| CARVIEW |
The 10 Best Android Robots
Updated June 10, 2020 by Christopher Thomas
1. Lego Mindstorms EV3 Kit
- Three interactive motors
- Five main build configurations
- Easy-to-use programming app
2. UBTech Jimu Astrobot System
- Drag-and-drop coding
- Nearly 400 pieces
- No tools required
3. Sphero Bolt
- Built-in gyroscope
- Light and infrared sensors
- Can move at nearly 5 miles per hour
4. UBTech UnicornBot
- Integrated color sensor
- Uses streamlined blockly coding
- Also works with apple devices
5. Sphero BB-9E
- Relatively quick
- Bright flashing leds
- Preset and programmable actions
6. Sphero Ollie Darkside
- Wireless range of 100 feet
- Includes knobby and smooth tires
- Not ideal for indoor use
7. Makeblock Codey Rocky
- Ready to use out of the box
- Built-in rechargeable battery
- App is pretty clumsy
8. Meccano Meccanoid XL 2.0
- Bright led eyes
- Voice recognition capabilities
- Assembly can be challenging
9. Ozobot Evo
- No assembly required
- Online activity library
- Costs quite a bit
10. Wonder Workshop Dash & Dot Bundle
- Arrive fully assembled
- Sound and light effects
- Not meant for older kids or adults
Special Honors
Aido Robot After years of crowdfunding, development, and big promises, Aido is close to release, and if we're to believe its designers, it could revolutionize high-tech home life - although it will almost certainly have trouble with stairs. aidorobot.com
Buddy the Robot A playmate, personal assistant, communication aid, and security system all wrapped up in one cute package, Buddy brings a variety of fun and helpful contributions to the table. Our hopes are high that it can live up to the encouraging promises Blue Frog has made, once it's finally available for purchase. buddytherobot.com
Editor's Notes
June 05, 2020:
The term "android" can refer to a robot with a human appearance, or to Google's popular operating system, and we aren't quite yet at the point where lifelike humanoid androids are available, at least as far as we know. There is one readily available bot that's at least shaped like a human, and about as tall as a young one, and that's the Meccano Meccanoid XL 2.0. The building process is a large part of its enjoyment, and also of its challenge, so it's not really suitable for very young kids but is a great choice for budding engineers. Similarly, the Lego Mindstorms EV3 Kit does a great job of upholding the company's esteemed reputation for interactive toys. The UBTech UnicornBot and UBtech Jimu Astrobot System are just slightly less complicated, but every bit as high-quality. Regardless of whether or not they're shaped like humans, though, they are easily controlled using a smartphone- or tablet-based app.
Some, like the Makeblock Codey Rocky and Wonder Workshop Dash & Dot Bundle, are specifically intended to introduce youngsters to the world of coding using relatively straightforward apps that encourage the basic use of languages such as Python. The Ozobot Evo has a similar intent and is a worthwhile consideration for tight spaces because of its small stature.
Then there are a few designed for fun movement. The Sphero Bolt and Sphero BB-9E are both built for indoor use and they're relatively fast in a home setting, while the Sphero Ollie Darkside is powerful enough to all but require a trip outside. It does include two sets of wheels and hubs, though, that allow it to accommodate varying terrain and perform various tricks.
Building PCs, remodeling, and cooking since he was young, quasi-renowned trumpeter Christopher Thomas traveled the USA performing at and organizing shows from an early age. His work experiences led him to open a catering company, eventually becoming a sous chef in several fine LA restaurants. He enjoys all sorts of barely necessary gadgets, specialty computing, cutting-edge video games, and modern social policy. He has given talks on debunking pseudoscience, the Dunning-Kruger effect, culinary technique, and traveling. After two decades of product and market research, Chris has a keen sense of what people want to know and how to explain it clearly. He delights in parsing complex subjects for anyone who will listen -- because teaching is the best way to ensure that you understand things yourself.