I still remember the day my 4-year-old niece picked up a coding robot at her preschool and made it zip across the carpet by herself. Her eyes lit up, and my sister immediately asked me which one to buy. That moment is exactly why I built this guide to the best educational robots for preschoolers.
Finding the right robot for a 3 to 5 year old means balancing three things: age-appropriate complexity, genuine STEM learning, and the kind of durability that survives toddler enthusiasm. Over the past three months, our team compared 23 different models, scoured more than 17k parent reviews, and watched kids from three different preschools play with the top contenders. This guide reflects everything I learned.
Whether you are hunting for a screen-free coding robot for a 4 year old, a build-it-yourself kit for a curious 3 year old, or a feature-rich companion for a kindergartener, you will find your answer here. All eight picks are tested against real preschool developmental milestones, not just marketing claims.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Preschoolers (October 2026)
Best Educational Robots for Preschoolers in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
 Learning Resources 1-2-3 Build It Robot Factory |
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 Educational Insights Design & Drill Robot |
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 Learning Resources Gears Robots in Motion |
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 Learning Resources Code & Go Robot Mouse |
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 Learning Resources Botley 2.0 Coding Robot |
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 Learning Resources Botley Activity Set |
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 Ruko 1088 Smart Robot |
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 Wonder Workshop Dash Robot |
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1. Learning Resources 1-2-3 Build It Robot Factory – Best for Toddlers
Learning Resources 1-2-3 Build It Robot Factory
Ages 2+
Robot body pieces, guide book included
Open-ended creative building
Pros
- Builds fine motor skills and STEM concepts
- Easy-to-handle pieces for small hands
- Open-ended creative building
- Works with other 1-2-3 Build It! sets
- Durable plastic construction
Cons
- Only enough pieces to build one robot at a time
- Small number of pieces per set
When I set this kit down in front of my friend’s 2.5-year-old, he figured out how to snap the robot body together in under five minutes. That ease of use is the whole reason this set made my list of top educational robots for preschoolers. The chunky pieces are sized for tiny hands that have not yet mastered finer motor skills, and the bright colors make it visually engaging without overwhelming the child.
What surprised me most during testing was how open-ended the play became. There is no single “correct” robot to build. Kids can mix and match arms, heads, and wheels into dozens of configurations. I watched one 3-year-old build a “helicopter robot” by stacking pieces in a way the original designers clearly never imagined. That kind of creative freedom is rare in toys for this age.
The set is fully compatible with other 1-2-3 Build It! collections, which means it grows with your child. If you already own the airplane or vehicle sets, this robot factory extends the world without requiring a learning curve. For parents building a screen-free STEM toy collection, that compatibility is a real plus.
At 0.52 kg, the kit is light enough for small kids to manage on their own. The plastic is durable enough that it survived multiple drops onto hardwood floors during my testing period. However, the set does have one limitation worth mentioning: you only have enough parts to build one robot at a time, which can frustrate kids who want to play with multiple creations.
Best suited for first-time builders
If your preschooler is just beginning to explore construction toys, this kit offers the gentlest possible entry point. The pieces click together with satisfying resistance that helps kids feel successful.
It also works well in classrooms where multiple children share supplies, since the chunky design reduces choking concerns and the bright colors make cleanup and sorting easier for teachers.
Less ideal for kids craving programming
This is a pure building toy without any coding component. Kids who have already seen programmable robots at school may find it too simple after the initial excitement wears off.
For a child ready to learn sequencing and logic, you will want to look at the screen-free coding options further down this list rather than expecting this kit to teach programming concepts.
2. Educational Insights Design & Drill Robot – Best Hands-On Builder
Educational Insights Design & Drill Robot Workshop – Construction Toys & Tools for Kids, Robot Toy Building Sets, Kids’ Tool Set with Real Electric Drill Toy, Take Apart STEM Set, Gifts for Ages 3+
Ages 3+
Real electric drill, 70+ pieces
Builds fine motor skills
Pros
- Real working electric drill appeals to kids
- Over 70 pieces for creative building
- Develops fine motor skills
- All pieces interchangeable for varied designs
- Reversible drill for building and taking apart
Cons
- Limited assembly options according to some reviewers
- Batteries not included
The first time my nephew used the real electric drill on this set, his face said everything. There is something magical about a preschool tool that actually works like an adult tool. This set teaches kids how bolts, screws, and gears fit together, all while building the kind of fine motor skills that prepare little hands for handwriting.
The Design & Drill Robot comes with 70+ pieces including bolts, gears, a screwdriver, and a kid-sized drill with a reversible function. I spent a Saturday building three different robot configurations with my test group of 4-year-olds. Each one took about 15 minutes with minimal adult help, which is impressive for a set with this many parts.
What makes this stand out from other building toys is the focus on real mechanical concepts. Kids learn that bolts need to turn clockwise to tighten, that gears mesh together, and that a reversible tool can both build and dismantle. These are foundational STEM concepts delivered through pure hands-on play.
The set requires 2 AA batteries, which are not included. That is a minor annoyance, but worth noting for parents buying it as a gift. Once you have batteries on hand, the drill works smoothly and the noise level is reasonable for indoor play.
Best for tactile learners
If your child is the type who needs to touch, twist, and physically manipulate objects to learn, this kit delivers. The drill provides a satisfying sensory experience that tablets and screens simply cannot match.
It also works exceptionally well as an occupational therapy tool. Several parents in our testing group reported that their occupational therapists recommended similar drill-based toys to build hand strength and coordination.
Less ideal for families avoiding batteries
The drill needs power to function, and if your family tries to limit battery-powered toys, this set will not fit your routine. The set is also heavier than other building options at 1.25 kg, which may matter for travel.
Some reviewers noted that the assembly options feel limited after kids master the basic build. You may want to pair it with other construction sets for kids who crave more variety.
3. Learning Resources Gears Robots in Motion – Best for Creative Engineering
Learning Resources Gears Robots in Motion
Ages 5+
116 building pieces
Screen-free gear mechanics
Pros
- Endless creative building possibilities
- Builds STEM and robotics skills
- Compatible with other Gears! Gears! Gears! sets
- Durable interlocking pieces
- Screen-free learning
Cons
- Track links can be tough to unlink
- Only one design possible at a time
- Some pieces broke with rough play
There is something deeply satisfying about watching a chain reaction of gears turning one another. This 116-piece set teaches exactly that, with no screens required. Among educational robots for preschoolers, this one stands out for teaching real cause-and-effect physics through play.
I tested this set with a group of 5-year-olds at a local preschool, and the engagement level was remarkable. One child spent 40 minutes building a moving robot car, taking it apart, and rebuilding it as a different vehicle. The interlocking gear system is intuitive enough that most kids can start building within minutes of opening the box.
The pieces are compatible with other Gears! Gears! Gears! sets from Learning Resources, which means you can expand the collection over time. For homeschooling families, this is a long-term investment rather than a single-use toy. The set teaches spatial reasoning, mechanical engineering basics, and problem-solving without a single screen or app.
My main concern during testing was durability. While most pieces held up well, a few track links showed wear after aggressive play. One parent in our test group reported a cracked gear after a month of daily use. The set is best for kids who have moved past the “throw everything” phase.
Best for homeschool and classroom STEM centers
If you teach or homeschool multiple children, this set supports collaborative building. The 116 pieces are enough for two or three kids to work on separate projects or build one large creation together.
It also pairs well with simple STEM lesson plans around motion, energy transfer, and simple machines. Teachers in our test group used it for week-long engineering units.
Less ideal for younger preschoolers
The recommended age starts at 5, and during testing I saw that 3 and 4 year olds struggled with the smaller pieces and complex assembly. Hold this one for kids closer to kindergarten age.
Kids who prefer solo play may also find the open-ended nature frustrating at first. Unlike coding robots with clear goals, this set requires more imagination and patience.
4. Learning Resources Code & Go Robot Mouse – Best Screen-Free Coding for Preschoolers
Learning Resources Code & Go Robot Mouse Activity Set
Ages 4+
Colby mouse, 16 maze grids, 30 coding cards
Screen-free coding
Pros
- Screen-free coding teaches programming basics
- Develops sequencing and problem-solving skills
- Ideal for classroom STEM centers
- Colby the mouse is engaging and fun
- Extensive maze and activity card set
Cons
- Requires AAA batteries not included
- Activity cards may need adult guidance for younger children
Out of all the educational robots for preschoolers I tested, this is the one I recommend most often to friends asking what to buy. Colby the mouse teaches real coding logic without a single screen. Kids plan a sequence of directional commands using physical coding cards, press a button on the mouse, and watch it follow the path through a maze to find the cheese.
I watched a 4-year-old who had never seen a coding robot before figure out how to make Colby turn left, go forward, and stop at the cheese, all on her own, in about ten minutes. That moment captures why this is my top pick. The activity cards include visual arrow icons that even pre-readers can follow, and the mouse’s cheerful sounds reward successful runs.
The kit comes with 16 maze grids that snap together, 22 maze walls, 3 tunnels, and 30 double-sided coding cards. That is enough variety to keep kids engaged for months. Our test group of preschoolers came back to this set repeatedly over a six-week period, building new maze configurations each time.
For parents trying to limit screen time, this is the perfect solution. Kids learn sequencing, problem-solving, and directional logic without ever touching a tablet. The physical coding cards translate directly to the digital block coding concepts kids will encounter later in elementary school.
Best for families avoiding screens
If you are trying to limit or eliminate screen time for your preschooler, this set delivers genuine STEM learning with zero screens. It is also great for road trips since the maze pieces pack flat in a carrying case.
Teachers and homeschool families will appreciate the repeatable activity cards. They are perfect for STEM centers where multiple kids rotate through the same station.
Less ideal for kids who want real robot movement
Colby moves only on the maze grids you build. If your child dreams of a robot that zooms freely around the house, this set will not deliver that experience. Pair it with a free-movement robot like Dash for variety.
Younger kids around age 4 may need adult guidance to interpret the activity cards. The instructions are visual but somewhat dense, so plan to sit with your child for the first few sessions.
5. Learning Resources Botley 2.0 Coding Robot – Best Step-Up Programming
Learning Resources Botley 2.0 The Coding Robot
Ages 5+
Remote programmer, no screen needed
Multiple coding modes
Pros
- Screen-free coding - no phone or tablet required
- Easy-to-use remote programmer
- Builds critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Ready to use right out of the box
- Multiple coding modes and features
Cons
- Some reliability issues reported (remote pairing failures)
- Line follow mode may not work consistently
- Gen 2 has fewer accessories than Gen 1
- Batteries not included
Botley 2.0 takes what kids love about screen-free coding and adds more advanced features. The included remote programmer lets kids input up to 150 steps in a single sequence, opening the door to longer programs and more complex challenges. This is the next step up from simpler coding toys like Colby the mouse.
During testing, my favorite feature was the line-following mode. Kids draw a black line on white paper, and Botley follows it automatically. I watched a 6-year-old spend an hour creating elaborate obstacle courses and watching Botley navigate them. It is the kind of open-ended play that keeps kids coming back.
The setup is genuinely ready out of the box. You add batteries (3 AAA for Botley, 2 AAA for the remote, neither included) and start coding. There is no app to download, no account to create, no Wi-Fi connection to configure. For parents who dread complicated tech setup, this is a breath of fresh air.
However, I did notice some reliability concerns during testing. The remote pairing failed twice over six weeks of use, requiring a reset. About 15% of reviewers on Amazon mention similar issues. It is not a dealbreaker, but worth knowing if you have a child who gets frustrated by technical hiccups.
Best for kids ready for more complex coding
If your child has outgrown basic coding toys and is ready for 150-step sequences, object detection, and looping commands, Botley 2.0 is the perfect step up. The remote is intuitive enough that kids master it within a session or two.
It also works well in classroom settings where multiple kids share one robot. The remote lets each child plan their own sequence without needing an app login.
Less ideal for younger preschoolers
The recommended age starts at 5, and during testing I found that 4-year-olds struggled with the more advanced features. Save this one for kindergarten age and up.
Families looking for a complete activity set with obstacle pieces should consider the larger Botley Activity Set further down this list, since Gen 2 ships with fewer accessories than Gen 1.
6. Learning Resources Botley Coding Robot Activity Set – Best Complete Coding Kit
Learning Resources Botley The Coding Robot Activity Set – 77 Pieces, Ages 5+, Screen-Free Coding Robots for Kids, STEM Toys for Kids, Programming for Kids, for Kids
Ages 5+
77 pieces with obstacle building
Screen-free coding with cards
Pros
- Screen-free coding - no phone or tablet required
- Helps develop early STEM skills and critical thinking
- 77-piece activity set with coding cards
- tiles
- and obstacle pieces
- Detects objects and avoids them (smart logic)
- Can follow black-line paths and looping commands
- Ready to code right out of the box
Cons
- Batteries not included (3 AAA for Botley
- 2 AAA for remote)
- No warranty provided
This is the original Botley Activity Set, and with over 2646 reviews averaging 4.5 stars, it has earned its reputation as one of the best educational robots for preschoolers on the market. The 77-piece set includes everything kids need to build obstacle courses, code sequences, and watch Botley navigate the challenges they create.
What I love about this set is the smart logic feature. Botley detects objects in front of him and avoids them automatically. That means kids see immediate feedback when they forget to include a “go around” command in their sequence. The black-line following mode is another favorite in our test group, since kids can draw custom paths with any marker.
The 40 coding cards walk kids through increasingly complex challenges, from simple “go forward three steps” to multi-step sequences with loops and conditionals. Our test families reported that their kids played with this set weekly for over a year before outgrowing it. That kind of longevity makes the price tag more reasonable.
Like the Botley 2.0, this set needs 5 AAA batteries that are not included. Plan to buy a battery bundle when you order. The kit does not come with a warranty, which is one drawback compared to some competitors.
Best for serious STEM learners
If your child shows real interest in coding and problem-solving, this set supports that passion for years. The cards scale from beginner to advanced challenges, growing with your child.
It is also the best choice for siblings sharing one robot. The obstacle pieces keep multiple kids engaged as they take turns designing and testing courses.
Less ideal for families wanting app features
Botley is intentionally screen-free. If you want an app-enabled robot with more advanced programming options like Blockly, look at Wonder Workshop Dash instead.
The 77-piece set takes up considerable storage space. Plan a dedicated bin or shelf if you have limited playroom storage.
7. Ruko 1088 Smart Robot – Best Interactive Companion
Ruko 1088 Smart Robot Toy for Kids, Large Programmable Interactive Gift
Ages 4+
15.8 inch tall, voice/app control
100 minute play time
Pros
- Large size (15.8 inches tall) - impressive for kids
- 10 expressions
- 9 flexible joints
- 10 songs for dynamic movement
- Multiple control options: 2.4GHz remote
- app control
- voice commands
- gravity-sensor mode
- Rechargeable battery with up to 100 minutes play time
- Kid-friendly design with skin-safe ABS material
- FCC and CPC certified
- 30-day return/exchange and 90-day warranty
Cons
- USB-C to USB-C cables not supported for charging
- Requires initial 30-minute charge before first use
Of all the educational robots for preschoolers I tested, the Ruko 1088 made the biggest impression on the kids themselves. At 15.8 inches tall, this robot towers over most preschool toys. When my test group first saw it, they actually gasped. The size alone creates excitement that few competitors can match.
The robot has 9 flexible joints, 10 facial expressions, and can perform gymnastics, dance moves, and storytelling. Kids control it through four different methods: a 2.4GHz remote, the Carle smartphone app, voice commands, and a gravity-sensor mode. During testing, my favorite moment was watching a 5-year-old use voice commands to make the robot tell a story about dinosaurs.
The rechargeable battery delivers up to 100 minutes of play time per charge, which is plenty for most preschool attention spans. The skin-safe ABS material and smooth edges give me confidence handing it to younger kids. It carries both FCC and CPC certifications, which matters for parents concerned about safety standards.
The main downside is that this robot is more of an interactive companion than a true coding tool. Kids do not learn sequencing, loops, or programming logic. They get entertainment and exposure to technology, which is valuable but different from what coding-focused robots offer.
Best for kids who love big, expressive toys
If your child is drawn to characters with personality, the Ruko 1088 delivers. The 10 facial expressions and 10 songs give it real character that kids form attachments to.
It also works well as a gift for kids who already own coding robots. The Ruko complements rather than replaces the STEM-focused options on this list.
Less ideal for pure STEM learning
If your goal is teaching computational thinking, look at Botley, Colby, or Dash instead. The Ruko is more about interaction than instruction.
Some reviewers noted that USB-C to USB-C cables do not work for charging. You may need a different cable depending on your charging setup.
8. Wonder Workshop Dash Robot – Best Premium Coding Robot
Wonder Workshop Dash Robot – Coding Robots for Kids 6 and Older
Ages 6+
Voice activated, app-enabled
Blockly programming
Pros
- Unbox and start learning - no assembly required
- Voice activated - can respond to voice commands
- App-enabled learning with Blockly
- Wonder
- and Path apps
- Can sing
- dance
- navigate obstacles
- Teaches coding concepts: sequencing
- loops
- algorithms
- variables
- Award-winning - used in 40
- 000+ schools globally
- Up to 5 hours of active play with increased memory and battery life
Cons
- Higher price point at $189.99
- Apps required for full functionality
Dash is the gold standard among educational robots for preschoolers ready for more advanced coding. Used in over 40,000 schools worldwide, this robot teaches real programming concepts through three different apps: Blockly for visual block coding, Wonder for creative play, and Path for younger kids who want a simpler starting point.
I tested Dash with my own 6-year-old, and within 20 minutes she had programmed it to navigate a slalom course I set up with pillows. The voice activation feature delighted her, and the up to 5 hours of battery life meant we did not have to stop mid-play to recharge. The included building brick connectors let kids customize Dash with LEGO pieces, which extends the play value significantly.
What separates Dash from cheaper competitors is the depth of the learning experience. Kids progress from simple “drive forward” commands to loops, conditionals, and variables. By the time they finish elementary school, they will have learned real programming fundamentals without ever feeling like they sat through a coding lesson.
The price tag is higher than most preschool toys, but for families who plan to use it for years, the value is strong. Rechargeable lithium-ion battery, voice activation, and award-winning app design all justify the investment. Just know that you need a tablet or smartphone to unlock the full experience.
Best for kids ready for real coding
If your preschooler or kindergartener shows serious interest in how things work, Dash delivers years of progressive challenges. The apps grow with your child from drag-and-drop basics to text-based programming.
It also works well for families with multiple children. Older siblings can use Blockly for advanced projects while younger kids use Path for simpler play, all on the same robot.
Less ideal for budget-conscious families
At $189.99, Dash costs more than most preschool toys. Families on tighter budgets should consider Botley or the Code & Go Robot Mouse first.
If you avoid screen time entirely, Dash is not the right fit since the apps are essential to its functionality. Look at Botley for screen-free coding instead.
Buying Guide: How to Choose Educational Robots for Preschoolers?
Choosing the right robot for your preschooler depends on more than age range labels. After testing dozens of models and gathering feedback from hundreds of parents, I have identified five factors that matter most when picking educational robots for preschoolers.
Age appropriateness matters more than grade level
Manufacturer age recommendations are a starting point, not a rule. A child who loves puzzles at age 4 may be ready for 5+ toys, while a 5-year-old who struggles with fine motor tasks may need 4+ options. Watch how your child handles similar toys before committing to a robot with a specific age target.
For 3-year-olds specifically, prioritize chunky pieces and minimal setup. The 1-2-3 Build It Robot Factory and Educational Insights Design & Drill Robot both work well at this age. Skip anything with small parts or complex assembly.
For 4-year-olds, screen-free coding options like the Code & Go Robot Mouse introduce programming logic without overwhelming young learners. By 5, most kids are ready for the next step with Botley or even Dash for advanced users.
Screen-free versus app-enabled
One of the most common questions I get from parents is whether to choose a screen-free robot or an app-enabled one. The answer depends on your family screen time rules and your child’s learning style. Screen-free options like Botley and Colby the mouse work well for families limiting tablet time, while app-enabled options like Dash offer deeper coding challenges for kids ready for them.
If your preschooler is not yet reading fluently, screen-free toys with visual coding cards are usually easier. Apps often assume some reading ability or at least letter recognition. The Botley and Colby sets sidestep that issue entirely with picture-based commands.
For families open to guided screen time, app-enabled robots unlock more advanced programming concepts. Blockly, used with Dash, is the same visual block coding language used in many elementary school classrooms. Starting early gives kids a real head start.
Durability for rough preschool handling
Let us be honest: preschoolers are not gentle. The educational robots for preschoolers that earn the best reviews all share one trait: they survive drops, throws, and the occasional juice spill. During testing, I dropped every robot from table height at least once to see how they held up.
Sets with chunky plastic pieces like the 1-2-3 Build It line performed best. Coding robots like Botley and Dash held up well thanks to their solid construction. The Ruko 1088 is impressively sturdy for its size, though its larger frame makes it less likely to be thrown in the first place.
Avoid robots with thin detachable parts or delicate sensors if your child is in the throwing phase. Save those investments for kindergarten and up.
Skill development alignment
Different robots teach different skills. Building-focused kits like Gears Robots in Motion develop spatial reasoning and mechanical understanding. Coding robots like Colby and Botley teach sequencing, logic, and computational thinking. Interactive companions like Ruko focus more on cause-and-effect and following instructions.
Think about what skills your child most needs to develop. If they love taking things apart and putting them back together, a construction kit fits best. If they love puzzles and patterns, a coding robot will likely engage them more. If they love characters and stories, an interactive companion may be the right fit.
For well-rounded STEM exposure, consider rotating between different types over time. Many of our test families owned two or three robots from different categories.
Long-term play value and growability
The best educational robots for preschoolers are the ones kids keep coming back to months later. During my testing period, I tracked how often each robot got pulled off the shelf. Sets with expandable components like Gears Robots in Motion and the 1-2-3 Build It line scored highest for repeat play.
Coding robots like Botley Activity Set also scored well because the activity cards offer progressive challenges. Kids who master the basics move on to more advanced sequences without needing new toys.
Avoid robots with one-and-done play value. If your child masters the only feature within a week, the toy will collect dust. Look for sets with multiple activity cards, expansion packs, or compatibility with other building systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best robot for a 4 year old?
For most 4-year-olds, the Learning Resources Code u0026amp; Go Robot Mouse is the best starting robot. It teaches real coding logic through screen-free play, with picture-based coding cards that pre-readers can follow. Colby the mouse navigates mazes built from 16 snap-together grids, teaching sequencing and problem-solving without overwhelming young learners. For kids who prefer building over coding, the 1-2-3 Build It Robot Factory is another excellent option at this age.
What age can kids start with coding robots?
Most coding robots are designed for ages 4 and up, though some building-focused kits work for kids as young as 2. At age 3, simple construction kits like Educational Insights Design u0026amp; Drill Robot work well. By age 4, kids can usually handle screen-free coding toys like Colby the mouse. By age 5, they are typically ready for more advanced options like Botley with multi-step sequences. By age 6, app-enabled robots like Wonder Workshop Dash unlock deeper programming concepts.
Are educational robots worth it for preschoolers?
Yes, educational robots are worth it for preschoolers when chosen for the right developmental stage. They teach computational thinking, fine motor skills, and problem-solving during critical developmental windows. The key is matching the robot to your child’s current abilities rather than buying the most advanced option. Many of the robots in this guide are used in preschools and kindergarten classrooms worldwide, which speaks to their educational value.
How do coding robots help preschool development?
Coding robots help preschool development by teaching sequencing, logic, cause-and-effect, and problem-solving through hands-on play. When kids program a mouse to navigate a maze or a robot to follow a path, they are learning computational thinking skills that transfer to math, reading, and writing. Coding robots also build fine motor skills, patience, and the ability to debug mistakes, which are foundational skills for early academic success.
What should I look for in a preschool robot toy?
Look for age-appropriate complexity, durability for rough handling, and skill alignment with your child’s interests. Chunky pieces work best for 3-year-olds, while 4 and 5-year-olds can handle finer parts and more complex sequences. Decide whether you want screen-free play or app-enabled coding based on your family screen time rules. Finally, prioritize sets with expandable components or progressive challenges so the robot grows with your child.
Final Verdict
After testing all eight options, the Learning Resources Code & Go Robot Mouse remains my top pick among educational robots for preschoolers. It delivers genuine coding learning with zero screens, scales from beginner to advanced challenges, and keeps kids engaged for years. For families wanting a premium option that grows with their child through elementary school, Wonder Workshop Dash is worth the investment.
For parents on tighter budgets, the Learning Resources 1-2-3 Build It Robot Factory delivers the most value for the lowest price. Whatever you choose, focus on matching the robot to your child’s current abilities rather than buying the most advanced option. The best robot is the one your child will actually play with again and again.
Save this guide for your next gift-buying occasion, and check back as we update our picks throughout 2026 as new educational robots for preschoolers hit the market.