Robot-Building Kits
By Nicole Guilfoyle, Yoshi DeHerrera, and Dan Huard - Posted Mar 29, 2004
While planning the 'Screen Savers' Robot Week, it came to our attention that watching robots pummel each other, race in the desert, and even learn to smile may make you jealous. So we searched the Net for simple kits that let you construct your own perfect bucket of bolts.
All this week mod master Yoshi will put together our finds so you can see the finished creatures in action on Friday's show before you decide to take one home.
Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Now, onto the kits.
All this week mod master Yoshi will put together our finds so you can see the finished creatures in action on Friday's show before you decide to take one home.
Here are a few things to keep in mind.
- Most robots are available as building kits or preassembled.
- Robot kits are a little too expensive for child's play, not to mention dangerous once you start soldering.
- If you buy a kit, you'll learn a lot about how to assemble and program a robot.
Now, onto the kits.
- BugBrain 3.0.2, aka BugBrain with BasicX microprocessor kit ($169)
Construct a PC-programmable insect that walks, chirps, and interacts with its environment. - Extreme Hexapod 2 Walking Robot ($375)
Extreme Hexapod 2 Combo Kit for RC ($468.68)
Create a six-legged creature you control like an RC car. It moves front and back, left and right. Just remember to print the assembly instructions while you're online. You won't find printed instructions with your kit.
Notes from TSS builder, Yoshi DeHerrera
I've loved robots since I was a child. They represent everything cool about technology. They're typically cutting-edge and a little mysterious, giving us hopes and dreams of a future filled with autonomous AI bots that can help us do everything. Not surprisingly, I chose this kit because I wanted a robot that could walk. I also wanted a robot that looked like a creepy spider.
Building the bot itself was pretty simple. If you've put together an RC car, you won't have any problems. It took me about three hours to assemble the bot from the kit, but I'm very good at these types of builds, so it may take the average Joe a little longer. You only need basic tools: a screwdriver, utility knife, allen wrenches, and a weekend to build. I'd recommend this kit as a starting point for beginners.
- Cybug Scarab Artificial Lifeform Kit ($49.95)
This robotic scarab uses touch and light sensors to move around. The price looks right, but you may be tempted to buy certain add-ons, such as a $59.95 sunflower-shaped feeding station where your creature can recharge, to enhance the experience. Also, brush up on your soldering skills before it arrives. - OctoBot Survivor Robot Kit ($189.95)
If you like soldering and painting, step up to this shell-shocked bot. Paint the preprogrammed pod, plug in its recharge station, and watch it go. When your new little friend gets tired and hungry (i.e. when it starts running low on juice), it'll seek out its feeding station and recharge. - Trekker Sumo and Line Following Robot ($269)
This little guy definitely doesn't reach sumo proportions. However, it does stay within the bounds of its black wrestling ring unless it's pushed out. Sensors watch the ground to detect the difference between the black of the ring and the white of the ring perimeter. You can also train it to follow a certain color and walk a line.
Notes from TSS builder, Dan Huard
Working with robots requires a basic knowledge of electronics and a lot of troubleshooting. I wouldn't recommend this kit to the faint of heart. Your robot probably won't work on the first go. Trust me, I experienced a lot of problems, and took more time troubleshooting than building. Don't get me wrong; building a robot is a great experience. You really learn how the machine works. However, my robot came with a 150-page binder full of instructions. I took one look and said, "Dude, who needs this crap?" A robot is supposed to be a hands-on experience.
I suggest looking at the pieces, looking at similar completed robots, and then figuring out how you want to put it together. After a few quick panic attacks and breathing heavily into a paper bag, look at your robot again. Look at each mechanical bit and every wire. Try to understand what each component does. Then hit the books, or binder in this case. Not only will you understand your robot, you'll be able to have fun building it without pulling your hair out.
You should also give your robot a personal touch. Make a pint holder for your Hoegaarden (my current beer of choice), or just put your favorite stickers of Britney Spears on it. Just have fun!
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