Mabot

$850

Teaches: Programming, robotics, creativity

CTR Review

This snap together robotics kit that costs a lot -- but also does a lot. Mabot (My Robot) was shown at CES 2019, and is scheduled to be released in the USA as another entry into the crowded snap together and program robotics category. The round parts are impressive -- inspired by the functions of a human body. There's a brain (with the controller and ability to communicate with a tablet via bluetooth), joints (round joint/motors for motion), eyes and ears (sensors for light and sound), and muscles (lithium-ion batteries that can be recharged with a standard USB-mini plug). Different connectors snap into the round parts to give the kit the ability to connect with standard-sized LEGO blocks. There are two apps for controlling or programming your projects. In the demonstration, the apps worked on iOS devices. No firm release date for the USA was provided. This kit is not cheap -- at $850, it is out of range for many. Keep your eye on this one.