Written by Vinod Agrawal

Kids Explore Robotics began with a simple but powerful idea — that every child should have the opportunity to discover how things work through creativity, curiosity, and hands-on exploration.

Founded by an experienced engineer and his son — now an engineering student at Purdue University — Kids Explore Robotics was born out of a shared passion for building and teaching. It all started when a high school student (the son) noticed that while many kids had access to robotics kits, few truly understood the “why” and “how” behind what they were building. Most programs focused on step-by-step instructions and abstract models that left little room for real thinking or imagination.

Together, father and son set out to change that.

They envisioned a robotics program where kids wouldn’t just follow instructions, but instead think, create, and problem-solve like real engineers. They wanted kids to experience the entire journey — from designing and building to programming and controlling their very own robots. Most importantly, they wanted it to be fun, engaging, and approachable for every child.

That vision became Kids Explore Robotics — a hands-on learning experience where kids as young as six can build robots that they actually understand and relate to.

To make this possible, the founders began designing and crafting their own original robots — using custom wooden and 3D-printed parts instead of mass-produced kits. Every robot was intentionally designed with an open concept, allowing kids to see gears turning, sensors reacting, and code coming to life. This design choice helps kids make real-world connections and sparks those wonderful “aha!” moments when they realize they just made a robot move — because they understood how it worked.

Today, Kids Explore Robotics offers over 20 unique robot designs — from a drumming robot and pull-up robot, to a military truck, three-wheeler, rover, carousel, two-digit counter, and more. And new designs are always in the works!

We now offer year-round robotics classes, seasonal camps, and special workshops across fall, spring, and summer breaks. Our programs are available in-person and online, and we proudly partner with schools, libraries, and community organizations to bring this unique hands-on robotics experience to kids everywhere.

But Kids Explore Robotics is about more than just robotics. It’s about confidence, creativity, and curiosity. It’s about helping kids see that STEM/Robotics isn’t some distant, complicated field — it’s something they can do, build, and understand right now.