A Totally Cool Christmas Gift!
Robot technology is one science that is rapidly expanding. Robots are being used in the space program, the military, for surgical procedures, virtual autopsies, and construction. I just read an article on how robots in Japan are running a household, including fixing sushi! Given the expansion of robotic science, isn't it a good idea to get your kids interested from a young age? Instead of spending money on some mind numbing toy or game, I'll be picking up a few of these great kits.
Robot Kits For Kids Under $25
6 in 1 Educational Solar Kit # OWI-MSK610
Our mini solar kits teach children the benefits of solar energy while they create a toy that is both fun to play with and requires no batteries. The newest member of this popular line is the 6 in 1 Educational Solar Kit, an excellent beginner building kit designed to teach how solar power is used to drive a small motor. Children use the 21 snap together parts (no tools required) to build six different working models including an airboat, windmill, puppy, and two different planes.
Amazon Price: $14.77 (as of 12/29/2009) 
Toysmith Tin Can Robot # 3653
Recycle a soda can by turning it into a silly robot that can wobble around! Kit includes all working parts, motor, wheels, arms, googly eyes, and full detailed instructions. Millions of metal drink cans are thrown away everyday. You can learn children to recycle one of them to complete this fun project.
Amazon Price: $25.00 (as of 12/29/2009)
Robot Duck 4M Science Building Kit
The Robot Duck Kit by Toysmith lets you make a crazy robot that walks like a silly Duckie! Contains a motor and small part to be assembled and requires two batteries not included. You will need a small screwdriver. Finished Duck is 10 CM in length.
Amazon Price: $22.25 (as of 12/29/2009)
Brush Robot
Robot on the go! This flexible little guy slides on smooth floor surfaces. A robotic mobile sweeper with dynamic sweeping strengths that can help remove dirt anytime you need. Assemble this robotic brush and let it clean up after you. Complete set includes battery case with wires, wooden brush, paint brush, googly eyes, motor, a set of plastic mechanical parts and instructions.
Amazon Price: $18.35 (as of 12/29/2009)
Robot Soccer Championship Video
Robot Kits For Kids $20-$50
Tree of Knowledge Robotics Science Kit
Assemble three fantastic robots with this kit! One robot detects objects using infra red rays, the wake-up robot is sensitive to light and the third robot is operated by any TV remote control. A separate circuit and body are supplied for each robot. Includes over 20 pieces. Switch, motor, gear, motor housing and body included.
Amazon Price: $35.95 (as of 12/29/2009)
Robotic Arm Edge: Wired Control Robotic Arm Kit
Riding the wings of the award winning Robotic Arm Trainer, OWI has made robotic arm technology more affordable without compromising quality. With Robotic Arm Edge, command the gripper to open and close, wrist motion of 120 degrees, an extensive elbow range of 300 degrees, base rotation of 270 degrees, base motion of 180 degrees, vertical reach of 15 inches, horizontal reach of 12.6 inches, and lifting capacity of 100g. WOW! Some of the added features include a search light design on the gripper and a safety gear audible indicator is included on all five gear boxes to prevent any potential injury or gear breakage during operation. How does this equate to fun? Total command and visual manipulation using the 5s: five switch wired controller, five motors, and five joints. Night time play is possible and extended life on the gearbox to prolong your control and predictions of the robot's behavior.
Amazon Price: $47.95 (as of 12/29/2009)
iBOTZ TriBotz Kit
The TRIBOTZ by Elenco is three robots in one! Tribotz can operate in: Avoider mode where on-board sensors help Tribotz to avoid obstacles, Sound Operating mode where Tribotz changes direction in response to sound impulses, and in Line Tracer mode where on-board sensors enable the robot to follow a line drawn by a felt tipped pen.
Amazon Price: $54.95 (as of 12/29/2009)
iBOTZ Hydrazoid Kit
The Hydrazoid Robot reacts to sound impulses such as hand clapping. Once the robot "hears" the sound, it moves forward for 15 seconds and then stops to await another sound command. LED's and illuminated fiber optic antennas give the Hydrazoid a cool alien appearance. -- Using only basic hand tools (cutting pliers, small hammer, long nose pliers, and small phillips screwdriver), assembling this kit will be educational, fun and safe.
Amazon Price: $40.50 (as of 12/29/2009)
iBOTZ Antoid Infrared Kit
Now you can build a robot that walks around objects! -- The Antoid MR-1002 walks forward with its six insect like legs detecting objects in its path as it moves. The Antoid can detect objects with its infrared eye. Once an object is detected, the Antoid robot will move to avoid it. -- To build this educational robot only basic hand tools (cutting pliers, small hammer, long nose pliers, and screwdriver) are required. The robot kit contains detailed instructions and educational background information on each component used and why. -- The kit will teach the fundamentals of sensor technology and show you how it all goes together. In fact, you'll feel like an engineer when you're done!
Amazon Price: $44.95 (as of 12/29/2009)
"To believe what another says about you is unconscious, robot thinking."
~Barry Long
Robot Kits For Kids $50 And Up
Parallax Boe - Bot Robot Kit
The ever-popular Boe-Bot Full Kit is a complete reprogrammable robot kit. The Robotics text includes 41 new activities for the Boe-Bot robot with structured PBASIC 2.5 source code support and bonus challenges with solutions in each chapter. -- Starting with basic movement and proceeding to sensor-based projects, you will quickly learn how the Boe-Bot is expandable for many different robotic projects. No previous robotics, electronics or programming experience is necessary. Over 90,000 Boe-Bot robots are in use by hobbyists, educators and students around the world -- The Boe-Bot robot is built on a high-quality brushed aluminum chassis that provides a sturdy platform for the continuous rotation servo motors and BASIC Stamp module
Amazon Price: $159.99 (as of 12/29/2009)
Learning Resources Gearbotics Robot Motorized Set
Invent your own sonic robot design or follow instructions included with the kit to build any of 3 different models. Create robots that move in any direction and make all kinds of sounds. Color- coded, easy-to-assemble pieces make it a snap to do.
Amazon Price: (as of 12/29/2009)
KABUTO MUSHI OWI-8800
Creative Child Magazine's "Top Toy of the Year" for 2007! Fun and educational, teaches principles of gears, battery wiring, motors, and electronic circuits. Tank-style caterpillar traction lets it crawl over rugged terrain indoors or outdoors.
Amazon Price: $58.85 (as of 12/29/2009)
Moon Walker II Robot - Robotic Kit
Not one, but two! Light and Sound! Moon Walker II has combined the technology of two sensors. A whimsical indication of future trends, Moon Walker II begins to walk when it detects a change in light intensity or sound commands. Moon Walker II continues it's four legged voyage until instructed by an internal timer to stop. This kit presents an engaging oppor-tunity to learn about some of the mechanics, operation and history of robots.
Amazon Price: (as of 12/29/2009)
Build Your Own Robot Book
Build Your Own All-Terrain Robot
Amazon Price: $21.09 (as of 12/29/2009)
One customer wrote...
"I'm amazed with the number of pics and easy-to-follow instructions. I'm no expert, but anyone can build these kinds of 'bots, even me! It's fun watching people interact with my robot and the kids love it. I highly recommend this book for anyone who's interested in building their first 'bot or starting a new hobby. The best thing is that you don't have to spend a lot of money but you can build a very cool 'bot that will explore and entertain for many hours! Great for the kids to get involved in something fun, affordable and an excellent learning experience." 5 Stars
CREATE A ROBOT THAT GOES WHERE NO ROBOT HAS GONE BEFORE...
This book may be the easy way into the world of video-controlled robotics, but it delivers exciting results! It gives you all the help you need to:
* Follow easy plans, illustrations, and instructions to build a talented, versatile, and rugged off-road robot
* Make your robot your alter-ego -- see what it sees, hear what it hears, and speak with anyone it meets
* Control you robot from a block away using a video link
* Customize the chassis to suit your own needs -- several design ideas are presented with a variety of options
* Develop an explorer robot with serious scientific capabilities
* Teach your robot to think for itself with free software
* And much, much more!
BUILD "EARTH EXPLORER"!
Whether you have serious scientific objectives or just want to surprise your pals, you don't have to dream of owning a video-controlled robot anymore. You can build a sophisticated 'bot for less than you ever imagined!
Would You Let A Robot Clean Your House?
From what I heard on a news segment today, life like the Jetsons is not too far away. Would you let a robot clean your house? How about cook dinner?
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Reply
- oztoo oztoo Oct 29, 2009 @ 6:21 am
- Forget the kids - I think the adults would have a lot of fun here. Cool gift idea.
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Reply
- bdkz bdkz Oct 28, 2009 @ 7:33 am
- I LOVE this lens. Now I want a robot kit for Christmas!
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by mmkellis
Maureen Kellis is mom to four boys who love science and building things. She is currrently home schooling all four sons. She is a total foodie, home...
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