Robot Friends - Easy Robot STEM Project for Kids

Robots are machines that receive inputs, process logic, and act. Usually this takes the form of sensors and microcontrollers, and servo motors, but we can stretch that definition to create helpful, friendly robots using non-digital inputs, logic, and actions!

This super-simple robot is the perfect introduction for kids of all ages to the fundamentals of robotics. Whether you're working one-on-one with your own child or facilitating a group project, this project offers lots of opportunities to get creative and build a unique robot friend that can complete a simple and often funny task. Let's begin!

Tools:

1. Wire strippers
2. Wire cutters

Required to get the robot moving:

1. 3-6V Gearbox motor
2. 2xAA battery holder with leads and switch
3. 1-inch foam adhesive squares
4. Small motor wheels
5. Wheels and axles (non-motorized)
6. Googly eyes - essential for making it look friendly

Customize your robot with:

1. Felt tip markers
2. Small cups or containers
3. Paper
4. Clothespins
5. Rubber bands (as a non-adhesive attachment)
6. Pipe cleaners, craft foam, and anything else you want to customize your robot

At their core, robots help us complete tasks.

Start by brainstorming some specific but very simple tasks that your robot can complete. Some examples are:

1. Delivering a note to a friend
2. Transporting a small package to someone
3. Drawing abstract pictures
4. Sweeping
5. Holding a sign/ protesting
6. Passing butter across a table

For each task, identify the input, logic, and action.

1. For example, a note delivery robot:
2. Inputs: Attach the note. Turn on the motor.
3. Logic: How the wheels are oriented and the direction the robot is facing determine its path.
4. Action: Robot travels across the floor toward the intended recipient
5. Another example, a drawing robot:
6. Inputs: Attach markers. Turn on the motor.
7. Logic: The way the markers are arranged and how the wheels are oriented determines the drawing pattern.
8. Action: Robot creates circular patterned art.

Strip about 1 inch of insulation from the battery holder leads to make it easier to attach to the motor (skip if soldering).

Thread the wire through the metal node on the motor, twist it tightly, and repeat with the other wire.

1. It doesn't matter how the wires are connected. If the wheels aren't spinning the right way, just turn the motor around as you build.

Important! Make sure the battery wires do not touch each other or the metal motor case!

Put 2 AA batteries in the holder and test out the motor.

Important! Make sure your hands are clean before handling the foam adhesive. Dirt, oil, and sweat will weaken the adhesive.

Attach the wheels to the motor, then use the foam adhesive to attach the motor to the battery holder.

Create idle wheels using two plastic wheels, an axle, and a straw. The straw is attached to the robot, allowing the wheels to spin freely.

Experiment! The adhesive squares can be carefully peeled away from the smooth plastic parts and rearranged. This makes it super easy to redesign your robot as you build and test.

For larger designs, incorporate 6" craft sticks (note: the adhesive squares are not as reusable when applied to wood).

Create and attach the parts of your robot that will help it complete your chosen task. Some examples of how various common materials can be used to enable your robot to complete a task are pictured.

And most importantly, add googly eyes, draw a face, make pipe cleaner appendages, embellish with accessories, or anything else to turn this simple machine into a little robot friend!

Test! Try out your robot and evaluate its success based on the following criteria that defines a robot. Remember that we're stretching the definition a bit, but the general concepts still apply:

1. Input: How well does your robot receive "inputs"?
2. For example, can a delivery bot successfully handle a small package? Can an art bot friend hold at least 1 marker?
3. Logic: How well can your robot be "programmed"?
4. Can you "program" where it goes by adjusting the wheels? Can you "program" a part of your robot that changes the action?
5. Action: How well does your robot achieve its task? For example, can it deliver the package to the correct destination?

Make observations as you watch your robotic friends try their best.

Redesign! The best part about this project is how easy is to to redesign by peeling and reattaching the foam adhesive. You can also incorporate rubber bands to help secure parts.

Try redesigning things like:

1. The position of the parts that your robot needs to achieve the task.
2. The angle of the idle wheels to change the direction the robot moves in.
3. How the motor and battery holder are attached to change the main shape and weight distribution.

After deciding that you've succeeded, you can keep iterating, or take it all apart and try to achieve another task!

If you're facilitating this project with a group of kids, avoid showing a complete example. Instead, focus on how different materials can be used to achieve different tasks (e.g. a clothespin can easily hold paper or a small item).

And make sure to show how easy it is to redesign by peeling and reusing the foam adhesive. It's low risk, high reward for trying different designs!

These two points will make a big difference in helping kids think unique solutions for a wider variety of tasks.

Thanks for checking out my Instructable, I hope you have a blast creating your own little robot friends!