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Tech

Lego’s fun new kit will secretly teach your kids how to build robots

Boost is baby's first Mindstorm

Lego Boost turns everyday Legos into robots! Credit: Reviewed.com / Jonathan Chan
Jonathan Chan
Written by Jonathan Chan, senior manager of lab operations with a decade of experience testing products.

Updated January 5, 2017

Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed's editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.

Just like every other kid, I used to pretend that my toys were alive, especially my Lego creations. In my mind, those studded blocks became wild animals and knights in shining armor.

One of the five tutorial models is Frankie the Cat. Frankie can drink milk, move, and even fart.
Credit: Reviewed.com / Jonathan Chan

One of the five tutorial models is Frankie the Cat. Frankie can drink milk, move, and even fart.

If only I had Lego Boost at my disposal, then my imagination would have actually come to life. Boost is a tool set that contains motors, sensors, and a companion app. Put these bits together and you get a suite that can turn any pile of Legos into art in motion.

The app is used to program your child's creations. The programming language reminds us a little of the method Ozobots uses–replacing lines of code with puzzle pieces that only fit together in a certain order.

The programming app utilizes puzzle pieces in lieu of lines of code.
Credit: Reviewed.com / Jonathan Chan

The programming app utilizes puzzle pieces in lieu of lines of code.

If this all sounds intimidating, don't worry, the initial box comes with step-by-step instructions to build five fantastic creations. They range from a cat that "drinks" milk to a builder bot that constructs other robots out of Legos.

After getting through the tutorial of bluetooth pairing and programming, the real fun begins. The Boost tool kit works with regular Legos as well. That lets your children build what's in their minds, and bring them to life.

This robot can be programmed to build little models out of Legos.
Credit: Reviewed.com / Jonathan Chan

This robot can be programmed to build little models out of Legos.

The real magic of the Lego Boost set is that it provides creativity within constraints, teaching children how to bridge their imagination with reality. If you want a fun way to get your children interested in STEM, and they already have a pile of Legos, this is the gift to get.

The 843-piece starter set will cost $160, and be available for purchase in August of 2017.

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