Dash Is More Than a Robot

Dash Is More Than a Robot

Robot toys have always been a hit, from the small stationary kind where you have to make your own noises to the more complex, flashy and steam exhaling models that can walk on their own. And I have to say, our new buddy Dash is more than a robot, but don’t tell the younger kids: he’s also teaching them to program!

Introduce your child to the world of robotics with Wonder Workshop Dash. This fun friend responds to voice commands and can sing and dance on command. Start teaching your preschooler coding with the Path app, and then move on with Wonder Workshop Dash to bigger tasks with the help of apps and accessories.

• Use your Apple or Android smartphone or tablet to program Dash: With the revolutionary free app Wonder, kids can program Dash to be the real robot pet, pal or sidekick of their dreams.
• No instructions needed: Forget robot camp – you can easily learn Blockly and Wonder right in the app!
• High speed moving: Dash can move with a speed of about 3.3 ft/sec.

What comes in the box

1 Dash
1 Charging Cord
2 Building Brick Connectors
Getting Started Guide

Being a homeschool parent, I have the freedom to use unconventional teaching methods, whether we’re doing science experiments while we bake or go for a hike and identify birds in our neighborhood. I understand most traditional schools can’t teach this way, but I love it!

And when it comes to electronics and technology, it’s hard to teach a first grader straight from a book. He loves hands-on, responsive learning. So Dash, from Wonder Workshop, makes the perfect toy! And getting Dash ready to play with couldn’t be easier. Open the box, install the app, and start learning while you play. Within 20 minutes, my boy was learning cause and effect, motion, following directions, and ready for more.

I like that there are a number of apps for your smartphone or tablet that you can download and use with Dash. It didn’t take long for him to request all the apps they had available, which included ones that teach programming abilities, coding, movement/pathways, and even playing the xylophone (additional purchase required). And he didn’t really need my help to play with Dash; he was able to move easily through the different apps and games. If he makes a mistake, he can keep trying with gentle prompting and guidance from the software.

Dash runs great on carpet and hardwood floors. I was concerned at how well he would run on our plush carpeting in the living room, but it didn’t seem to slow Dash down. He’s a speedy robot! Our little one put Dash through the paces in his obstacle course of doom!

In my opinion, the robot Dash is primarily meant for older kids, especially ones that are starting to read and can follow directions. But, even younger children can enjoy pressing the buttons and controlling movement on the basic app (that helps you learn Dash’s functions) without having to get into programming or reading on their own. Win!

And when it’s time to charge Dash, I plug in his USB charging cord to my computer or the wall charger and he’s ready to go.

Overall, I think Dash is more than a robot; he’s also a learning tool and entertainer in my house. I hope to build up our collection of accessories and other robot friends as my son gets older. If you want to learn more, be sure to check them out at Best Buy today!

Disclaimer: The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.