Pros
Engaging and fun for kids
No screen required
Teaches basic coding principles
Encourages critical thinking and problem-solving
Easy to set up
Includes a variety of pieces for creative play
Sound can be turned off
Adorable and endearing sounds
Useful coding cards and instructions
Great for individual play or small groups
Offers advanced coding opportunities for older kids
Promotes hands-on learning
Cons
Requires a lot of batteries
Line-following feature can be finicky
Limited number of included cards
Main Product Advantages
10 Educational Value
Botley teaches foundational coding concepts, critical thinking, cause and effect, and problem-solving skills. It is highly recommended for educational purposes both at home and in classrooms.
9 User Engagement
Children, including those as young as 5, find Botley extremely engaging and enjoyable to interact with. It keeps them occupied for extended periods and boosts their interest in coding.
9 Screen-Free Interaction
A standout feature is the screen-free nature of Botley, which ensures kids are focused and not distracted by tablets or computers while learning to code.
8 Setup and Ease of Use
While the setup is fairly easy, it can be slightly challenging for younger children without adult assistance, particularly regarding specific coding sequences and object detection.
8 Ability to Customize Games
Children can create their own mazes and coding sequences, providing a high degree of customization and replayability.
8 Parents' Satisfaction
Parents appreciate the educational benefits, ease of use, and the fact that sound can be turned off. Many found it to be a worthwhile investment.
7 Component and Build Quality
The toy includes a variety of pieces such as cubes, rods, cones, and flags that are used for creating mazes and obstacles. However, some reviews mention that the quality is decent but not exceptional.
7 Portability and Versatility
Botley is relatively portable and can be used in different environments, although the performance may vary on carpeted surfaces.
6 Challenges with Object Detection and Line Following
Some features like object detection and line-following can be finicky and may not work as seamlessly as expected, depending on the setup and surface.
5 Battery Consumption
Botley tends to consume batteries quickly, which may be a downside for some users. Multiple reviews highlighted needing a significant number of AAA batteries.
Meet Botley, the Code to Fun!
As the newest member of the Learning Resources family, Botley is here to introduce coding in an easy, friendly way.
Perfect for Young Coders
Children as young as 5 can learn to code with Botley, and with his advanced features, he’ll grow with them for many play-filled years to come.
Ready to Use, Right Out of the Box
Botley is ready to use right out of the box, he’ll have kids coding in minutes!
100% Screen-Free Experience
Botley is also 100% screen free – no phone or tablet required.
Included 45-Piece Activity Set
Botley comes with an included 45-piece activity set so kids can interact with coding cards, set up obstacles and more.
Advanced Features
Explore Botley’s advanced features and code him for up to 80 steps, with 40 more you can discover. He can also follow looping commands or be programmed to go around objects with if/then logic. Turn on the black-line follow mode and set up a path for Botley to travel. And Botley even has hidden features to unlock!
Educational Benefits
Learning coding with Botley helps to foster creativity, develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills, and is fun! Children will be challenged, entertained, delighted, and learn all at the same time.
Conclusion
Botley The Coding Robot is an exceptional STEM toy that makes learning to code both accessible and enjoyable for young children. With its screen-free interface, extensive activity set, and advanced features, Botley ensures an engaging and educational experience that grows with your child.
