Buildable robots and kits
Buildable robots allow students to design and build their own robot, incorporating computational and creative thinking. Buildable robots are often used when students enter competitions that require the design of a robotic solution to meet a challenge.
These types of robots frequently provide an opportunity for students to explore systems, and draw on systems thinking, as they design a robotic solution that incorporates outputs, sensors, on-board microcontroller, actuators, gears and other moving parts.
DISCLAIMER: PRODUCTS ON DT HUB
In this section we highlight features of common technologies used in schools. However, any references to any specific product, process or service is for information only and does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation.

LEGO® Education SPIKE™
Click to learn moreLEGO® Education SPIKE™
Suggested Year Bands: Years 2-4
LEGO® Education SPIKE™ is a hands-on STEAM learning system that combines LEGO bricks, a programmable hub, sensors, and motors with an easy-to-use coding platform. It helps students develop coding skills and problem-solving abilities as they design, build, and program creative solutions to real-world challenges.
Note LEGO® Education SPIKE™ replaced LEGO WeDo 2.0. for more information refer to: Retired Products Support | Everything You Need | LEGO® Education
Associated apps or software
- LEGO® Education SPIKE™ App for students is included on purchase.
Lesson ideas and resources
Links to Scope and sequence

MBot
Click to learn moreMBot
Suggested Year Bands: Years 5-8
Images credit: Bloomberg/Getty Images
mBot is an easy-to-assemble Arduino based robot which can be programmed via the mBlock application. The mBot can use an add-on Bluetooth or 2.4GHz wireless module. Check out also the other Makeblock robots and options.
Associated apps or software
Links to Scope and sequence

Makeblock Ultimate 2
Click to learn moreMakeblock Ultimate 2
Suggested Year Bands: Years 7-10
Images credit: © Makeblock Co. Ltd
Makeblock Ultimate 2 has a strong motor-driving ability and is compatible with both Arduino and Raspberry Pi. It can help students learn about mechanical design, electronics and programming. This robot kit can be assembled into more than 10 different configurations.
Associated apps or software
Lesson ideas and resources
Links to Scope and sequence

LEGO® MINDSTORMS® EV3
Click to learn moreLEGO® MINDSTORMS® EV3
Suggested Year Bands: Years 5-10
Image credit: Tatyaby/Shutterstock.com
Feature image: Photo by Jelleke Vanooteghem on Unsplash
LEGO® Mindstorms® EV3 is a robotics kit that combines LEGO building elements with programmable hardware, such as motors, sensors, and a programmable brick, to create customizable robots. It supports block-based coding through the Scratch-based EV3 Classroom App and allows advanced users to program in Python. Students can develop skills in engineering, coding, and problem-solving as they design, build, and program robots to complete a variety of challenges. Note that the EV3 replaced the Mindstorms NXT.
Associated apps or software
Lesson ideas and resources
Links to Scope and sequence

VEX robotics
Click to learn moreVEX robotics
Suggested Year Bands: Years 7-10
Images credit: Borka Kiss/Shutterstock.com
VEX Education kit are a modular building system similar to LEGO Mindstorms where you can use the elements to build different types of robots. Gears, wheels and other accessories are also available to add.
Associated apps or software
- (RobotC + other)
Lesson ideas and resources
Links to Scope and sequence