Holiday Gift Guide 2013: Robots

OK, it’s not much of a robot, but it is a fun project to make with kids. This kit comes in as a four pack, so it’s perfect for groups. It is a great introduction to making, that provides a quick success to build confidence. Once you’ve built one, try experimenting by making a catamaran style double design. Or add pipe cleaners as antennae, feelers or feet to see how it affects the BrushBot’s movement.

The Stryder and Doom Razor six legged RC robots can turn 360 degrees. Battle with interchangeable foam dart and disc weapons, blasting at removable armor on the legs. Make three shots to the head and your opponent’s Attacknid powers down, defeated! Also quite hackable if you want to add your own microcontroller and sensors to turn this toy into a full-fledged robot.

Sphero is a App controlled robotic ball and so much more! It connects via Bluetooth to your Android, iOS or Windows phone or tablet to let you drive Sphero or play over 25 games that are downloadable via the App Store and Google Play. The Sphero Version 2.0 has been upgraded to be faster, brighter, and better than ever – reaching speeds of up to 7 feet per second using its new drivetrain.

This awesome set of four robotics projects includes all the electronic parts you need to build Mousey the Junkbot, a BEAM Trimet and Solar Roller, and a Beetlebot. You will need to supply some easy to find additional parts. The bundle saves over $20 compared to buying these kits separately. Build instructions are on linked from the Maker Shed page under the How-To tab.

The Tadpole is a really well designed no-solder kit that is great for a starter and has room to grow for more advanced users. You can buy the bare chassis and add your own brain and sensors, or select an Arduino-compatible microcontroller and sensor package. Rocket Brand Studios also sells compatible add-ons like a pan and tilt kit or wheel encoders for more accurate navigation. The Tadpole is also available as a less expensive educational model.

Not only do you get a great 4WD robot platform complete with Arduino Leonardo microcontroller, sensors, and necessary electronics, but you also get both printed and PDF forms of the Make an Arduino Controlled Robot book, by Michael Margolis. Nice. A slightly less expensive 2WD kit is also available.

The Revolution line includes three complete robot platforms. Roli is a tracked rover and probably the easiest to start with. Six is a hexapod walker, a bit more advanced and very cool. JD is a bipedal robot, and is the most challenging. EZ-Robot has developed a range of parts (EZ-Bits) that connect using “Clip ‘n’ Play” technology. You can buy one of these platforms and customize it, or buy parts a la carte and design your own robot from scratch. Included EZ-Builder software helps you program walking gaits and custom movements. (Pre-orders available now!)

This forth edition focuses on robot projects that are affordable and can use widely available parts and simple tools. The book provides guidance on robot construction, choice of materials, and understanding different robotic components. Plus, there is an excellent online support site that provides additional material.

You’ll learn how to build and program an Arduino-based robot that can roam around, sense its environment, and perform a wide variety of tasks. All you need to get started with the fun projects is a little programming experience and a keen interest in electronics. This is a great guide to building a two or four wheeled robot. This book is also included as part of the package when you buy one of these robot kits from the Maker Shed. So consider getting a kit and you’ll get this great book to boot!