The best robot toys for toddlers

Toddler playing with robot toy

by Samantha Ball |
Updated on

With so many new and exciting toys on the market, it can be difficult to choose one that's right for your toddler. We want them to be engaged and learn but to have tons of fun at the same time, which is exactly where a robot toy comes into it. We've shared the best robot toys for toddlers to keep them entertained for hours on end.

Robot toys are becoming increasingly popular around the world, and each one is different and creative in its own way.

What is a robot toy?

A robot toy is a fantastic option for your inquisitive tot. They are toys that act intelligently with their environment through dancing, talking, taking commands, and much more.

As tech advances, so do toys, and a robot toy will keep your little one engaged whilst teaching them fundamental new skills as they play. We all want our children to have fun, but if there can be an added element of learning while they play, then that's even better.

Robot toys encourage the most inquisitive of minds, as well as overall STEM skills. They help your child to learn cognitive skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving, all while they are having fun.

What to consider before buying a robot toy for your toddler

You only have to Google' robot toys', and your screen is inundated with hundreds of products.

Ease of use: One thing to consider, especially when buying for a toddler, is that the robot isn't too complicated to use. Some require coding and lots of parental input, with others, need an app or a screen to function. While all are great functions, they are not handy when you want your toddler to be able to play independently sometimes.

Cost: Price is also something to consider. There are tons of budget-friendly options on the market, so it is definitely worth doing your research. Or just let us do it for you.

Durability: We all know that many things don't survive the toddler years, so we want to make sure they can play with it safely without breaking it after a few minutes of play.

Best robot toys for toddlers

Best for babies
Fisher-Price Bright Beats Dance & Move BeatBo
Price: $79.95

This fun and colourful critter is easy to use and features three modes that will grow with your baby. It dances and sings catchy songs that will have your toddler dancing around the living room. It has a brilliant recording function where your toddler can record a phrase, and the BeatBo sings it back and remixes it into a song. It also has a learning and games button, which introduces your little one to songs such as ABCs, counting, colours and more.

Review: "It's very durable, my daughter dropped it on the floor, and unlike other toys, it didn't break or even get damaged. It's great for a wide range of ages, I have a newborn who is fascinated by the lights and my daughter (nearly 4) really understood what to do and enjoyed playing the game.

Read our full Fisher-Price Dance & Move BeatBo review

Pros

  • Has three ways to play
  • Helps strengthen fine motor skills
  • Bright, colourful and engaging
  • Two sound levels

Cons

  • Playback recording not high quality
Suitable for:9 months and up

Best for early learning

As well as stimulating emotional intelligence, fine motor skills, imagination and creativity, gross motor skills, cognition, language and communication, and senses, this robot will have your child in fits of laughter. This little guy, available as a rabbit, mouse, or lion, has seven complimentary play cards to add fun stories to tell, six fun-filled games, and smart sensors for unique interaction with their child.

Review: "This little toy is brilliant, perfectly sized for tiny hands, it's become our grandson's favourite. Adults seem to like it too! The interactive noises are engaging for babies, the snoring and sneezing are the cutest. Brilliant robust little lion toy. Highly recommended."

Pros

  • Offers unique interaction
  • Stimulates development

Cons

  • Battery case needs a mini-screwdriver
Suitable for:12 months and up

Best for language learning
LeapFrog My Pal Scout
Price: $35.98
Alternative retailers
Kohl's$24.99View offer
Walmart$39.99View offer

This cute and interactive pup is great for younger toddlers and gives them their first insight into basic words, counting and colours through fun games and interactive touch points. Apart from being adorable and cuddly, it also sings more than 40 different learning songs and has games that stimulate your toddler's mind and helps them to become more aware of their feelings and emotions. This lovable pup can learn your child's name and favourite songs, so in no time, it will be a new addition to your family.

Review: "The programming instructions are clearly written so that even if one is not familiar with computers, the toy can be customised and updated without difficulty."

Read our full LeapFrog My Pal Scout and Violet review

Pros

  • Can be personalised to your toddler
  • Has a range of phrases and songs to teach

Cons

  • Name database doesn't have every name option
Suitable for:6 months and up

Best for the authentic robot look

This cheeky little chap is a perfect way to introduce your toddler to the world of robots. He has flashing lights to stimulate the senses and moving arms, eyes and legs to inspire imaginative play. With a range of funny noises, he will have your little one in stitches while helping them to develop their communication and social skills.

Review: "I gave this to my granddaughter at the airport, and it kept her amused throughout our 3-hour flight. Makes funny sounds, and she loves how the eyes move. A great present for a one-year-old."

Pros

  • Inspires imaginative play
  • Supports and develops communication
  • Looks like an actual robot
Suitable for:12 months and up

Best Toy Story robot
Disney Pixar Toy Story Ultimate Walking Buzz Lightyear
Price: $53.99
Alternative retailers
Newegg$67.49View offer

To infinity and beyond! What toddler doesn't like Toy Story? One for future space cadets and older toddlers, this Disney Pixar Toy Story Ultimate Walking Buzz Lightyear figure really walks and talks and has more than 40 sounds and phrases. Your toddler will feel like they are a part of the movie with his fun sound effects, pop-out wings and light-up laser. Buzz really brings adventure to life and even has a hidden move for your little one to discover.

Review: "Awesome!!! My son loved this buzz. It felt very lifelike. It talks, walks and moves just like Buzz in the movie. He is smaller than most of the sizes you see at store, but it's perfect for a kid who wants to take him everywhere."

Pros

  • Has a lot of different phrases
  • Lifelike motions

Cons

  • Quite small
Suitable for:3 years and up

Best puppy robot

The Top Race TR-P5 Remote Control Dog is perfect for older toddlers who want the benefits of a dog without the responsibility. Just like a real dog, he will respond to your little one's voice and perform commands such as sit, spin, crawl, walk and dance. He's a smart little pup who loves to interact and can even be trained with new commands, such as yoga; he even farts. One for your toddler to grow with and eventually learn to programme him to do more and more.

Review: "I was unsure about purchasing this due to the very mixed reviews I had read. However, I am really pleased I did. It was a present for my 5yr old & he loves it. Everything seems to work fine, all parts are present, and both my children are having a lot of fun with it."

Pros

  • Voice recognition
  • Rechargeable battery

Cons

  • Battery case doesn't close properly
Suitable for:12 months and up

Best for songs
Fisher-Price Linkimals Smooth Moves Sloth
Price: $69.95
Alternative retailers
Walmart$53.50View offer

The Fisher-Price Linkimals Smooth Moves Sloth has everything to help your child learn and have fun at the same time. This little fella has over 85 songs and sounds to introduce your toddler to numbers, letters, colours and opposites. It's also a sensory overload with bright, colourful lights, fun music, and soft arms that clap along with the music. And when other Linkimals friends are around, the sloth chats, sings and lights up with them.

Review: "Got this for my baby, aged around 9 months at the time, and he loves it. He is now 11 months and still finds it really fascinating. It lights up and moves its arms and head. The only negative is that the paint on its nose chipped off within a few days!"

Pros

  • Interacts with other Linkimals
  • Over 85 songs and sounds

Cons

  • Paint chips easily
Suitable for:9 months and up

Best sensory robot

How sweet is this little robot? Perfect for younger toddlers, this adorable bot rewards your tot with every interaction, from pulling his leg to moving his arm and turning him upside down. He makes sounds and lights up - his eyes even spin, giving different expressions. A great little light and sound show to entertain your little love.

Review: "I bought this toy for my baby son, and he just loves it. Unlike many other toys, you are not stuck with just one or 2 sounds, and it still entertains him months on."

Pros

  • Different textured parts
  • Works even when upside-down

Cons

  • Small robot
Suitable for:6 months and up

Best dog-like robot
Harry dog

Rrp: $25.99

Price: $21.99
Alternative retailers
Walmart$21.99View offer

It's all about the robot dogs! Harry, the happy robot dog, is a toddler's best friend. He plays interactive games with your tot, such as chase (he even lets you know when he is going for a nap). He also walks, barks, sings, talks, plays music and dances along to songs. If you're looking for a canine friend for your little one but without the responsibility (or mess), then look no further.

Review: "Bought this for my grandson as his easter present, and he was nervous at the start as he is just a month shy of turning 2, but by the end of the day, he was pressing the button and dancing around it. According to his mummy, he absolutely loves it, and the video she sent me definitely proved it to be an accurate account. So on behalf of my grandson, I highly recommend this dog toy."

Pros

  • Walks on smooth surfaces
  • Batteries included

Cons

  • No off button
Suitable for:2 years and up

Best for older children

The most 'robot' looking of the robots, this smart-looking toy responds to gesture commands and is perfect for the most curious of toddlers. It can be taught to move in all different directions and also likes to partake in a little sing and dance. You can enter commands through a remote control and then watch as it moves freely around, avoiding obstacles (such as nappies, beakers and other toys that have no doubt been scattered on the floor).

Review: "So much better than we thought it would be! My 4-year-old son LOVES it when the robot dances. He has spent hours with it. Highly recommend."

Pros

  • USB for charging
  • Multiple functions

Cons

  • Quite loud
Suitable for:3 years and up

Best for different stages of development
Fisher-Price 4-in-1 Ultimate Learning Bot
Price: $89.99

With Smart Stages Technology that lets you change the learning content depending on the child's age, the Fisher-Price 4-in-1 Ultimate Learning Bot has three learning levels and four ways to play. Toddlers can play and learn with over 120 sounds, songs, and phrases, enjoy fun music and lights, and play hands-on activities, including bat-and-wobble play, crawl-and-chase fun, and twist-and-flip ears.

Review: "Like how it separates and has the different options of toys to play with and love how it has certain activities for different stages of development."

Pros

  • Three learning levels
  • Buildable

Cons

  • Games move too quickly
Suitable for:6 months and up

Best drawing robot
VTech-Jot-Bot
Price: $65.99

The smart drawing robot is the perfect crafty buddy, with a built-in library of over 280 images. Its animated faces and sounds make it super fun and engaging for children from as young as three years old. They can even code the robot to draw their own creative designs.

Review: "vtech does what it does best create amazing toys, fantastic robots that's sure to keep your kids happy for hours on end. Put in a pen, and the robot draws for you. Amazing quality"

Pros

  • 280+ images
  • Interactive

Cons

  • Moves best on smooth surfaces
Suitable for:3 years and up

Best value robot

With their magical fairytale friend, your child will be kept busy and entertained with sweet unicorn sounds such as sparkling, gallops, and neighs, a light-up horn, and a voice recording talkback function where kids can play with their voice and language. Make learning fun with this interactive toy.

Review: "Dad got this for his daughter. He being a dad and didn't know it was interactive. We all didn't know for a few days until my 2-year daughter was playing with it and having a tantrum and guess what the unicorn had a tantrum too... Lol, we all love it, it's so much fun."

Pros

  • Voice recording
  • Interactive

Cons

  • Younger children may need help with recording
Suitable for:2 years and up

Best dinosaur robot

Perfect for a dino-mad tot, this fun electronic learning toy will respond with fun phrases, interesting dinosaur facts, and sounds, and has an educational flash card with lots of content to keep your little one entertained while learning. The dino can shape-shift from a mighty robot to a fierce T-Rex in just a few steps, and using the remote control, kids can make the Overseer move, stomp, perform cool stunts, and light up.

Review: "I am absolutely delighted with this purchase! What a fantastic toy! My 5 and 4-year-old sons love it so much, so I will definitely buy one more! Excellent quality, easy to use, and so much fun when it transforms from a car to a dinosaur… Nice lights and sound effects! Highly recommend!"

Pros

  • Sturdy
  • Improves hand-eye coordination

Cons

  • Struggles to move as well on carpet
Suitable for:3 years and up

Best modern looking robot

Available in a choice of colours, this little guy will become your tot's new dance partner, providing hours of fun. It can move all around using touch and voice controls, and kids will delight in using the voice recorder to record sounds and their own voices. This little robot is a great way to introduce your child to advanced tech and will provide plenty of giggles.

Review: "Purchased as a gift for my Grandson, and he loves it, we have had such fun. This is an educational, interactive fun toy, excellent value, recommend both product and seller."

Pros

  • Available in different colours
  • Seven volume options

Cons

  • Not durable
Suitable for:3 years and up

What age range are robot toys suitable for?

Robot toys can be stimulating and engaging for children of all ages, however, when buying any toy, it is always worth reading the age recommendation on the product. For example, your two-year-old might love dinosaurs, but a robot dinosaur might not be suitable for their age if it has small parts to it.

How we test and choose recommended products

Our product recommendations are based on a combination of real-world testing from our burgeoning army of mum testers and the extensive knowledge of our experienced editorial team and product specialists. Where we can, we also consult experts who specialise in that field to ensure you get the right advice along with the right product, and we listen to what you say as well.

Our thriving mum community on our Facebook group #mumtribe consistently provides great insights into which products mums like best and why, helping us highlight the products that will meet your needs. For essential products, our annual Mother&Baby Awards shortlist the top products tested. Full reviews from our mum testers can be found on our product pages. The winners and runners-up for each category will also appear in our top picks article for that product, along with other products that were rated highly by our team.

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