Best robot toys to make STEM learning come alive, as recommended by Mumsnetters

This LEGO Boost kit is far from your average building bricks set. Once built, the five unique characters in the kit (including a robot and interactive pet) can be programmed to move and perform using a smart device.

A great way to introduce children to the world of coding and robotics, there are over 60 different activities and skills to master, which will fascinate and entertain the whole family.

For more of Mumsnetters' favourite builds, check out our guide to the best LEGO sets.

Sneak the robot up to your family in Stealth mode before letting rip!

With over 15 burp and fart sounds to create, Really R.A.D Fartbro is a remote-controlled robot that makes pranking your family an absolute breeze! Not only that, thanks to the cushioned top, it can also be used as a fart-inducing whoopee cushion to leave on your nana’s chair.

Sure to result in lots of laughs, we also love the dance mode, which can be used to encourage some fun actions and movements too.

Read next: Check out our guide to the best dumb phone for kids

Tested by Mumsnet editor Laura Cooke: Botley the Coding Robot review

Recently voted our best coding toy, Botley makes a great introduction to coding for children aged 5+

This little robot from educational toy experts Learning Resources is not only super cute but incredibly clever too.

Encouraging skills such as critical thinking and logic whilst teaching basic programming, children can plot out a journey before programming a sequence of actions they want Botley to follow. This can include manoeuvring around obstacles, following a set route or even moving objects with his arms. There are even some secret tricks to master that will have kids laughing out loud once achieved.

Related: The best remote control cars for kids of all ages

This cute little robot can’t just hold your pencil, he can actually draw too, boasting a library of over 280 images to create. Simply insert the chip and pencil and watch as he springs around the page, creating your image from scratch.

With a variety of different play modes, JotBot also has fun interactive games such as Connect the Dots and Maze mode, where JotBot has to navigate out of a paper maze and find his way to the exit.

Searching for more creative toys? Here's our guide to the best creative toys for kids.

Tested by Mumsnet editor Laura Cooke: Read our review of the Miko Mini

Adorable and educational, the Miko Mini AI robot for kids provides hours of fun for kids, introducing intriguing topics from the sea to space in a fun and exciting way.

From fun facts and stories to fresh daily activities, Miko Mini keeps kids on their toes with jokes, songs and even bedtime stories, with exclusive content from the likes of Disney and Nickelodeon.

We love The Miko Parent App which allows you to set learning goals, track your child's progress and limit their screen time.

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Robot Turtles from ThinkFun is a fun and educational board game which introduces key concepts of programming including analysis and logical reasoning.

The instructions are simple to learn and unlike some board games, there’s no single winner - the aim is that everyone gets their robot to their jewel whilst having fun along the way.

Using the coding cards, the Turtle Masters can move and direct their robot pieces about the board, navigating around more complex obstacles and challenges as they become more confident.

Read next: Looking for a homework-friendly tablet for your kids? Check out our review of the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids and Kids Pro.

With hands-on programming that becomes increasingly more challenging as your child grows in confidence, children can learn to code basic movements and actions for Dash using a compatible mobile or tablet. After some practice, they can progress through hundreds of missions that come preloaded and ready to go.

Once they’ve mastered the basics, children can use the Blockly app to use advanced coding methods such as conditional and variables. They can even learn how to use Dash to play pranks on their friends and family.

Looking to nurture your child's interest in coding? Our round-up of the best coding toys has you covered.

Modelled on the hit TV show, BattleBots, the Hexbug BattleBots Arena Max is 50% bigger than before with an interlocking floor tile assembly, giving you more floor space for your robotic rumble.

With over 100 configurations, children will love building and customising their own characters with a range of battle armour and weapons before entering the arena and battling it out with their competitors. Even better, gameplay is relatively simple, with an easy-to-learn remote controller to navigate around the arena.

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Whilst it may look like a basic coloured ping pong ball in a choice of five different colours, Sphero is actually a super intelligent robot with a motor and gyroscope hidden inside.

With a variety of fun driving modes and games to play, children can use basic coding methods in JavaScript as well as actions on a compatible smart phone or device to move the ball in the direction of their choice. From knocking down toys to navigating around obstacles, they’ll have so much fun they won’t even notice they’re learning.

Whilst it’s not quite as impressive as the Sphero Bolt for functionality, it’s a far more affordable option for tighter budgets.

Related: Keep little hands busy with the best fidget toys to buy.