Best Robots for Kids' Games, Fun and Learning?

Here's a very worthwhile piece from Fractus Learning... I think, though, that the LEGO Materials offer the most comprehensive and expansive opportunities for Student Robotics-based learning. Still, there is some very good coverage here of others that offer much value and possibility for students to learn through robots!

Mark 

"The Top 10 Best Robots for Kids: Games, Fun and Learning...

1. Cozmo

This little guy is like something out of the movies! Cozmo is the newest generation of playful robot and the things he can do are beyond amazing. Powered by cutting edge artificial intelligence (AI), Cozmo has real emotions and uses advanced facial recognition to react to your actions. A game playing machine, Cozmo offers kids a gamified experience where the more you play with him, the more games and upgrades are unlocked. Cozmo is compatible with iOS and Android and requires the free Cozmo app to be downloaded.
Ages: 8+
Applications: AI, Games, Robotic friend
Full specifications

2. Sphero 2.0

Sphero 2.0 is the highly anticipated second version of the hugely popular Sphero robot. The ping-pong ball with a brain, and lights, and a heap of other cool features, Sphero pairs with iOS and Android devices via Bluetooth allowing kids to control and program their spherical robot to do some truly amazing things. Sphero is powered by induction charging and an internal smart robot, it glows in millions of colors and is pet proof, waterproof, and ready for any adventure.
[Update: Sphero has also also released the SPRK Edition specifically for schools and parents. Made of transparent polycarbonate, students can see and understand the robot inner workings while the SPRK app encourages programming skills by allowing your robot to take orders using visual blocks representing code.]
Ages: 5+
Applications: RC, Games, Outdoor, Programming
Full specifications

3. BB-8 App-Enabled Droid

With a heap of personality and a starring role in the newest Star Wars film, the BB-8 Droid is possibly the coolest robot on the planet. Controlled using a smartphone or tablet this little guy can recognize and react to your voice, record holographic videos and with fully autonomous behavior, he even has a mind of his own! Built with all the quality and technology of the Sphero, this dashing droid is the ultimate robot for kids who love Star Wars but want to do more than just play games.
Ages: 5+
Applications: RC, Games, Outdoor, Programming, Star Wars!
Full specifications

4. Orbotix Ollie

Built for speed, the Orbotix Ollie is one of the best value robots for kids. Rugged and durable, Ollie is built for the the outdoors and can get moving at blinding speeds of 14 mph! With the ability to program moves such as spin, drift, and flip using app-powered tricks, kids can create, master, and share combinations with their friends. Ollie can also be customized with all sorts of different tires and hubcaps to conquer any indoor or outdoor terrain.
Ages: 5+
Applications: Outdoor, RC, Games, Programming
Full specifications

5. Ozobot

If you are looking for a robot to help your child develop coding skills and logical thinking, then Ozobot is an amazing peice of kit. Used in schools for STEM lessons, Ozobot offers a fun and educational way to play while learning important logic and programming skills. By drawing different colored lines in red, green, blue and black, kids can control and influence Ozobot’s behaviour on both paper and tablets. Ozobot can also be programmed to remember and playback up to 500 different moves to create one-of-kind dance routines set to your child’s favorite songs
Ages: 5+
Applications: Programming, Games
Full specifications

6. Dash & Dot

Dash & Dot are the ultimate robot duo! While they are a little more expensive than most of the other robots for kids, they are packed with some of the most advanced features around. Dash & Dot interact with the world using sensors. They can hear sounds, detect objects, and know if you are moving them. They can be programmed to do anything you can imagine using a simple visual programming language called Blockly -Deliver a message to a friend, have a dance party, and even navigate through an obstacle course. Not to mention the huge number of fun add-ons that come with the pair, such as a xylophone, mallet,smartphone mount, tow hook, bunny ears, tail and more.
Ages: 5+
Applications: Games, Programming
Full specifications

7. Cubelets

Cubelets are the perfect tool to explore robotics and come with everything young inventors need to start building robots. The included Brick Adapters connect to your favorite brick-based construction systems bringing vivid motion and life to the toys you already own. Using the Cubelets, kids can build and play with over 500 self-made robots. The advanced technology inside Cubelets makes robot construction remarkably easy. In fact, there’s no wrong way to build a robot because Cubelets automatically route power and data where needed, freeing your kids to invent with creative abandon!
Ages: 5+
Applications: Making, Programming, Electronics
Full specifications

8. 4M Doodling Robot

A much more basic but nevertheless immensely popular robot for kids, the 4M Doodling Robot has pens for arms and a powerfully vibrating body. Delivered in parts, the process of building this little robot is a great experience for kids and they are rewarded on completion with their own drawing droid. Scuttling across the page, the Doodling Robot sketches all sorts of random colourful artwork.
Ages: 4+
Applications: Fun, Drawing
Full specifications

9. Hexbug Nano V2

Another great value robot, the Hexbug Nano V2 is a cheap and fun little robot that has been amusing kids for years. While the Hexbug may not be as educationally focused as some of the other robots for kids, these little critters can be a fun creative outlet, especially when paired with their taylor-made obstacle courses and hexbug habitats.
Ages: 4+
Applications: Fun, Outdoor
Full specifications

10. WowWee MiP Robot

The WowWee MiP Robot has an inquisitive and responsive personality communicated through motion, sounds, and LED eyes. With his unique dual wheel balancing, MiP is able to navigate his surroundings, follow hand gestures, and even follow objects around. Watch MiP balance multiple objects while moving or standing still and try multiple robotic modes including roam, stacking, dance, and programming.
Ages: 5+
Applications: Fun, Games, Programming
Full specifications..."

Read the full article at its source: https://www.fractuslearning.com/2015/04/09/best-robots-for-kids/