Customer Ratings & Reviews

The iRobot Root Coding Robot is a fun starter robot designed for kids of all ages to the world of coding. Looking somewhat like a toy Roomba, the Root can be as versatile as you want it to be. What comes out of the box is the Root robot itself, a USB-C charging cable, a whiteboard marker (you can also use third-party markers), a foldable whiteboard, a wiping cloth and some quickstart documents. Charging of the Root takes a couple of hours. And you need to download an app from the Apple and Google app stores in order to setup the Root. You can also download the app for PC, Chromebook and Kindle Fire. Setting up the Root is a breeze. There are step-step- guidelines for you to follow for you to pair your Root with your device. Then within the app are numerous tutorials to guide you in using your Root. In essence there are three levels for you to choose in order to use your Root. First is Level 1 which is essentially a graphic way to start coding your Root. Don’t worry, the tutorials will guide you to it. From there you’ll find how to give instructions for the Root to move. And also you can also code the Root to learn voice commands and even play music though with the latter you must know something about music. In addition, you can use the included marker (or any marker) for your Root to make some drawings. The second level is a hybrid of graphical icons and actual lines of code. And the third level is coding itself. So truth be told the capabilities of the Root is limited by your imagination or your child’s imagination. And you may find the price a bit steep for a toy even though it is an educational one, it will eventually pay off due to it being comparable to a weekend of coding classes. Furthermore, these coding classes are one off events wherein your child will eventually forget with what was learned. With the Root, it is yours to keep. And you can keep on coding until the life of the product ends. I’d definitely recommend this “toy”.

Learning to code is never easy, no matter what anyone tells you. When iRobot claimed to make learning to code easy and natural in any environment, I had to see and try for myself. Granted, this is marketed toward children, so when I ran it through its paces, I kept my “kiddo” glasses on while pinpointing what software concepts are actually taught. The biggest, biggest draw to this package is the Root rt0 itself. The level of engagement increases dramatically when a child can see how a piece of code affects rt0’s behavior. Nevermind the various sensors and buttons on the rt0; those stimuli are just vehicles for engagement, and it’s brilliant. This translates to today’s software engineering professional's dilemma: how software will interplay with hardware. The coding aspect is always intimidating for anyone, but iRobot has found a simple, unique way to teach procedural programming and structured programming paradigms with its coding environment. Coding is broken down into 3 levels. Level 1 illustrates procedural programming. Here is where your child will learn to string up commands in the form of picture blocks. It is also here where your child will find out that having rt0 draw a spirograph is dang near impossible. That’s where structured programming comes in, where your child will learn to code using decision logic and loops. This is found in Levels 2 and 3. Level 2 coding still consists of picture blocks, but illustrates the relationships between logical statements and loops. Level 3 is a complete translation from Level 2 blocks to actual source code. More on Level 3 in a bit. With structural programming, a few blocks of code can easily generate that same spirograph. Once this concept is grasped, then you (and your child for that matter) have gotten your money’s worth. It opens up the doors for the more advanced functional and object-oriented programming as they get older and outgrow the first two. Unfortunately, these paradigms are not supported in the iRobot Coding app, as far as I know. But that’s okay! Another huge concept your child will learn is simulation, test and evaluation. In the iRobot Coding app, you are given a side panel with a top-down view of a virtual rt0 where you can simulate your source code behavior before you even send/download it to the actual rt0 for testing and evaluation. Why is this important? Because the included dry erase marker can only hold so much ink. What do I mean by that?? You can run your simulation a million times over until you get the behavior where you want it, then you can finally send the code via bluetooth to the rt0 for the “flight test”. No wasted ink before the flight test. Corporations that rely heavily on software perform simulations because it is WAY cheaper than testing it directly on hardware immediately. Can you imagine how many rockets Elon Musk would have blown up if he didn’t have simulations? This is another aspect that your child will learn and appreciate. I wanted to touch back on Level 3 coding; although true source code is generated for you, it is not fully editable, but for a good reason. Syntax. Every software language has its own syntax, much like the English language has its own. If you mess up that syntax, then the rt0 won’t have a clue what you’re trying to say; it won’t try to make sense of it and doesn’t care, really. You if can this read, then you brilliant be must. Yeah, like that. So iRobot prevents that by still allowing you to drag and drop snippets of code and allowing you to only edit numbers and/or boolean values in that code. At first, I was a little disappointed by this, but then I realized how important it is to keep a child engaged in more of the concepts and less on the syntax errors. I was able to show my 8 year old daughter the rt0 write the first letter of her name on the included foldable whiteboard. I told her it can spell the rest of her name, but she has to “teach” rt0 how to do it. I also had rt0 generate a spirograph all while changing its led colors and tooting a note. And that’s just the simple stuff. I went further to try to make it behave like an actual Roomba with the limited amount of sensors. Kids nowadays have the most creative minds and probably can do amazing things with this unit. The iRobot Coding app can be found on the Apple App Store or on Google play. It is also accessible to anyone with an internet connection and a browser (code.irobot.com) if you do not have access to a tablet or phone. I preferred using the computer and mouse due to a larger screen to work with, but a tablet is a good compromise between screen size and touchscreen capability. I do not recommend using a phone for coding only because the screen is just way too small. If you’re on the fence about this product, you can certainly give it a dry run by downloading the app or hopping on the website to try and get a feel for what it’s about. It does offer a subscription plan that provides more learning material, but I think the first few free ones online can get you started well enough to be on your way. With all the software aspects and concepts learned from the iRobot Root rt0, I highly recommend this product.

I struggle to write this review. I want to champion iRobot and applaud and commend their efforts for creating something that guides young minds to learning how to code. 20 years ago I wanted to be a Computer Hardware Engineer, but to do what I really wanted to do I was told I would need to become an Electrical Engineer, and that if I stayed with Computer Engineering I would just end up writing code (Computer Science). I ended up following neither of the paths and became a Minister! It wasn’t that I was given misinformation, just the way the information was presented that gave me pause and I would say did alter my future; just that I wouldn’t have let the path of Minister have been my only ambition, as the future back then as it is now is coding and while the information I received wasn’t negative, it just wasn’t complete in helping to shape the full picture. As was true in 2000, so is true today...coding is the future. And that is where this rambling turns into an analogy for this review. iRobot has created something that is of great value and usefulness, however, the marketing and advertising is of a simple device that can just be picked up and be used for young children ages 6+ to learn to code. All true, however, if you are the supervising adult for a child 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13...etc years old, prepare to learn “how to learn to code” yourself first! Or at the very least become very comfortable with the User Interface. What is your reason for purchase? If it is because your child/student already shows a propensity for coding and technology or has already used something like Google’s Grasshopper software, and the student likes to figure things out then they will have plenty to keep them busy. However, if this is YOU wanting your child/student to be introduced to coding, then be prepared to get really comfortable with the User Interface and what each function is first; I fall in this category. Coding is a language not unlike English, Spanish, or Chinese, however, coding is also based upon the knowledge of knowing a language first because it has to be “coded” in something that is already understood. So where this states 6+ years old for use, yes that is true, but I still see adult supervision being required to help with some things. Level 1 is heavily icon based, with very little actual words used to convey ideas, but to go deeper in Level 1 there is still a minimal level of reading ability required, not to mention just getting setup. iRobot has chosen to favor Apple heavily over how it introduces you to their learning platform; meaning if you don’t have an iPad (could be different on an iPhone), it will take more effort to learn how to use what they have created as it has not created the User Interface the same. My screenshots will show what you are greeted with on an iPad, Android, and PC interface. Basically the Android and PC interface are the same on the “home” screen when first launching the app or webpage. You are given a “+” icon for a new project, “cloud download” icon to resume a saved project, and an “apple” icon which then launches a new webpage no matter if you are on Android or in a Browser. Via iPad you are greeted with a startpage with much more content, but a clickable button, which brings up the first activity of learning the User Interface and Software. This can be found on the Android and Browser version, but it looks drastically different. The plus with Android/Browser is that it tells you what will be needed for this first lesson and how long it is...10-15 minutes. The more I jump back and forth, the Android/Browser feels very much geared towards a classroom setting and the iOS version is for home learning...at least for the tutorial setup simply because they are not housed in one App for Android like the iOS counterpart. Once in the coding environment, there is another short tutorial, which is absent in the Android/Browser version, as well as, visual cues to guide you through connecting the Root robot. However, the iPad version icons are greatly enlarged compared to the Android App version, where the user has to swipe to see all the functions on the iPad, not so with the Android version. The Apple version also has a built-in HELP Menu. Again, the more I jump between these, the here-ya-go-kid (at home) philosophy only really works with the iOS version and the Android/Browser version is geared toward a traditional classroom setting. With Android you really need a separate device to have the tutorial pulled up so you can jump back and forth more easily. The Learning Library as it is called on the iRobot website has at least some of the basic tutorials baked into the iPad app; I have not gone through every level to know what is missing, but on Android/Browser, this is only available on a browser webpage. The included (very limited) instructions with the Root are a hieroglyphic approach to explaining things, which does mimic the Level 1 coding experience, but is very basic overall in what you need to do to get started. The Product Information Guide is just warnings and info like it doesn’t work underwater in English and French. Honorable Mentions -IT EXISTS! My review, while most likely coming across negative, is meant to be a reality check. -No account necessary, however, with a subscription for more projects, that will be necessary. -ability to jump between platforms: Android, iOS, Windows, Mac! -Level 3 uses Swift language for coding, so it can actually be applied in real world use. -Device screen size will be a major point of contention, for Level 1 a minimum screen size of 6” would be sufficient. Level 2 and 3 a 10” screen size would be recommended. There is the ability to pinch and zoom which greatly increases device compatibility, but on more complicated coding projects it has its limits on small screens. -Read iRobot Webpage for more info, especially the FAQ. Some of my hang-ups with marketing is on BestBuy webpage. -Does require a Bluetooth Low Energy(BLE) device, this is Bluetooth 4.0 spec or higher. BLE is not always listed along side the BT4.0 spec, but is included in that spec and higher. My Score +5 because it is a great platform -1,000 because of the marketing of not really differentiating between what is and what could be and the potential of turning people away just unboxing the device. Also, the heavy favoritism applied to iPad/iOS platform. Overall score of +3. Devices used to test: -Lenovo Yoga C720 13.3” Touch screen laptop -Motorola Moto G Stylus 6.4” screen and Pixel 3a 5.7” screen* (*not recommended due to screen size) -iPad Pro 10.5” (2017) I cannot say if the iPhone has the same functionality or if the App is even available on an iPhone, as Apple still differentiates between their mobile devices and requires manufacturers to create separate apps and the iRobot website does not say what products this works with just the Operating Systems supported: Android, iOS, Windows, MacOS. As long as you have a browser you can access this, so LinuxOS should be just fine too.

The iRobot - Root® rt0 Coding Robot is a fun, engaging learning toy that is perfect for ‘testing the waters’ with coding for your kids. As a warning: I’m a bit older (I was in high school in the days before computers were everywhere) so coding is something I’ve never learned. This review will reflect that I know nothing about coding. I do have three children that I feel would be greatly served by learning coding beyond what they’re taught in school but haven’t really found a way to get them interested. Devices like this are a great starting point. MY 8-year-old daughter was enthusiastic about giving it a try, so we unpacked it together. Included in the box is the robot, a USB-charging cord (type-c thankfully), a dry erase ‘grid board’ that unfolds to a good size, a dry-erase marker, a rag for cleaning the dry erase board, peel and stick decals for use on both the robot and the board, and a tiny bit of documentation including a quick set up guide and warnings. We had a bit of frustration at first due to the extremely rudimentary instructions (basically cartoon pictures)—I get that it’s easier for all languages to include something like this, but even a link to some online instructions would have been helpful. As the robot was charging (the interior battery was almost full, but still needed about 20 minutes of time to get a solid green light) we checked out the website to see if we could figure out what to do. While the instructions say it’s compatible with an iPad, I got a browser warning with mine that said I needed a ‘Bluetooth compatible browser such as google chrome’ to connect to the robot. I have the latest model, but it's wi-fi only, so maybe that’s why it wouldn’t work? I switched to my laptop and went to the website indicated on the instructions. It took me a bit of time and checking other places for instruction videos to figure out how to pair it, but we were able to figure it out after a few minutes. I ended up downloading the apps on the iPad for the ‘training guides’ but we could not get it to connect to the iPad even through the app (checking that Bluetooth was on and active) so she used both the laptop and iPad (see picture). Maybe it’s not advanced enough? That system worked well, since the app has some cool training guides. My daughter would watch the iPad then do the exercise in the laptop and would make the robot do a variety of things. From there my daughter took it and ran. I checked on her progress every few minutes. In the early going she had a lot of questions, but after 30 minutes or so and a lot of ‘oh wow’ and ‘cool!’ from her she was really into it. She has run through the early stages a few times now and has used the basic coding instructions in intricate ways. Every time she would program a new sequence, she’d call me over to check out what the robot could do. It plays music, has various lights, draws with the included marker (very neat) and can be programmed to run very long sequences. The training system is good in that it has already taught her the importance of placing commands in the proper order. It’s also great that this toy has her wanting to learn more. The basic exercises are fun and engaging, and she obviously enjoyed seeing immediate results with what she told the robot to do and watching it go. She also liked figuring out what went wrong if it didn’t work right and correcting those errors. The best indicator that this is a ‘success’ is that she has played with it several times within a week now, each time for over an hour and isn’t bored with it! I can’t speak to how well the advanced training courses work, but I am excited that it shouldn’t be long before my daughter is wanting to try those out to see what else the robot can do. It has been a rousing success at keeping her engaged and wanting to learn more! The battery runs a very long time. Her longest session was over two hours and it was still going when she had to stop. There have been some hiccups here and there, and again some instructions or a troubleshooting guide would have been nice to have. We have had a handful of Bluetooth issues with the robot disconnecting, but the computer still telling us it’s paired. It took some tinkering, but we’ve figured out a way to clear it and get it re-paired quickly. I’ve always been a believer that you shouldn’t have to find supplemental sources to figure out how to use a device, so that is my biggest frustration with this (and the main reason it’s not a five-star review). One other minor gripe is the charger did not include an outlet adapter, but we had plenty extra (as well as USB outlets) so I assume the company is counting on that to be most everyone’s situation. Overall if you have children and want to at least get them leaning towards coding this is a great starting point! Highly recommended, just be ready for some frustration that could have been avoided with better instructions.

Let me say I got the robot, opened the box and handed it to my 11 year old daughter and then had to run out, figuring when I got back home I could help her get it fully setup. When I came home she had it setup between her computer (required Bluetooth) and the robot and she had programmed it to do the picture you see below. Now she has some experience with robots from school, so she was familiar with the concept of block programming. However from a setup, it is very easy apparently and walks you through it with no issues. Its neat that it comes with a foldable whiteboard to have some real cool fun. The language is a block coding and doesn't require any special programs installed, just access the website. Overall I'm impressed with the robot, since it allowed my daughter to continue to play with robots and continue to get the concepts of programming and logic. I think iRobot did a great job and provided a fun package with lights, sounds and the ability to draw on whiteboard is great. The fact setup is easy and the ability to get programming is awesome. While kids who haven't had a chance at school to program robots a bit more work might be needed to get going, but really is something all kids should try and learn and I'm happy this allows robotics to come into the home.

The rt0 is the 'consumer version' of the 'Root rt1' that's geared towards schools. It costs less and also has a few less functions but overall it's about the same. The main differences in hardware is that the rt0 does not have the color sensor that the rt1 has, and the rt1 can work on magnetic whiteboards vertically, and can hold a whiteboard eraser. The rt0 has a clear shell so we can see how it's built. Root is an educational robot that's controlled via Bluetooth. It's main focus is to navigate whiteboards or other surfaces and it hold a washable marker, which it can lift and lower on command. It also has sensors like bump, detect a marker on its path (And program to follow it). It can also play some tones, and has a touch sensor so it can start an action when touching one of its top quadrants. Programming it is the fun part. The programming environment is the same in Android, iOS/iPadOS and desktop. ON Android and iOS it requires an app from their store. On desktop, it requires a Chrome-based web browser. Besides Chrome, it worked fine for me with the new (chrome based) Microsoft Edge on Windows 10, Chromium on Linux Fedora, or Chrome or MacOS. It connects via Bluetooth and makes use of the 'Web Bluetooth API' that so far is only available on Chrome based browsers. The robot needs to be connected to the program on the computer or tablet to work. The environment very simple and straightforward. It starts with a blank page with three 'programming levels'. The first is fully drag-drop visual where one connects visual blocks to create a program. Level 2 is more like sketch, which is mostly visual but with more selectors. Level 3 is a generic programming language, and the code editor has coding assistant. Changing the 'level' shows the same program as fully-visual, advanced or text code. Which is great because it preserves the instructions across levels. Another interesting feature is that the environment allows for multiple logic tracks in parallel. For example, one thread can be moving the robot across a surface where another thread is waiting for a sensor input. On a desktop browser, go to code.iRobot.com or install 'iRobot Coding' from the app store, and it's extremely intuitive. It can also run in simulation so one can practice without the actual Root robot. This environment doesn't require any setup or registration. No user information is asked whatsoever. The program remains in the app or browser, and can be sharing by dragging the locally stored code to a cloud icon which generates an unique code that can then be shared by kids or teachers. Also, unlike other learning robots, it does not come with a 'remote control' mode, although kids could make a program to use as a remote control. This version does not require any subscription or in-app purchase. Our 11 year old was able to pick this right away without much supervision. After few hours was able to understand loops and turn ratios in order to draw figures, play some notes and use some of its sensors. I'm surprised how easy it was for the kid to understand how it works, and got very engaged right away. The Robot comes with a foldable 'whiteboard' surface made of plastic covered paper, one green marker, an eraser cloth and USB-A to USB-C charging cable. The robot has an USB-C connector on top. It also comes with a decal sheet so kids can customize it. While it's main shape is an hexagon, the power button is like a nose with LEDs and sensors on the side of it that appear like eyes. The lights change when the robot turn, like eyes, giving it some personality the kids can relate with. Having several 'coding robots' over the years in the house, I can say that Root is the most intuitive to learn. iRobot did an excellent job with the simple and intuitive programming environment.

The ROOT is a robot that will help bring the coding experience to life! This great innovative idea is exactly what any child or parent who has school aged kids should get. Why? The robot itself has a simplistic design, consisting of wheels that make it move forward, backward, turn 360 degrees, play music, display a variety of light sequences and it also has a hole in the middle of the robot that serves as an arm that holds the accompanied dry erase pen. So simple and genius! This coding experience has brought my youngest who is ten years old, great joy in the three nights we spent exploring the Root together, and then it finally dawn at me that this can be our households break from video games. My kids will play endless games in the attempt in duplicating something pleasurable often leading unsatisfied, nothing to show for but wasted time. However, this product takes the concept of puzzles from the video game format and transitions the user ultimately to an even more rewarding computer gaming coding/robot experience. I could see how this cognitive form of learning helped my son as the learner see quantitative results, hence a better sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Woah! Parents, please help your kids drop their virtual pickaxes and come out of from whatever cave they are in and be part of this entertaining and fulfilling coding experience with them. We choose to use a laptop to obtain a bigger display. It was hard to contain the excitement from both of us when the code commands that we patiently wrote began to be acted out by the robot. That excitement brought forth many a flood of creative ideas. Since he started practicing music on the keyboard this summer, he then said, “Oh, what if we make it sing the Mario Bros theme song?” I will upload an image with the the intro of the song for whomever wants to start with something fun. Once a project is finished, you can save it in the cloud. My suggestions: The robot needs to be charged when you remove it from the box. Make sure it is blinking green and not yellow before interacting with it. Begin by researching Youtube videos for ideas. This can give you a visual of what you can begin doing or might be interested in having the Root do for you. Also, the www.code.irobot.com website will provide you with additional ideas in i-Robots learning library link (look for the apple icon) to help you get more acquainted with additional activities and games. These have different modules and challenging games that are categorized by age and/or coding experience. Truly inclusive! The quick start instructions were helpful in explaining the pairing process. Once you are on the website it creates a free account for you, no need to create username or passwords. I simply saved the site as a favorite and created a link on my desktop for easy access. There is no need to worry about your progress lost, i-Robot’s cloud saves all of it for you. We began with the Level 1. Start here to understand the four elementary command functions of EVENTS/COMMANDS/SETTERS/FLOW CONTROL. You will notice that those actions are color coded throughout the level scheme for a consistent organizational approach, which will help you transition easily to Level 2 & 3. I realized quickly that if we wanted more specifics from the Root, like tweaking the distance of travel, its gradual angle (degrees) trajectory, or a different higher/lower key note from the integrated virtual keyboard, we had to access commands from those of the higher levels. This proved a bit challenging at first, because when you switch your work from a Level 1, some specific variable inputs might have been lost with the transfer to the higher levels. My son apparently had some experience with some code games online in the past which helped him understand the versatility of the levels, so he was the first to point out this flaw. Coding itself can be time consuming and challenging which is great for their young and learning minds. The challenging parts usually happen with more sophisticated commands for the Root. The whole idea is to let your imagination make the coding experience come to life from the screen to real life application result. The program includes a grid display of a mini Root on your computer screen, so you can still work on code commands while the unit is off charging. Start with an “end result” mindset. This might sound strange. For example, when drawing something, think, what do I want to draw, where will the Root end up when it is done? Once you figured out what your end design, shape, or action you want the Root to emulate it will be a lot easier. Be patient with yourself, and learn from your mistakes. We did experience some command hiccups when commanding the Root to turn left or right at one point. If that happens, simply log out of your work in progress and log back in. Not a big deal, that seemed to reset the cloud program and the Root began turning corners correctly as displayed on screen. I want to thank the i-Robot family for taking their passion of computer program engineering and transitioning that passion to a more complete and fulfilling immersive coding experience for those contemplating coding as a hobby, career, or maybe just some good old fashion parent child bonding time.

Summary: This is a fun learning tool for children. I have a kid that just entered the 6+ recommended age range and after a few days, he still does not understand the overall concepts but is having a lot of fun with it. A great learning tool and fun family activity. Unboxing: I was surprised how little is in the box. You will find the robot, an erasable marker, a whiteboard that folds, stickers, a cloth, and some extremely basic picture instructions on how to get it set up for first use. Setup: I was kind of confused as to where to start. I have some fairly basic programming experience but am well versed in IT things so I figured it would all be understood by me… I didn’t know where to start. Charging the device is done via USB-C. After initial charge, I opened up the picture-based setup manual and it directs you to a website. On the site, you turn on the robot and click a Bluetooth button which connects your device to the robot. It was easier than expected once I figured out the website. Also, you cannot use this with Safari or Firefox, you have to use a browser that supports Bluetooth such as Chrome or Edge. Use: Upon initial use I didn’t quite know what all the accessories were for, it doesn’t explain in the box. This seems to be on purpose to promote free play and discovery. On the website, you will see three tiers of programming levels. Level 1: Pictures that you arrange to expose your child to procedures. Drag the icon for left to go left, follow with a music icon to have it chirp and so on. Level 2: Simplified predefined statements which allow for a little more versatility. Level 3: Actual programming statements for complete control. My little kid will be on the level 1 for a while but it leaves a lot of room to grow. I would explain all the things you can do with it but it is kind of impossible to do as the point of this toy is to let the child discover what can be done with programming. You can have it take routes, play a song, put on a light show, draw a picture, go to waypoints, chase the cat, use your imagination. What I found most exciting and unexpected was the child / parent interaction that this toy promotes. I expected to kind of just sit my kid in front of it after a brief tutorial and let him discover but I soon found us planning and plotting on all the actions we would have the robot due. As a result, my child and I had a great time playing with this device during the review period and it can teach a lot of parents the basics of programming as well. Overall it is a great product.

The iRobot Root coding robot is perfect for beginners learning to code. Out of the box the iRobot comes with foldable whiteboard, dry erase marker, eraser, and stickers. The instructions are remarkably simple with images depicting how to power on and connect the robot. Setup is straightforward and the instructions will have you up and running in a matter of minutes. Coding is done through the mobile app or website which both are extremely simple and intuitive. From the home page you can create a new project, download a program, or access the learning library. The learning library offers free and paid activities and lessons. The coding interface has a straightforward layout that will be easily understood by anyone. Three different levels of coding are present which range from graphical blocks to full text coding. Take note that with full text code you are not actually typing the code, however you drag text blocks to create the full text code. The robot itself is very sturdy and has an assortment of features and sensors. The features include four touch sensors, two front-facing bumpers, two light sensors, RGB lights, and speaker. All these add up for a fun and engaging experience which enriches creativity. Favorite feature is the motorized dry-erase marker holder which allows you to create remarkable drawings with your robot which is entertaining as well as educational. Overall, the iRobot Root coding robot is an ideal choice for children beginning coding. iRobot is an engaging and fascinating coding lab which opens the world of coding up with many fun adventures.

The iRobot rt10 is a wonderful gadget for curious kids and adults alike. I have a 12 years old kid who took beginner coding classes in the past 3 years and he said that the concept on coding blocks which this robot uses is very similar to the Scratch coding class that he took (Scratch is a coding course created by MIT and is oriented for kids). setup was easy once we looked it up on YouTube (there is no clear instructions on how to setup the device included in the box). after that we were able to send code to iRobot Root using Chrome browser and BlueTooth or using a smart phone. the Robot has sensors for movement in addition to lights and sounds feature. the interface for the coding blocks is very easy and intuitive, and makes it a great bonding and learning time for adults with kids. the wet earase marker that came with the device is green but we added different color markers to make better designs and add a bit of complexity. whats in the box - iRobot rt10 Root - foldable white board - marker - earaser cloth - USB to USB type C cable - sticker sheet to decorate your root devise - manual, and warrantee information. i greatly recommend this device to fill time for kids with useful, fun play time.

First of all, I am a fan of iRobot, I use iRobot vacuum at home as they are the best. This robot is well built like all iRobot, easy to programmed, easy to setup so this is best for beginner. You have to use web app on mobile device or browser on desktop and you connect to the robot via bluetooth. There is no way to download the program to the robot and run without bluetooth connection, once you close the browser or mobile app, the program stop. The robot suppose to have gyroscope and light sensor but I could not make use of it because the programming interface does not have that option even at level 3. It has whenProgramStarted, whenBumperPressed, whenTouched and the whenColorScanned but whenColorScanned is not supported with rt0. I hope they update the interface for rt0. At the back/rear of the robot, there are 2 metal strips but there is no info about it, could it be charging contacts for a base station ? The robot does have auto power off which is nice. I gave 3 stars because of the wrong programming interface and program could not continue to run autonomously without bluetooth connection. There is also no way to program using java or other languages. No way for beginner to continue using this robot once they graduated to becomes more advance programmer or robot enthusiast. They would have to use totally different robot from other company.

It's a good and interesting toy for kids to learn programming! Me and my little friend enjoyed it a lot! One minor issue I do want to mention: when the robot is walking on the "whiteboard" provided with the box, it misaligns when crossing the folded lines. I also wish that the robot can carry an eraser somehow... since the program has this functionality.

Educational toys are usually hit or miss. However, this time I hit on a toy that educates! I like this toy because today it pays to know coding - so why not start with the basics to help with that. This toy is simple and easy to use - or play with - but in the end I think children will learn something for future use.

Super cool device! My wife is learning coding so together with our kids, they have been working on making this robot do all kinds of things. Got it on sale so saved a few bucks there which is good. So far zero issues. We have other iRobot devices and love them as well.

I haven't actually received it yet but I'm really excited about this. I wish my parents would have bougght me this kinds of stuff when I was a kid. Maybe I would a lot smarter than I am now. I'm pretty dumb sometimes xD. Great gift for family w kids or for parents into IT Again, haven't received it yet so can't really speak about quality or use..taking a bit but no worries. Excited to try this thing out and give it to nieces

Excellent entry level coding robot, My son loves to play with it.

Awesome! Perfect for my kid and the family! Brings lots of fun and good ideas to the table. Interactive and design is beyond expectations. Highly recommended to anyone interested on programming or simulation or simply looking for fun!

This little coding robot fits the bill with helping get my kids interested in something other than watching TV!!!

Amazing product. Gives me great interaction time with me and my little one. Lots of questions and lots of researching for the answers - both of us.

Perfect gift for my six year old. She loves to see the robot move around and draw shapes.