Description
App-connected cardboard robot kit from The Crafty Robot.
Includes cardboard parts to build three different robots – A.I. Bot, Teabot and Unicorn.
App works as a controller or the smartphone can be attached to the robot and run the A.I. allowing the robot to recognise and respond to people, pets and vehicles.
The parts can be re-used to create your own robots or app controlled vehicles. We have tutorials on our website for doing this using common household items and waste.
The control pad in the app can be customised to suit whatever you have built, which can include up to 14 motors.
It can all be programmed, from a web browser, using drag and drop code blocks or JavaScript.
What our testers said
“I love all the smiley faces – it makes it look friendly” – Boy aged 11
“It’s pretty strong mum, it can take all this weight and tow too without any burn out on the motor.” Boy aged 11
What our experts think
This smart robot building kit is great for encouraging children to use their problem-solving and logical thinking skills in a creative way. Children were able to build the cardboard robot independently which helps them to develop confidence and decision-making skills. Parents did feel that the instructions could be a little more child friendly, so it was handy to have an adult present at times for guidance and for fiddly parts (e.g. small screws).
We particularly liked the recycling theme as this got children talking about being environmentally conscious and sparked their creativity, by encouraging them to be resourceful with other things around the home. Finding creative solutions to problems is a key skill in STEM and children develop their ability to do this by adding different parts and adapting the robots for different tasks.
Skills developed
– Develops logical thinking and problem-solving skills
– Promotes creativity and resourcefulness
– Encourages use of scientific vocabulary
