- Type
- Screen free coding robot
- Interaction
- Program
- Subscription
- None
- Ages
- 5+
Two quick taps and get the right robot for them, with today's price.
Learning Resources Botley 2.0 The Coding Robot
Screen free coding robot for kids 5 and up, no app needed
Researched by Riley Hart · updated Oct 30, 2026
Is the Learning Resources Botley 2.0 The Coding Robot worth it? Botley 2.0 is a simple, screen free way for kids around 5 to 8 to learn sequencing and basic coding with cards and a remote. 2 independent reviewers tested it.
Botley 2.0 is a simple, screen free way for kids around 5 to 8 to learn sequencing and basic coding with cards and a remote. It suits parents who want to avoid tablets and apps. Skip it if you want a rechargeable robot or one that grows into real coding, and note one reviewer's line sensor failed after a few days.
Best for: screen free coding for kids 5 to 8. Skip if: you want app coding or a rechargeable robot.
Specs
- Type
- Screen free coding robot with a handheld remote programmer; Activity Set has 78 pieces including 40 coding cards, tiles and obstacle pieces
- Interaction
- Program with the remote (sequences up to 150 steps, 6 directions), coding cards, line following on drawn black lines, 16 secret codes or interactions
- Ai features
- None; no app, Wi Fi or cloud
- Camera
- No camera; obstacle sensor that detects objects about 10 in away (The Gadgeteer), line sensor and a light sensor that lights Botley in the dark
- Mobility
- Wheels; Mumsnet found it grips hard floors better than carpet
- Battery runtime
- Uses 5 AAA batteries (3 in Botley, 2 in the remote), not included; runtime not published
- Charge time
- Not rechargeable; uses disposable AAA batteries
- Size weight
- The Gadgeteer lists 9.1 x 9.1 x 6.2 in and 3.11 lb; Staples lists 13.8 x 9.6 x 3.15 in; both look like package figures, robot size not published
3 year cost of ownership
- Robot
- n/a
- Total
- n/a
No subscription. It runs on 5 AAA batteries that you replace over time; battery life is not published, so a 3 year cost is not computable. Optional add on sets were about $17 to $20 in 2020 per The Gadgeteer.
Status and safety
- US availability
- ● On sale
- Recalls
- ● No Learning Resources robot recall in the CPSC database as of Nov 4, 2026. Checked daily.
- FCC authorized
- Not checked
- Company
- ● Active
- Warranty
- Not listed
Price history
Tracked dailyPrice tracking starts when a price is confirmed.
Where to buy
- Amazon
- See price →
- Staples (Activity Set LER2938)
- See price →
Affiliate links. We may earn a commission. It never changes our score. Disclosure
Pros
- No screen, app or Wi Fi needed
- Up to 150 step programs
- Coding cards make planning easy for young kids
- Fun secret codes and line following
Cons
- Needs 5 AAA batteries, not included
- Not rechargeable
- Line sensor failed on The Gadgeteer's unit
- Weaker on carpet than hard floors
What independent reviewers found
- Tested with kids from PreK to 6th grade. Good screen free STEM tool with simple setup, but remote syncing was inconsistent at some angles, steps cannot be added to an existing program, and the line sensor stopped working after a few days.
- The Gadgeteer
- Tested with children aged 7 and 5 over several weeks. Called it a super cute, excellent value introduction to coding from about age five; downsides were the 5 AAA batteries not included and weaker grip on carpet.
- Mumsnet
Spec history
Checked dailyNo spec changes since we started tracking on Nov 2, 2026.
Email me when Botley 2.0 The Coding Robot gets cheaper
We check prices every morning. One email per real drop. Unsubscribe anytime.
Own one? Tell us how it holds up
We email owners 3 quick questions now and every 6 months, then show the results here.
Questions buyers ask
Does Botley 2.0 need a tablet or app?
No. Kids program it with the included remote and coding cards, so no screen or Wi Fi is needed.
What batteries does it use?
Five AAA batteries, three for Botley and two for the remote. They are not included and it is not rechargeable.
What age is it for?
Learning Resources says 5 and up. Reviewers found it worked for kids from about 4 to 7, with older kids using the longer 150 step programs.