What kits / programs exist for studying robotics and programming iron?

Question

Programming

Recently I became interested in this issue, at the moment I found only two kits, these are Amperka and EV3 . Maybe all this is just childishness and there is something more serious?

Answer 1

EV3 for starters is not bad (if the price does not bother)
things that annoy me personally:
1. infrared sensor instead of ultrasound (in the household version)
2. the motor rotation angle is always reset to zero at start, you have to pervert for calibration at the start
3. in the household , again, the versions can go broke on batteries
after the first successes, I want to add speed (since the percent can process signals from the distance sensor quite quickly) - fuss with overdrives begins, dimensions grow. although assembling automatic transmissions from rubber bands and gears is quite fun
well, given the number (and dimensions) of motors and the desired degree of freedom - you can pump a little sour in the simplest mechanics, at the same time mastering most of the Wikipedia on the topic "mechanics of mechanisms"
well, i.e. personally, it takes me more time to invent and implement a mechanical component than to program a block.
ps there is always an option with a finger, arduino, servos from adult equipment, etc.

Answer 2

There are many more sets than you described. I start from simple breadboard kits for learning the basics of electronics and building any projects to ready-made robo kits, analogues of Lego.
In my circle I use breadboards and simple components that are available in the markets, in stores, and on the Internet. As a result, students make their own quadcopter, smart home lighting projects and much more.
This option is better because you can do any project and study real details. And not to study something like Lego, far from commercial projects.
A little later I will write an article about the kits that exist for robotics circles on my Informaticum website or on Habré.