Looking for Recommendations: Matatalab Coding Robots / STEM Kits for Kids

Help & Support Robot Toys
1

Hello everyone,

I’m hoping to get some advice from the community on selecting a coding robot or STEM kit suitable for young learners. I’ve been researching options that focus on hands-on learning, coding concepts, and creativity.

I recently came across Matatalab products, which seem designed for different age groups.

I’m considering:

  • TaleBot Pro (for ages 3–5) – focuses on screen-free coding using physical coding blocks.

  • TaleBot Coding Robot Kit (for ages 3–6) – introduces basic programming concepts through interactive play.

  • VinciBot (for ages 8+) – offers coding with Scratch and Python, with some AI features.

  • Nous AI Set – for introducing AI concepts in an accessible way.

I like the idea of these robots using coding blocks or drag-and-drop interfaces, as well as being compatible with things like LEGO parts to encourage building and problem-solving.

I’d love to hear from those who’ve used similar coding robots or STEM kits:

  • How suitable are these for their intended age groups?

  • Are they durable and engaging for young learners over time?

  • If you’ve tried AI-related features or modules, do kids find them easy to use?

  • Any tips for helping kids get the most out of these kinds of kits?

Thanks in advance for sharing your experiences or recommendations — I’m eager to learn from the community before making a decision.

2

Begin with something like TaleBot for foundational logic, then move to VinciBot or Scratch to introduce variables, loops, and conditionals.

3
  • How suitable are these for their intended age groups?

It can come down to your student’s school and prior experience. For example if the 8 year old in question has previous experience with robots, the VinciBot’s graphical programming will seem too simple and you’ll need to consider its text-based (Python) programming.

  • Are they durable and engaging for young learners over time?

Injection-molded ABS plastic, so yes. However if you need the printed material to last, it’s best to laminate it. You should be able to easily source replacement markers.

  • If you’ve tried AI-related features or modules, do kids find them easy to use?

If you mean the “Nous AI Set”, these would not be real “AI” features like you see from LLms like ChatGPT and yes, well explained and easy to use.

  • Any tips for helping kids get the most out of these kinds of kits?

Absolutely go through the lesson plans first, do them youserself and then teach them. This appraoch applies to most robotics being introduced to students. If you don’t have much background, you can use ChatGPT as it has gotten pretty good at understanding and even creating code.

1 Like