Lego’s new kit teaches your kids how to build robots

Just like every other kid, I used to pretend that my toys were alive, especially my Lego creations. In my mind, those studded blocks became wild animals and knights in shinning armor.

If only I had Lego Boost at my disposal, then my imagination would have actually come to life. Boost is a tool set that contains motors, sensors, and a companion app. Put these bits together and you get a suite that can turn any pile of Legos into art in motion.

The app is used to program your child's creations. The programming language reminds us a little of the method Ozobots uses–replacing lines of code with puzzle pieces that only fit together in a certain order.

If this all sounds intimidating, don't worry, the initial box comes with step-by-step instructions to build five fantastic creations. They range from a cat that "drinks" milk to a builder bot that constructs other robots out of Legos.

After getting through the tutorial of bluetooth pairing and programming, the real fun beings. The Boost tool kit works with regular Legos as well. That lets your children build what's in their minds, and bring them to life.

The real magic of the Lego Boost set is that it provides creativity within constraints, teaching children how to bridge their imagination with reality. If you want a fun way to get your children interested in STEM, and they already have a pile of Legos, this is the gift to get.

The 843-piece starter set will cost $160, and be available for purchase in August of 2017.