Good starter set for 8 year old

[hhoudini]

My grandson who is about to turn 8 has asked for something to do with robots for his birthday. I have some technical skills (software), but he lives 3,000 miles away and neither of his parents are very technical. His dad is good mechanically, but knows very little about electronics or software. Can someone recommend a good starter kit that he will be able to do mostly on his own?

I am thinking that something like a Lego type kit that does not require soldering, programming, connecting to the Internet to download software, or any formal programming (software).

It would be good if it allowed him to build something that he could then control with a handset.

I’d like to spend under $100, if possible. It he really takes to it, I can get him something more advanced later.

Here are some I found on Amazon:

amazon.com/dp/B01ANVU7R6/ Builds 4 gizmos (car, bug, tank, robot) with wireless remote control. ($50)

amazon.com/dp/B003KYXAQO/ Builds 10 gizmos with infrared remote ($50)

amazon.com/dp/B01M2Z9ZTV/ Arduino-controlled smart car ($63) I think this one is a little advanced for my grandson at this stage and with no technical support handy.

Are there better options available?

PS: Is this a general forum or one just for products sold by RobotShop? If the latter, is there a general purpose forum somewhere?

[scharette]

@HHoudini

My grandson who is about to turn 8 has asked for something to do with robots for his birthday. I have some technical skills (software), but he lives 3,000 miles away and neither of his parents are very technical. His dad is good mechanically, but knows very little about electronics or software. Can someone recommend a good starter kit that he will be able to do mostly on his own?
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I’d like to spend under $100, if possible. It he really takes to it, I can get him something more advanced later.

You can find various robotic kits here and here.

@HHoudini

PS: Is this a general forum or one just for products sold by RobotShop? If the latter, is there a general purpose forum somewhere?

Generally, yes it is. But, it is also about DIY/hobbyist electronics and robotics project in general. A quick online search should help you find a more general purpose forum. We do not have any specific ones to recommend.

Sincerely,

[zenoiue]

Good to know that this forum welcomes other parts provider for robotics.

To add, you can also check out resources sites or company listings with regard to robotics. There are a lot of good companies listed on those platforms, and I did also see Robot Shop on it!