Bee-Bot and Blue-Bot are the two most popular coding robots in Australian early years and primary classrooms — and they're made by the same company, so they share a lot. If you're deciding between them, here's the short version: Bee-Bot is the simpler, screen-free first step for the youngest learners, and Blue-Bot is the "grows-with-them" version that adds Bluetooth, an app and more advanced coding. This guide walks through the differences so you can choose with confidence.
The short answer
- Choose Bee-Bot if you teach Foundation to Year 2, want the simplest possible start, and prefer a completely screen-free tool.
- Choose Blue-Bot if you want a robot that stretches from early years up through primary, or you'd like the option to code with a tablet, PC or the hands-on TacTile Reader as well as buttons.
What they have in common
Both robots are built for the same job — teaching control, sequencing and directional language through hands-on play — and at the most basic level they work the same way: children press the buttons on the robot's back to program a route. They also share:
- The same 15cm steps and accurate 90-degree turns
- A memory of up to 200 steps
- Rechargeable batteries, with no disposable batteries to replace — and they charge in the same docking station, so you can mix them in one set
- Recordable audio, and the ability to detect and "say hello" to other Bee-Bot and Blue-Bot robots
- The entire range of Bee-Bot and Blue-Bot mats, tins and accessories — everything fits both
That last point matters: any mats or activity tins you buy will work whether you choose Bee-Bot, Blue-Bot, or a mix of both.
The key differences
- How you program it: Bee-Bot uses the buttons on its back only. Blue-Bot can be programmed with its buttons, wirelessly from a free tablet or PC app over Bluetooth, or with the hands-on TacTile Code Reader — so it suits a wider range of abilities and teaching styles.
- Turns and loops: Bee-Bot turns in 90-degree steps. Blue-Bot adds 45-degree turns and repeat loops, which open up more complex programs and shapes.
- The shell: Bee-Bot has a solid shell. Blue-Bot's shell is clear, so children can see the components working inside.
- Age and stage: Bee-Bot is aimed squarely at early years and lower primary. Blue-Bot covers the same young starters but keeps offering more as children move up through primary.
- Price: Bee-Bot is the more affordable entry point. Blue-Bot costs a little more for the extra features — worth it if you'll use the app, the extra turns or the wider age range.
You don't have to pick just one
Plenty of schools start with a set of Bee-Bots in the early years and add Blue-Bots for older classes. Because they share a docking station and all the same mats and accessories, the two work happily side by side — a robot can even "say hello" to the other across a shared activity.
Try both before you decide
You can code a virtual version of each robot for free in your browser — a great way to get a feel for them. See our guide to the free Bee-Bot online emulator, which also links to the Blue-Bot emulator with its 45-degree turns and loops.
Ready to choose?
Browse the Bee-Bot range — including the rechargeable Bee-Bot and class packs — or the Blue-Bot range with its Bluetooth robots and swarms. Not sure which fits your budget or your class? We're teacher-run and Australian owned, so get in touch and we'll help you choose — and schools are welcome to order on a purchase order. Once you've decided, our Bee-Bot lesson ideas will help you hit the ground running.