Need a robotics kit suggestion for a 10 year old

[Allison K]

I have a significant collection of both EV3/NXT LEGO Mindstorms systems and VEX IQ systems and utilize in after school programs, competition teams, and summer day camp.

While you can't go wrong with either, I generally recommend VEX IQ. The kit includes a controller (and default teleop code) which allows even brand new users to build a functioning machine right out of the box. Kids get hooked quickly with minimal frustration which sets them up for a good experience. The base kit IQ kit is less expensive ($300 for an IQ super kit vs. $350 for an EV3 core set) so you get a good value from your initial investment. The base IQ kit also has more parts (4 motors vs. 3, 7 sensors vs. 5, and more structural parts), and I prefer the IQ system of add-on kits which offer reasonably priced (generally less than $25) opportunities for expansion (tank treads, advanced gears, omni wheels, etc.). I also like that IQ has multiple programming options, both graphical and text based (some of which are free).

Edit to add: EV3 is a reasonable option for a kid that already has a huge collection of LEGO technic and is just looking to enhance functionality of the current collection.