Apitor Superbot, Educational Building Block 18 In 1 Robot Kit, App Remote Control, Stem Coding Learning Toy, Compatible with Major Building Block Toys (400+ Pieces)

Apitor SuberBot is a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), educational building block robot kit for ages 8 year upwards. There are over 400 pieces contained within the box set including one motor and two sensors. The kit comes with eight bags of pieces which are very reminiscent of both standard Lego and Lego technic pieces; these are very well made and look and feel very identical to the real thing (without the Lego trademark of course). The four rubber tyres for the vehicle are also particularly well made and have nice tyre tread detailing. The main control unit is a 13 long by 4 wide Lego block to which can house three AA batteries. This unit is an all encompassing computer that has 2 built in motors for independent, unidirectional control of the robot, Bluetooth technology for control, twin sensor ports (for connecting up the separate Lego Sensors) and colourful LED lights for effect and to alter the user to various functions being undertaken. There are also ports for extension kits that are not included within this kit for additional sensor ports and a camera module.The instruction booklet that comes with the product is well presented and easy to read. I had no problems downloading the Apitor robot app onto my phone via the google play store. The app is broken down into three sections; The home tab provides the building instructions for each of the 18 projects contained within the kit [It is worth noting that the instruction booklet only provides printed instructions for just three of the robots so you have to have the app to do the others]. Here you can then control your built robot once paired. Somewhat annoying, but I guess to save on space, you have to download each of the robot instructions independently as these aren’t installed with the app. The code tab provides a nice interactive user interface for undertaking the development of the code to run your project. This is very similar in format to SCRATCH, which some of you may be familiar with for the coding programme children use in schools. The code section comes fully stocked with pre-designed code for the robot of your choosing to work straight out of the box, but can be edited. I found trying to edit the code on my phone screen somewhat more challenging than if this was on a desktop, but this was a minor issue. Finally, there is a really good tutorial section which runs through some helpful coding basics, providing you with step by step learning on how to build up and develop your code.Overall, this is great product, which is well made and has been carefully thought out and designed. The product builds upon known successful technology/kits for both interoperability (such as the key being made to appear like Lego) replicating the interface for SCRATCH on the coding side for quick and easy design of new software. Overall, I would highly rate this kit, noting one or two very minor downsides although this hasn’t affected my overall scoring.

I mean the first thing to admit is that this is all beyond me; Lego is beyond me, so something that combines that sort of thing with robotics and all that is certainly beyond my comprehension. But all joking aside this is a fantastically wonderful piece of kit.The recommendation in the blurb is for 8 years plus but I think that if you have sensible younger children of, say, 6 or 7 who don't try to eat every small thing put in front of them you could easily let them use this under a bit of supervision. We used this with a seven year old who does like lego and he easily got the hang of this (probably a lot quicker than I did).The first impression is that it's all very well made in terms of the pieces etc and it feels as if it is a product that is going to last the bumps and bruises of normal everyday use.You'll need the app set up but once you have done that it's very easy to follow and the instructions are crystal clear. There's, as the name suggests, 18 different models to build. Obviously not done them all yet but some are quite simple and are probably cases where the adult "helping" will actually be a hindrance to the child. Others take a bit more work and effort but if you start at the more simple ones you are learning as you go along and everything starts to fall into place.The app allows you to control your creations and there's also coding stuff on there as well if you want to get more advanced.Another bonus is that it is compatible with "other makes of building blocks" (whatever could they mean?) so once you've cracked the designs and models you can use your other stuff to build more and create your own designs if that is your thing.This is a great "toy" that works on many levels. The 18 robots you can build just from this kit mean that there is an extended play time - it's not just build one thing, play with it for a day and then get bored. The expansion possibilities too mean that you can get even more out of it if you are that way inclined.A great gift for kids who like Lego and have the urge to build something a little bit more than that and I dare say parents/aunties and uncles will have fun playing with it too!

This box comes in a really smart box with a premium look- I would have no issue wrapping it up and giving it to a niece or nephew as a present.Inside the box, there are instructions for 3 builds, of which one is the jeep on the front cover - the rest you need to download from the app. The app is actually quite good, looks very professional and was easy to navigate.I did find one problem with the instruction set in that it had pictures of the 'bar' pieces to use - BUT THESE ARE NOT TO SCALE. As it happens one of the pieces does look like it is and so if you measure it against the picture it is the wrong piece - don't make that mistake like I did initially!The pieces are quite stiff once they are put together so taking apart again might need an adult to help, but it does come with a handy tool to help you (once you realise you need to use it!).As a building set, it is something like a cross between lego and K'nex, but not superior to either. Where it does shine is the programmable code in the app - that is a great way to get kids into programming basics, I think its a brilliant idea and wish it existed in my childhood!Its also great that this one box can build so make different sets (and to enable this you will end up with a few pieces leftover after each build). There is also scope for older children to come up with their own designs once they have grasp how the pieces fit together and interact with the motor and app.It doesn't drive quite as well as a radio control car which is 'designed' for speed and agility, but its really fun to make a 'maze' with some dvds or books in the living room and get the bot to navigate it with the code.Overall I think a child could have many fun hours with this toy without getting bored.