Meet Dash – A Robot Toy for Kids!

Are you looking for educationally relevant ways to keep your child engaged? I don’t know about your kids, but my sons love their iPads! When looking for something that will keep them entertained, educated, and allow them to play with their tablet I stumbled across Dash – a robot toy for kids. We were lucky to partner with Best Buy to review this cool tech toy with the boys. Check it out below!

More about Dash

Dash is a robot that is controlled by your tablet or smartphone. This robot toy combines interactive experiences with a foundation in computer programming. It is so easy to set up and use. All you need to do is download the free apps and your child will be opened up to the world of robotic programming!

The Interactive Apps

The first app that is suggested is Wonder Workshop’s Go App. Here you child can learn to control the motions of Dash by using a joystick like set up in the app to control the movement, color, sounds, and head. The app also provides ideas on how you can creatively play with Dash your new robotic friend.

After you get used to moving the robot around you can use the Path app to create different paths with obstacles along the way to see his movement and start learning about basic programming. My five year old was entranced by this app. As you go along with the different paths they become more challenging and more interactive amongst Dash and the user.

The next level of app is Wonder. Here you are transported to the world of Dash and compete in challenges to hone your robotic skills in Scroll Quest. You earn your way into the Wonder Cloud where Dash enthusiasts have posted their own programs, and you get to try them out, or create your own in the Free Play arena.

The final stage app is Blockly. This app really focuses on how to build a computer program and walks you through the steps of how to operate Dash through ten puzzles that you unlock. While you build your program you add programming blocks, which creates the sounds, lights, and movement of the robot. This programming stage can be challenging for youngsters, so make sure you are around as they progress through each puzzle for support.

I found Dash to be very user-friendly. The boys love the robotic sounds that he makes, and like adding to his repertoire with their own recorded sayings. This tech toy is very friendly and his movements are smooth on carpet and tile floors.

Dash can be found at Best Buy for 149.99, and was a 2015 National Parenting Publications Awards Gold Winner! If you have a child that has a growing interest in technology, robotics, STEM, or toys – I definitely recommend the Dash robot for them.

 

The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.