The Review Smiths
Mbot Ultimate Mbot Ultimate
5
Mbot Ultimate 5

If you’ve never heard of Meccano, it was a series of construction sets made out of metal with all the screws and gubbins you needed to build your own engineering project. It was quite the educational ‘toy’ and most likely launched a few engineering careers in its time. This kit is very reminiscent of Meccano in that you get to build pretty much whatever you want but this has the added advantage of robotics and programming, something that kid-me would have dearly loved to have!

You get instructions to build 10 distinctly unique models, all of them with their own capabilities and uses (adult-me’s favourite is the one that can hold and pour bottles of drink in to a glass as well as move around on wheels!) and 10 preset programs to get you started. As well as the instructions provided on purchase, you also have access to a free online resource that provides coding software with 3 different coding languages and the kit is even compatible with Raspberry Pi and Arduino sensors. Once inquisitive minds get going, the possibilities are endless and this can turn this kit in to a really good learning tool for STEM areas.

From a technical perspective you get an ultrasonic sensor, gyroscope, shutter module and a line follower sensor – all of which allow the machines to do all the things you want it to achieve. It takes 6 AA batteries and these can keep it going for up to 2 hours so you’ll definitely be wanting to invest in some rechargeable ones if you don’t want to spend a small fortune! It connects via Bluetooth and your phone has all the basic commands on there for the build you have followed. If it’s wheeled or tracked you have a circular dial to steer and clear buttons for each function you wish to use. It makes the whole process very simple to use and a great learning tool that should be easy for kids to get the hang of.

RRP $399.99

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A really versatile kit that makes learning coding and engineering easy for anyone. I want!
  • Comes with an additional storage box for unused pieces
  • Free to use app
  • Compatible with Raspberry Pi
  • Very durable
  • Honestly couldn’t think of any – even the price is reasonable for what you get!