UBTECH JIMU Robot Builderbots Kit - App Enabled Stem Learning Robotic Building Block Kit (2017)

STEM toys and build kits usually require a lot of tech support from parents, but once the software is installed, the Jimu bot and associated UBTech app are self-correcting in a way that encourages experimentation. My kid is tech-savvy but often frustrated and/or easily bored by systems that require a lot of “Mom, I can’t figure out how to make this work,” especially when I get frustrated trying to figure out how to help. The app includes interactive 3D diagrams and instructions, which allows my visual learner to do the construction independently and experimentally. For example, he didn’t want to complete the full build before playing with the coding part of the app, and the Jimu accommodates that. He’s been playing for hours (HOURS!) without assistance or insurmountable frustration, learning and modifying as he goes, which makes Jimu a rare tech toy.The app itself is wonderful when it works as designed. However, given the other Christmas Day reviews, it sounds like the UBTech servers were not prepared for the heavy spike in traffic from new users—an understandable but terribly timed fail. We seem to have gotten lucky by downloading the app and initial content on Christmas Eve. Except a few delays downloading video content this morning, it’s been functioning perfectly ever since. I’m hopeful the company will implement a fix quickly for all the families out there trying to make their robots work. Persevere, parents! It’s really cool when it works.

This is one of the best robot kits for the money out there. A robot that is below $100 and can do what this robot can do with the amazing build quality is hard to find. My son and I were easily able to build this robot and the app that shows the instructions and lets you control and program it is amazing. I wish that there were other ways to control the robot but I think the app works great. I ended up having to buy my son a tablet in order for him to program and control this robot but it is worth it. The battery is also very nice and is Lithium Ion. Many other kits we had tried by other manufacturers use C or D batteries and they eat through them quick. Anyway, I could go on and on about how great this robot is because it is an excellent buy. If you are on the fence on this one, and you are looking for an inexpensive and capable little robot, give it a try, you will love it.

As a teacher, I like things that are organized by colors and make sense. The app is how you build the model and at first, I was hesitant about that. Directions are in 3D so you can rotate views to see how the pieces lock into others. I imagine with big hands, getting pieces apart may be arduous, but if you wiggle them slightly from side to side, it unlocks the pieces for easy removal. Considering our son has built 1440 LEGO piece systems, we felt it was time to expand his skills. At first, getting acclimated to the app was uneasy, but with most children of the digital age, he soon mastered how to progress through the steps. It shows how much one has built and what parts (that are enlarged on the inside of the box) to use. While not finished, the main part of the grabberbot is finished, along with its arm. This will not be the last Jimu we buy. Note-no free bot given for this review. We wish!

I wish I could give it a ZERO. Everything revolves around their APP and connection to their server. Apparently they are not using Amazon servers.And so as I write this description, I have an 11 year old almost in tears because of this POS on Christmas day. So thanks for nothing UBTECH! You cannot build the robot without the app, You cannot connect to the robot without registering your email and a Jimu account. As I sit here pushing the register button, I receive a REQUEST FAILED. going past that and trying to connect to build the robot does not work. It also will not connect via bluetooth.This failure happened on my kids Leonovo Adroid Tablet, my Ipad mini, My iphone. I am steaming mad and here to scream at Amazon for making this a recommendation and at myself for not reading the APP reviews. As far as the reviews here, someone probably exchanged product for a good review. Avoid all of UBTECH until there is an updated APP and proof of their existence in backing these robots.

After many many tries of downloading the app it finally worked and it is such a great robot. Our 7 year old boy absolutely loves it. I edited this to say that the app did Eventually work!! Once it did it was smoothe sailing from there and a joy to put together! Great product and so cute! It reminds me of WALL-E but hopefully they have fixed their app for good!

We had a very pleasant experience with this product. The packaging was excellent and well organized, everything was color coded with a complete pictorial parts inventory right on the box. We deployed the app on an old iPad Air and thankfully it worked fine. The step by step 3D assembly instructions were flawless and my 10 year old made it through in about 3 hours with a little help. We had no problem connecting with Bluetooth and within minutes my kid was driving it around the house. We haven't used the coding yet but it looks well featured with objects for lights, sensors, servo motors and more. We’re saving that for another day.

My 10 year old started coding class in 5th grade using the Lego Mindstorm. However I wasn't going to drop nearly $400 to see if he would continue to enjoy it. This was highly rated so we bought it for him for Christmas. It was a hit. He downloaded the app on his Kindle, which doubles as instructions and allowed him to fully spin the next step to view the construction at all angles. He has built both recommended models that come with this. I only wish that they made an expansion kit for this. It is block-based coding and I highly recommend this for anyone who's child is showing interest in coding robots.