Introduce your child to robotics engineering and design using the Robotis pet STEM toy.
I had been eyeing the Robotis Play 600 PETs set for a while when Timberdoodle asked if was interested in reviewing it. I couldn’t believe my luck! This STEM themed educational toy is a wonderful way for children to explore robotics engineering and design. It is the perfect way to introduce kids to robotics! It’s affordable price of under $40 makes it even more attractive. Designed for children aged 6 and over, This set is part of Timberdoodle’s first grade curriculum set.
I consider this toy ideal for children aged 6 through 8 years old. Of course, my four-year-old thinks she is every bit as big as everyone else in the house, so she helped us (actually pretty much claimed) this project. The set works for a child her age if a parent is going to sit with them the entire time; otherwise stick to the recommended age range. I cannot recommend Robotis for a child under the age of four due to the mechanics and small pieces.
Why the Robotis Play 6oo set is the Perfect Way to Introduce Kids to Robotics
What You'll Find on This Page
The yellow motor you see above is the most exciting part of this set. It is a basic motor encased in a box that you attach pieces to in order to create different animals. The set comes with instructions to build a bird, a dog, and a cricket. Each animal is a bit more complicated than the last, so you can build your way towards understanding the mechanics of a moving robot. Once you master these three animals, you can easily design your own animals.
While much too small to build the animals on her own, Anna finds the workings of this dog fascinating. She figured out how to put the dog’s ear back on when it fell off. Well, almost. If you look at the photo and video below, you may notice that the ear is on the wrong side of the head once “fixed”. The motion of the legs requires very close attention to how pieces are put together, or else the dog will not move smoothly. The illustrations are well done, and easy enough to follow if you pay attention. The process of looking at instructions and building develops spatial awareness.
Check out this video of Anna interacting with the dog, who she named after my sister’s dog.
My second grader and third grader are also fans, and I am excited to see what they build with the set as they develop a better understanding of how the pieces connect and move.
More STEM Learning Activities for Kids
Check out these fun activities for kids to extend STEM learning:
- Build a Tall Tower
- Bridge Building Challenge
- Design a House for the Three Little Pigs
- Candy Experiments
- Code Your Name in Jewelry
- Household Science
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Can you share another fun way to introduce kids to robotics? How about more STEM learning activities for my kids and I to explore?
I received Robotis Play 600 as a member of the 2016 Timberdoodle Blog Team. I was given no other compensation, and all opinions are my own.
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MaryAnne is a craft loving educator, musician, photographer, and writer who lives in Silicon Valley with her husband Mike and their four children.
That looks like a cool kit. There are so many different fun STEM items out now.
This looks like a really fun way to introduce young kids to robotics. I wish I had this toy when my son was younger!
It is a well-designed toy.
Cute set, but we are firm believer in standardization, and our standard is LEGO – they also offer motorized sets :)
We own plenty of LEGO, but I like the way different types of construction toys require different engineering designs and skills. Also, this toy is much more durable than the LEGO motorized sets, which I wouldn’t consider four-year-old friendly.
What a cute video! Looks like a very fun toy.
We are having fun with it!