What is the best robotics kit for beginners?

For complete beginners, the LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox would be our top pick. However, once they are teenage, LEGO Mindstorms is more appropriate.

What is a programmable robot?

Programmable robots are those that can perform functions according to a defined program, rather than needing human control.

How does my teen get started in robotics?

There are several excellent quality electronics and robotics kits that are ideal to start learning robotics. LEGO Mindstorms is ideal and can be programmed in increasingly sophisticated ways as your teenager develops their robotics skills.

Can my teen learn robotics on their own?

Yes, it is certainly possible to learn robotics on alone. The best kits come with excellent instructions and guided projects. There are also many fantastic video tutorials available on the internet. However, many teenagers will learn more quickly and often get greatyer enjoyment by joining relevant discussion forums and online communities about robotics.

4 Best STEM Toys For Teens: Coding, Robotics And Astronomy

Teenagers can usually tell when a gift is really a toy for a younger child. The best STEM gifts at this age use the same tools adults use, such as Python, Arduino and a proper telescope, while still giving a beginner somewhere to start. The four picks below each point to a different interest: flying and coding, building machines, programming a robot, and exploring the night sky.

We chose these from the makers’ own product, support and documentation pages, not hands-on testing. Ages, features and requirements are the makers’; the notes on fit are our judgment. Prices and stock change, so check with the seller before you buy. STEMGeek may earn a commission if you buy through some links on this page.

The four picks at a glance

Pick	Best for	Maker’s age or grades	Computer or device needed
Robolink CoDrone EDU	Coding a drone in blocks or Python	12+	Windows or Mac for Python; Chromebook for Blockly only; no tablets
Makeblock mBot Ultimate	Building ten robot designs and coding them	12+	Computer for mBlock or Arduino IDE
Sphero RVR+	Coding a ready-built robot	Grades 6–12	Phone, tablet or computer
Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ	Astronomy with phone guidance	Not stated by Celestron	Compatible phone for app guidance (Android 12+ or iOS 18+)

Our picks

1. Robolink CoDrone EDU

Robolink CoDrone EDU drone and controller

From the maker:

A programmable learning drone, ages 12+, coded in Blockly or Python.

Works with Windows, macOS and Chromebook, but Python isn’t supported on Chromebook, and iPads and other tablets aren’t supported. Robolink’s setup guide calls for a computer with a USB-A connection.
The kit includes a smart controller (two AA batteries, not included), two rechargeable drone batteries, a charger and spare propellers.

Why it’s on the list: A drone makes code feel consequential. A teen writes a flight routine, runs it and sees immediately whether the drone does what they meant. Robolink’s 12+ rating fits the whole teenage range, and the path from Blockly to Python means a beginner and a teen who already codes can both get something from it.

Keep in mind: Many teens use a school Chromebook, which supports Blockly but not Python here. If Python is the goal, plan on a Windows PC or Mac with a USB-A port or suitable adapter. Buy two AA batteries for the controller, and agree on where it’s allowed to fly before the first session.

See Robolink

2. Makeblock mBot Ultimate

Makeblock mBot Ultimate 10 in 1 Robot Building Kit for Teenagers & Adults

From the maker:

Makeblock mBot Ultimate, ages 12+, sold as a 10-in-1 robot kit. Makeblock’s support documentation, which uses the name Ultimate 2.0, describes ten build configurations.
Programmed with Makeblock’s Scratch-based mBlock software or the Arduino IDE.

Python requires connecting a Raspberry Pi, plus setup and firmware changes.

Why it’s on the list: This is the pick for a teen who likes taking an idea from parts to working machine. Ten build configurations from one kit means they learn how structure and motion change a robot’s behavior, not just how to code a single design. Starting in Scratch-based mBlock and moving to the Arduino IDE also gives a clear step toward the tools used in real electronics projects.

Keep in mind: It’s a substantial build, so it suits a patient teen or a shared project. Python isn’t available out of the box: it needs an added Raspberry Pi and Makeblock’s setup and firmware steps, so check the listing for what’s included. Makeblock’s US store says it ships only to the contiguous United States.

See Makeblock · Check on Amazon

3. Sphero RVR+

Sphero RVR+ – Programmable Robot Car for Kids & Teens – Beginner to Advanced Programming – Customizable & Expandable – Learn Javascript & Python – Micro:bit & Raspberry Pi Compatible

From the maker:

Sphero RVR+, SKU 940-0635, for grades 6–12.
A programmable driving robot with onboard sensors, a rechargeable removable battery and expansion ports for add-on hardware.
Coded through the Sphero Edu app or its browser version, using drawing, blocks, JavaScript or Python.

Why it’s on the list: Where mBot Ultimate is about building, RVR+ is about programming. It’s ready to code, and its grade 6–12 band covers the teen years. Teens can move from blocks to JavaScript or Python without switching robots. Sphero also offers a browser version of Sphero Edu, which helps if installing apps on the computer they use isn’t an option.

Keep in mind: Sphero sells RVR+ largely to schools, and its product page can default to classroom packs, so choose the single-robot option and confirm the price before ordering. Look for the RVR+ name and SKU rather than the original Sphero RVR. It needs a phone, tablet or computer for coding, so it isn’t screen-free.

See Sphero · Check on Amazon

4. Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ

Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ telescope, model 22461 — Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ. Smartphone is not included.

From the maker:

Celestron item 22461: a 130 mm Newtonian reflector on a manual alt-azimuth mount.
A smartphone dock and app guide you to targets; the included red-dot finder works without the phone.

App compatibility is listed as Android 12 or later, or iOS 18 or later.

Why it’s on the list: Not every STEM-minded teen wants to code. This telescope uses the phone they already carry to show where to push it, which can help a beginner locate targets while they still aim it by hand and learn the sky. Setup, a compatible phone and observing conditions still matter. It’s a real 130 mm reflector, not a toy scope.

Keep in mind: Celestron doesn’t publish an age rating for it, so the teen fit is our judgment. Check the phone’s operating system before buying. Never point it at the Sun unless a suitable, undamaged solar filter is secured over the front of the telescope, following the filter maker’s instructions, and never use an eyepiece solar filter. Celestron warns an unfiltered view can cause permanent eye damage; read its solar filter guidance first, and have an adult supervise any solar session. Our telescope guide for teenagers compares it with a simpler manual scope and a computerized one.

See Celestron

How to choose

Wants to code something dramatic: CoDrone EDU, with a Windows PC or Mac if Python is the goal.
Loves building and tinkering: Makeblock mBot Ultimate.
Wants to program a robot straight away: Sphero RVR+.
More interested in science than code: the StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ.
Check the computer they actually use. A school Chromebook or a tablet rules out some options here, so compare each maker’s requirements with the device your teen has.