interface
9. Emakefun Smart Robot Car Kit, Robotics kit for Arduino
Emakefun’s DIY smart robot car kit builds up to a small sized hummer. Hence the name hummer bot. The Hummer Bot V4.0 is a DIY treat not just for beginners but also for intermediaries and robotic enthusiasts. For first time programmers and mostly for kids, this kit aids in the development of the logical thinking ability all while having fun building a cool robot.
The robot comes with a simple assembly with a standard PH2.0 interface. It simplifies writing code for the robot and also you do not need complex soldering of wires in order to build this robot. There is also a 3D assembly tutorial that comes with the packaging that aids in the proper development of the robot.
It can not only be programmed with arduino programming but it also supports mixed programing and also scratch programming making it a great exercise for arduino and electronics enthusiasts.
Once built, the robot can perform a wide range of functions thanks to its multiple sensors and a really cool light function (RGB). It can be controlled with an app on your mobile that can be downloaded from the iOS or the Android Play Store.
It can respond to voice control, has gravity control, can walk in a drawn line, can be controlled Remotely and has PSD & BLE module (Bluetooth Control), avoids obstacles, Infrared tracing, and follow me functions etc., the light tracking is a cool feature where in the robot will track a light that is thrown on the floor or besides it and drive towards it.
Sturdy in its build, the robot comes with the stable 5mm acrylic plates instead of the thin and fragile 3mm acrylic plates. The robot needs a lithium metal battery to work on and it is included in the packaging. There is no warranty for the product but the service team of the emakefun are quick and swift in their responses.
Compatible Age Groups:
Things we liked about the robot
- Cool end design that looks like a real remote controlled Hummer
- Multi programmable. It supports not only arduino programming but also Scratch programming and mixed programming as well.
- Cool functions such as obstacle avoidance, infrared tracing, voice control, Bluetooth control, follow me, light tracking, line walk etc.,
- Remote control with mobile phones via WiFi
- Sturdy build with 5mm acrylic plates
- Comes with batteries included
Things we didn’t like about it
- No warranties
- Some small performance issues
10. OSOYOO Robot Car Starter Kit for Arduino
Finally on our list is the OSOYOO DIY robot car kit that is built on the Arduino UNO R3 that can be controlled from Android and iOS application. The best part about this kit is that it is of high quality, comes with a range of functions and is yet one of the highly affordable models in the list.
This robot comes with a wide range of additional functions like WiFi controlled automatic driving, imitation driving and you can also modify it into a battle bot (to fight other similar robo cars).
Smartly built, the other functionalities of this DIY robot are line tracking, can detect obstacles and avoid collisions, object motion following, senses gravity etc., Easily programmable by beginners, the kit comes with a detailed tutorial. This tutorial gets you started with the basics of arduino so you learn to build and develop your own bot.
A great gift for kids and teens who are starting out to learn coding, this kit will teach them the basics of Internet of Things (IoT), basic programming, coding, robotics and electronics.
The package comes with all the essentials that you need to build a variety of models of the robot. It also includes two 9 volts rechargeable lithium ion batteries with a charger box as well. The infrared remote is also included in the packaging.
Compatible age groups: 10 years and above
Things we liked about the kit:
- Most affordable and easy to build, high quality DIY Robot kit based out of Arduino UNO R3 Board
- A kit that is friendly for beginners and pro electronics enthusiasts alike
- Comes with a step by step tutorial
- Can do a lot more functionality like automatic driving, imitation driving, battle bot, line tracking, obstacle detection, object motion following etc.,
- IR controlled (via remote) and WiFi controlled (via mobile)
- Two rechargeable Batteries included in the packaging along with its charger
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.
Wrapping it up
The ELEGOO UNO R3 Project Smart Robot Car Kit V 3.0 comes with great features such as Line tracking modules, ultrasonic sensors, an IR remote and also can be controlled using a mobile phone. It is a great STEM classroom level robo kit to teach kids of the age 12 or above programming and also comes with a rechargeable battery. Moreover, it has a 1 year manufacturer’s warranty which not a lot (almost none) of the manufacturer’s of electronics components provide.
All of these features and of course, the high quality of the robot kit make it one of the best DIY robot kits for beginners. While those were our choices, we are intrigued and interested in hearing from you. Did we miss out on anything? Do you want us to add something? Or do you have any questions related to Arduino kits or any other robot kits? If so, feel free to write to us in the comments section below. Our team will write back to you as soon as possible.
The post Top 15 Best Arduino Robot Kits for Beginners 2020 Reviews & Buying Guide appeared first on Electronics Hub.
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