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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[-] ChocolateFrostedSugarBombs@lemmy.world 4 points 22 hours ago

That's good, I did come across these guys but wasn't sure about the quality. If you've used it before though, what do you like about the quality? Is it that everything feels solid or that the software isn't buggy, etc?

Just trying to get a feel for the product before/if I buy.

Thanks!

[-] empireOfLove2@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 21 hours ago

If you want to see what vex kits are capable of, look into the competitions they host. Each year student teams get games they must complete using a robot they design themselves.

[-] ChocolateFrostedSugarBombs@lemmy.world 1 points 21 hours ago

Cool, will do.

[-] empireOfLove2@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 21 hours ago

I haven't dealt with their software, but with the stuff I see people able to build, I know it has to be good. Its been in use for over a decade so they've had a lot of development time to get things right.

What i like most is their whole kit ecosystem- it's very Lego-esque in how parts all have standard connectors and spacing so that if you sort of "think" that two parts fit together- it's almost guaranteed they will. Especially with exp and v5, which are metal-girder components rather than plastic, but the plastic kits are good too.

[-] ChocolateFrostedSugarBombs@lemmy.world 2 points 21 hours ago

Nice! I didn't know they've been around that long. I was looking at the Vex Go education kit.

https://www.vexrobotics.com/go-kits.html

That seems about right for his age group and the kit will let me build my own alongside him.

[-] empireOfLove2@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 16 hours ago

Good luck! It'll be worth it!

this post was submitted on 14 May 2026

38 points (100.0% liked)

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