How to Choose a Robotic Toy

Updated3 April 2019

Robotic toys are suitable for not only children but also adults. They boast a wide range of features, ensuring a lot of fun. Some imitate insects, others are educational or take pictures... However, all of these toys have one thing in common. Children are entertained while discovering the patterns of the world of technology. Robotic and digital toys offer something for everyone.

Why Buy a Robotic Toy?

They combine entertainment and learning
They boast many features and some are also programmable
Children can play with robotic toys both indoors and out

Robots

Develop technical knowledge, logic and creativity
Various features and functions
Suitable for children and adolescents

A robot is a versatile toy that is attractive even for adults. It can also serve as an educational tool, helping develop logic and creativity in young children, and giving older children a better understanding of the principles of programming.

What are the important features of robots?

Control

A robot's remote control can be wired or wireless. It is usually simple and therefore suitable for younger children.
Button control directly on a robot's body is a very common feature. It is suitable for children of any age and the buttons may even be adapted to help them learn shapes, colours, etc.
Voice control is an advanced modern feature.
Mobile application control is becoming more and more popular nowadays. This method is more suitable for older children.

Programming

Sensors allow the toy to track a line, measure its distance from objects, recognize colours, or respond to the touch.
The application is used to familiarize yourself with the robot, control it and enter commands.
Wireless connectivity offers an easy way of connecting to smart devices and accessories.
Sound and light effects make programmable robots more attractive and fun.

Frequently asked questions when choosing a robotic toy

At what age to buy a robotic toy?

There are many kinds of robots and each model is suitable for a different age group. You can find robots that are designed for children aged two or less, which often do not have any significant educational purpose and serve only for entertainment or encouraging basic development. Robots for older children are considerably more complex. For example, some allow you to program your own artificial intelligence. This helps older children understand the basics of programming and develops their logical reasoning.

Are robots suitable for adults?

Some models certainly are, because many adults also want to learn programming and robots are a very good starting point, especially for those who do not have much experience with computer technology.

Programming for Children

Helps children understand the principles of programming
Useful skills acquired in an attractive way
Development of logical thinking and imagination

Programmable toys allow children to understand the basic principles of programming and programming languages in a fun, attractive and creative way. Different types of programmable toys help children learn the basics of programming through using building blocks, drawing or simple buttons. They develop logical thinking and imagination in a fun way and provide the first experience with robotics.

What are the important features of programming of children?

What are the types of programming for children and how do they differ?

Drawing is an easy way to tell a toy where to go. You can use both paper and smart devices.
Instead of writing code, block programming uses block-building with a clear graphical form.
Advanced programming is intended for children who already have some experience with block programming.

Features of toys designed to teach programming

Sensors allow the toy to track a line, measure distance from objects, recognize colours, or respond to the touch.
The application is used to familiarize yourself with the robot, control it and enter commands.
Wireless connectivity offers an easy way of connecting to smart devices and accessories.
Sound and light effects make programmable robots more attractive and fun.

Frequently asked questions when choosing programmable toys

Are these toys suitable for all children?

As programmable toys develop logical thinking, it is definitely worth trying whether they will appeal to your child. If your child is interested in similar toys and games, give a programmable toy a try.

Robotic Animals

Can be picked based on the child's age and the toy's features
Indoor use
Often with sound or light effects

If you prefer classic animals to the sci-fi look of robots, but at the same time want your children to get familiar with their modern features, robotic animals are the perfect choice for you. With many designs for a wide range of age groups, they also offer many different features.

What are the key aspects of robotic animals?

Age Category

The features of robotic animals often depend on the age group for which they are designed. For younger children, it is important that they make sounds and have a variety of light effects. Older children appreciate when their toys react to the touch or can be programmed in a simple way.

Frequently asked questions when choosing robotic animals

Can my child play with a robotic animal outdoor?

We do not recommend it. Robotic animals are the type of toys that are designed for indoors. They are quite sensitive to impact, dust and the like. For example, sand can damage them very quickly.

Interactive Stuffed Animals

Respond to commands or the touch
Move, feature sound effects or sing, some have their own character
Suitable for younger children and stuffed toy enthusiasts
Combine the cuteness of plush toys with advanced technical features

Interactive stuffed animals usually feature sound and light effects or other features. They can help children with their first words, or teach them geometric shapes or colours. Interactive toys can sometimes also play songs, say rhymes, show pictures, etc. Some interactive toys walk, dance or respond to specific commands. They look like classic plush toys and become your child's good friends.

What is important when choosing interactive stuffed toys

Age Categories

Interactive toys for babies up to 12 months - often sing lullabies or other pleasant and soothing melodies for children.
Interactive toys for children aged 1-3 years - mostly colourful toys that help children with their first words, recognizing colours, animals, etc.
Interactive toys for preschoolers and older children - can include all of the features listed above, but can also help children learn the alphabet, basic numbers, etc.

Frequently asked questions when choosing interactive stuffed toys

What do interactive stuffed toys offer to different age groups?

You will find a lot of different stuffed toys with many features. They often sing lullabies or nursery rhymes, which is great for toddlers and younger children. However, there are also toys that help your children learn shapes, counting, etc. All of these characteristics make interactive stuffed toys quite versatile. You should choose the toy based on your child's age and preferences when it comes to games.

Drones

Ideal for outdoor fun
For all ages
Wide range of use

Drones are flying RC models suitable for outdoor fun and taking photos from high and unusual angles. They help children improve their eye-hand coordination, while ensuring a lot of fun both indoors and outdoors. Drones are attractive to not only children, but also their dads and moms.

What is important when it comes to drones?

Length of flight

Drones up to 2,000 CZK are designed especially for younger and less experienced children. They can fly for about 7 minutes.
Drones over 2,000 CZK last up to 30 minutes and you can purchase replacement batteries.

Speed

Toy drones usually do not have any speed specifications. Cheaper models go usually around 10 km/h. More expensive ones can go faster.

Remote control range

As “adult drones”, toy drones with a longer reach are often more expensive. Their range is usually a few hundred meters.

Frequently asked questions when choosing drones

Is a drone a suitable toy for a child?

Of course. However, if you are buying a drone for a child, choose a cheaper model. It is often easier to control than a professional drone. If you want your child to spend more time outdoor, a drone is certainly a very attractive tool.

Can I take pictures with a toy drone?

Yes. Models over