The Robot Book: Build & Control 20 Electric Gizmos, Moving Machines, and Hacked Toys

Gr 4 Up—A concise title that introduces readers to the basics of robotics and building simple robots. The projects here all call for home appliances and everyday electronics, such as cell phones, toys, and computers, which are cited as the best sources for at-home robotic experimentation material. In order to complete these activities, students will need tools that include pliers, tape, screwdrivers, paperclips, and other more expensive pieces of equipment like motorized toy trucks, LED lights, and old CD computer drives, among other items. Those interested in tinkering with electronics will find the tasks engaging and thorough, though certain aspects of robot construction are overlooked, like the process of how to extract a battery from a cell phone or pager. Those seeking a more guided approach may need extra direction from a knowledgeable adult, though intrepid kids with an interest in science will likely innovate and improve upon some of the simpler robotic designs.—Amy M. Laughlin, Darien Library, CT