For those unfamiliar with Lego® Mindstorms, it was a line of Lego products designed to teach children and adults the basics of programming and robotics. The kits have everything you need to build a working robot, including a controller, sensors, and motors. Some people use them for competition, others use them for fun, and still, others use them for both. However, the popular robotics platform, which has been around for over 20 years, is being discontinued.
While none have the same accessibility, affordability, and support as the Lego Mindstorms, if you are a fan of Lego or, in general, just a technophile, there are many other robotics platforms in the market worth checking out. And the good news is these Lego alternatives are incredibly user-friendly, and affordable as well!
Lego® Mindstorms to be discontinued
Lego®'s decision to discontinue the Mindstorms theme in 2022 marks the end of an era of innovation in educational robotics that has spanned nearly a quarter of a century. Since its introduction in 1998, Mindstorms has influenced generations of fans and young engineers who have grown up with its diverse building and programming capabilities. Lego's continued support of this educational endeavor is evident in its commitment to other platforms, such as SPIKE Prime, that continue the Mindstorms legacy in a new setting.
The 8 best Lego® Mindstorms Replacements
If you're looking for a great Lego® Mindstorms replacement, you can't go wrong with any of these 8 options. We've compiled a selection of some of the best Lego Mindstorms alternatives on the market, so you can find something that suits your needs perfectly. From classic building blocks to more high-tech options, and with prices ranging from just a few dollars to hundreds, you can surely find something to fit your needs or budget.
Thames & Kosmos
Thames & Kosmos, established in Germany in 2001, is a leader in science and technology education. The company designs an extensive array of science kits, experiments, and activities for both children and adults. Their aim is to enhance science and technology education by making it more interactive, captivating, and practical. Thames & Kosmos provides a diverse selection of science kits spanning topics like biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, robotics, and others. Additionally, their educational offerings include a junior science series, a science fiction collection, and an inventors kit tailored for young learners.
Kosmos 620400 Roboter Master Robots Science Kit
- Age recommendation: 8-12 y/o
- Item Dimensions: 16.8 x 11.5 x 3.2 inches
- Highlight: You may program the robots you build to behave based on the feedback from the ultrasonic sensor using the app interface.
- Check here on Amazon
Young tech aficionados have a choice of eight distinct robot models. They can assemble a humanoid robot equipped with dual motors and an ultrasonic sensor to interact with its environment. Alternatively, they can create a crocodile robot that lunges and snaps in perilous situations. The Kosmos kit includes a comprehensive guide that provides step-by-step instructions for building each model and programming them via a tablet or smartphone using Bluetooth. Additionally, a complimentary app accompanies this kit, offering seven pre-programmed options to get various robots moving right away. Ideal for children aged 12 and above!
Robo Wunderkind
Robo Wunderkind manufactures robotics kits designed to educate children. Their mission is to motivate young minds to explore technology and engineering by enabling them to construct and program their own robots. These kits include modular blocks and a smartphone app, allowing kids to effortlessly build and manage their robotic inventions. Additionally, the company provides extra educational materials and support for parents and teachers to assist children in learning and developing their skills with these robots.
Robo Wunderkind Kit
- Age recommendation: Kids as young as 5
- Highlight: 100% screen-free play with 16 fun interactions, enabling kids to transform the toy into various forms such as a train, police car, and ghost while learning coding and STEM skills
- Check here on Amazon
Presenting the VATOS 2 in 1 Excavator, a groundbreaking coding toy tailored for kids. Developed by the masterminds behind Botley 2.0, the Toy of the Year award winner, this excavator offers a completely screen-free learning experience. It allows children as young as five to delve into coding through various engaging methods, such as music, lights, and movement. Featuring 16 interactive activities, kids can effortlessly transform their excavator, boosting their STEM skills in the process. Each VATOS set provides an exciting mix of coding sequences and interactive tasks. Ideal for holidays or homeschooling, this toy guarantees unmatched educational fun.
VEX Robotics company
The VEX iQ Kit is produced by the VEX Robotics company. VEX Robotics is a global provider of educational and competitive robotics products and programs for students.
The company designs and manufactures robots, robot kits, and other educational resources for schools and robotics competitions. VEX also offers professional development workshops and support for educators, as well as hosting international robotics competitions for students.
HEXBUG BattleBots Rivals Platinum
- Number of Pieces: 10
- Highlight: Realistic battling with pop-off panels for damage simulation, enhanced motor for weapon power, and the ability to battle up to four bots simultaneously using a multiple-channel controller with rechargeable batteries.
- Check here on Amazon
HEXBUG BattleBots Rivals Platinum offers enhanced combat with an additional motor for weapon power. Offering realistic combat, Whiplash and Sawblaze each feature 3 pop-off panels that simulate damage and 4 motors for a variety of weapons. Ideal for improving hand-eye coordination, these educational technology toys provide a competitive yet educational play environment.
With a multi-channel controller and rechargeable batteries, you can challenge up to four bots at once. Win by knocking off your opponent's armor, then reassemble for another round. These robots are exceptional STEM toys that encourage creativity and a passion for building
HEXBUG VEX Robotics Offroad Truck
- Age recommendation: 8+ y/o
- Number of Pieces: 820+ snap-together pieces
- Highlight: Compatible with the VEX Pilot App; Remote Controlled Truck
- Check here on Amazon
The HEXBUG VEX Robotics Offroad Truck is a remote-operated vehicle built to conquer rugged landscapes and barriers. Boasting a robust, offroad-themed chassis and oversized, all-terrain wheels, it effortlessly traverses rocks, soil, and other difficult surfaces. Driven by a VEX Robotics motor, the truck delivers steady, seamless motion and rapid speed. Thanks to its sophisticated design and technology, the HEXBUG VEX Robotics Offroad Truck offers an exhilarating and entertaining experience for both children and grown-ups.
Yahboom Technology
Yahboom Technology is an international tech enterprise focusing on the creation and production of robotics, coding, and AI products for both educational and recreational purposes. They provide an array of items such as robot kits, STEM educational toys, and smart home gadgets, all geared towards aiding both youngsters and adults in understanding technology and honing their coding abilities. Yahboom's offerings are crafted to be intuitive and engaging, promoting practical learning and exploration.
Yahboom Raspberry Pi Robotic Professional Starter Kit
- Age recommendation: teens over 16 years old
- Item Dimensions 10.5 x 6.8 x 4.1 inches
- Highlight: consists of a durable chassis made of aluminum alloy, two powerful 370 motors, metal couplings, high-quality tracks, a multipurpose expansion board, and many sensors.
- Check here on Amazon
The Yahboom Raspberry Pi Robotic Professional Starter Kit is a comprehensive collection of tools and components that allow users to create and program their own robots using the popular Raspberry Pi single-board computer. It includes a Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ computer, a high-quality servo motor, a motor driver board, a power supply module, a high-resolution ultrasonic distance sensor, and a comprehensive instruction manual with step-by-step instructions for building and programming your own robot. This kit is suitable for beginners and professionals alike and provides a fun and educational way to learn about robotics, programming, and electronics.
Makeblock Co., Ltd.
Makeblock Co., Ltd. is the creator of the Makeblock mBot Ranger. This Chinese tech firm specializes in crafting and producing DIY robotic kits and educational materials for STEM learning. Established in 2013, Makeblock has rapidly evolved into a premier supplier of robotics and coding education tools for both schools and personal use globally. Their offerings encompass robotic kits, programmable modules, and digital learning resources. Makeblock aims to ignite creativity and curiosity in young learners by providing hands-on technological learning experiences.
Makeblock mBot Ranger
- Age recommendation: 8-12 y/o
- Item Dimensions: 200 x 165 x 120 mm
- Highlight: Equipped with Me Auriga mainboard
- Check here on Amazon
The Makeblock mBot Ranger presents three pre-assembled configurations: the Land Raider, the Nervous Bird, and the Dashing Raptor. This versatile robot enables children to delve into various coding and STEM endeavors by constructing, controlling, and programming the mBot Ranger. Equipped with robust motors and superior traction tracks, the Ranger is adept at navigating any surface, making it perfect for both indoor and outdoor learning experiences, whether on rugged terrain or smooth surfaces. Additionally, the Makeblock app offers free applications and coding tutorials, allowing kids to begin mastering robot control through Scratch or Arduino C programming right away. As an educational toy, the Makeblock mBot Ranger promises to provide endless hours of enjoyment while imparting essential programming knowledge.
Microbric
The Australian business Microbric which invented the Meet Edison Robot has its headquarters in South Australia. It produces innovative, easy-to-use construction kits for children like the Edison teaching robots.
The company was founded in 2006 with the aim of providing families with an affordable and fun way to teach their children about engineering and robotics. Microbric's products are designed to be used by children aged six and up, and they have been used in schools and homes all over the world.
Meet Edison Robot
- Age recommendation: 4-16 y/o
- Item Dimensions: 7 x 4 x 2 inches
- Highlight: A robot for education and invention, a vehicle with intelligence that can hear and see due to the various sensors installed
- Check here on Amazon
Edison is a programmable robot created to be a complete STEM teaching tool for pupils from 4 to 16 years old learning about coding and robotics. Edison gives kids the tools they need to develop as inventors, problem solvers, and creative thinkers in addition to coders. It is more than just a robot; its sensors and extendable construction system open up new avenues for learning in math, science, critical thinking, engineering, design thinking, and other subjects. If you are on a budget, this robot is definitely one to check out for. The cool part is, it is also compatible with Lego® bricks, so you can have fun building contraptions on top of it.
Clementoni
Clementoni, an Italian enterprise, is a potential Lego® Mindstorms replacement, manufacturing a wide range of educational toys, including the RoboMaker kit. Established in the early 1960s and based in Recanati, Italy, the company designs and manufactures robots, robot kits, and other educational resources for schools and robotics competitions.
RoboMaker Kit
- Age recommendation: 8 - 12 y/o
- Item Dimensions: 17.76 x 2.76 x 12.24 inches
- Highlight: excellent box to learn about coding and robotics using block programming
- Check here on Amazon
The Clementoni RoboMaker kit is one of the best Lego® Mindstorms alternatives that teaches you about robotics and engineering. With over 200 components, including 2 motors, 1 speaker, and an infrared sensor, you can build 3 robots that will put your computing skills to the test. Whether you're making drawings with the x1-drawer, picking up objects with the x2-elevator, or pushing them out of the table with the x3-analyzer, this set has something for everyone. Costing between 50 and 80 dollars, the robot can be programmed and operated through Bluetooth via the app.
Tips On Choosing Lego® Mindstorms Alternatives
Knowing there are many Lego® Mindstorm replacements on the market can make choosing one difficult. You need to evaluate each of them properly, which highly depends on many factors, such as your preference and budget. Importantly, you want to ensure that the product is at least as good as advertised and that you get the most for your money. If you are unsure of how to pick one that best fits you, here are some tips that might help you make your decision:
Figure out what you want to use the alternative for
Are you looking for something more educational? Or are you looking for something that's more focused on fun and games? If you're looking for something that will teach you about programming and robotics, then something like the Meet Edison Robot is a great option. However, if you're just looking for something to play around with and have some fun, then Robo Wunderkind might be a better option. Besides to Lego® Mindstorms alternatives, Lego Technic alternatives could be interesting, too.
Research the different options
Once you know what you're looking for, take some time to look into the different options available. Read reviews, compare prices, and check out any demo videos or other resources that might be helpful. It might be helpful to bookmark this article and scan through the list again and start researching the kits that interest you.
Choose something that's compatible with your existing Lego® collection
If you already have a lot in your Lego® collection, it might be worth choosing an alternative that's compatible with those pieces. That way, you can still use the pieces you already have and don't have to start from scratch. From our list, the Meet Edison robot is compatible with Lego Bricks. The robot's body allows you to build contraptions on top of it, so you can design it however you like.
Consider the price
Obviously, budget is going to be a factor in your decision-making process. Compare prices between different options and see what fits best into your budget. The good thing is that they are several options for whatever budget you have. If you have money to splurge, we recommend getting the VEX EDR robots since they are the closest to engineering.
Also, there are plenty of places that offer great products at affordable prices. So, try to find what you're looking for at a price that suits your budget.
Get input from your kids (if applicable)
If you're buying a Lego® alternative for your children, it's always a good idea to get their input on which one they would prefer. Kids can get exceptionally picky despite choosing what is best for them. So, it's best to get their opinion first and help them decide by narrowing down their options. They're the ones who are going to be using it, after all!
Conclusion
Lego® Mindstorms may be discontinued, but that doesn't mean it's the end of the road for robotic creativity. With the wide variety of options available, there is now a much larger selection to choose from, making it easier to find a Lego Mindstorms Alternative that fits your budget and needs. Whether you're looking for a more advanced robot or just something to get your feet wet, there's something out there that can provide the same type (or even more) of educational and creative experience for your child like the best Lego Duplo alternatives. So don't miss out on the amazing opportunities available in the world of robotics - explore the 8 best Lego Mindstorms Alternatives today and give your child the opportunity to explore their full potential.
If you are looking for great Lego deals at an affordable price, you can check the Brickfact app for a price comparison. You can choose from a list of sellers and buy Lego sets at the best price. The Brickfact app informs you via push notification as soon as a new Lego deal is available. It is also free and available for both iOS and Android.
