Choosing your first kit
What you’ll learn
- The main beginner robotics platforms and how they differ
- Which one fits your age, budget and goals
- What to look for in a starter kit
The main options
| Platform | Ages | Coding | Building | Cost | Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arduino (UNO and compatibles) | 12+ | C++ (text); blocks via mBlock or similar | Breadboard + wires | $ | Real electronics, huge community, cheapest |
| BBC micro:bit | 8+ | Blocks (MakeCode) or Python | Clip-on add-ons | $ | Easy start, built-in sensors and LEDs |
| ESP32 | 14+ | C++ or MicroPython | Breadboard | $ | Wi-Fi and Bluetooth built in |
| Raspberry Pi | 14+ | Python on Linux | HATs and wires | $$ | Cameras, AI and ROS; a full computer |
| LEGO Education | 5+ | Blocks, Python | LEGO bricks | $$$ | No wiring, very fast building, school-friendly |
| VEX | 10+ | Blocks, Python, C++ | Metal/plastic parts | $$$ | Competitions; VEXcode VR is free |
Current prices are in the Kit buying guide.
Quick decision guide
- Age 8–11, or a classroom with little time for wiring? micro:bit with a robot add-on, or LEGO if the school already has kits.
- Age 12+ and want to learn how electronics really work? Arduino. This site’s beginner path is built around it.
- Want to control things over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth? Start with Arduino, then move to ESP32.
- Interested in cameras, AI or ROS? Learn Arduino basics first, then add a Raspberry Pi.
- Joining a competition? Use whatever that competition requires (FLL uses LEGO, VEX IQ uses VEX).
What a good Arduino starter kit includes
- An UNO board (official or compatible) and USB cable
- Breadboard and jumper wires (male–male and male–female)
- LEDs, resistors (220 Ω, 330 Ω, 1 kΩ, 10 kΩ), push buttons
- A potentiometer (knob), a light sensor (LDR) and a buzzer
- An ultrasonic distance sensor (HC-SR04)
- A small servo (SG90)
- Optional for robots: a 2WD car chassis with gear motors, motor driver and IR line sensors
Example: three learners, three kits
| Learner | Recommendation | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Aisha, 9, likes LEGO, no coding yet | micro:bit with a robot add-on, or a school LEGO kit | Block coding, no wiring, quick wins |
| Sam, 13, wants to understand electronics | Arduino-compatible starter kit plus a 2WD car kit | Real circuits and real C++ for little money |
| Jo, 16, interested in AI | Arduino first, then a Raspberry Pi with a camera | Learn electronics basics, then add vision |
Match the kitEasy
Which platform suits a learner who wants Wi-Fi control of a robot from their phone? An ESP32 (Arduino-compatible, with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth built in).
Club on a budgetMedium
A club has $200 for 4 teams. Suggest what to buy. Four Arduino-compatible robot car kits (about $35–50 each) plus one shared multimeter. Use the built-in simulators for practice between sessions.
Check a kit listHard
Find a real starter kit online and tick it against the checklist in the Learn tab. What’s missing?
Quick check
Finished this lesson?