Looking for a robotics kit for a kid to work on together. (lemmy.world)

submitted 1 day ago by ChocolateFrostedSugarBombs@lemmy.world to c/asklemmy@lemmy.world

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Hey all, like the title says, I'm looking for a robotics kit I can use with my young nephew.

I used to teach Lego Mindstorms years ago so that's kinda the level I'm looking at. Some things I would like for this go round though:

He's young enough that I think I want to start with a visual programming language instead of real code. I'll gauge his interest and move to real code if he seems like he wants to.
I would like to have the connection for the controller go to a computer as opposed to an app.
Linux compatible.
I would like it to build something that moves with something like wheels or treads.
No AI

Does anyone have any ideas? I've seen a lot online and have no idea if they are good brands or not.

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[-] CaptDust@sh.itjust.works 3 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago)

I have a kit very similar to this sunfounder picar I built a couple years back, maybe something like this? You'll need a raspberry pi for it, but no soldering or anything like that is necessary.

It does support AI, though I've only used the OpenCV abstractions - it's up to you how much you want to integrate. The motors and sensors are adequate, it has no problems moving under its own force. The included test tools use a web interface, you can build additional functions on those for "desktop" support. And it supports Python or Scratch but I've never personally tried the scratch side of things.

Edit - I found an article that goes into more detail around building and programming experience of this specific model.

[-] ChocolateFrostedSugarBombs@lemmy.world 2 points 1 day ago

Awesome, thank you. I'll look into this one. I don't think I came across it in my prior research. Thank you for the article too.

this post was submitted on 14 May 2026

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