1. Simple Introductory Builds (Grades K-5)
These beginner builds require zero microcontroller programming. They focus on closed electrical circuits, battery-motor polarity, weight distribution, and vibration mechanics.
1. Bristlebot
Beginner · 1 HourA classic introductory micro-robot made from an angled toothbrush head, 3V coin cell battery, and a micro vibration pager motor. Teaches how rotational kinetic energy turns into directional locomotion.
2. ArtBot
Beginner · 1-2 HoursA wobbly, motorized drawing robot made from a disposable cup, three felt markers as tripod legs, a DC toy motor, and an off-center weight (popsicle stick / cork). It skitters across poster paper leaving colorful spiral trails.
3. Robot Hand from Drinking Straws
Biomechanics · 2 HoursA purely mechanical grasping hand built from plastic drinking straws, string tendons, and tape. Demonstrates musculoskeletal anatomy, tendon tension, and multi-joint kinematics without electronics.
4. Junkbot
Recycled · 1-2 HoursEngineering design challenge where students build unique walking, hopping, or sliding robots entirely from household recyclables (bottle caps, plastic bottles, skewers) powered by a small DC motor.
2. Intermediate Builds with Sensors & Solar Power (Grades 6-8)
Introducing closed-loop feedback, analog sensor circuits, photoresistors, and solar energy conversion.
5. Solar Bristlebot
Intermediate · 2 HoursSwaps chemical batteries for a miniature 2V photovoltaic solar panel. Demonstrates solar irradiance, power conversion efficiency, and motor load matching.
6. Light-Tracking Robot (Photovore)
Intermediate · 3-4 HoursA mobile robot featuring two light-dependent resistors (LDRs) and dual transistors in an analog differential comparator circuit. The robot automatically turns towards flashlight beams or sunlit spots.
7. BlueBot 4-in-1 Robotics Platform
Intermediate · 6-8 HoursA modular breadboard-based chassis supporting four sequential engineering configurations:
- Guard Robot: Motion detection tripwire using an active photodiode beam.
- Light Follower: Navigates toward bright light targets.
- Line Follower: Infrared reflectance sensors track high-contrast floor electrical tape lines.
- Obstacle Bumper: Mechanical micro-switches detect wall collisions and reverse motor polarity.
3. Advanced Autonomous Systems (Grades 9-12)
Microcontroller programming (Arduino/ESP32), algorithmic obstacle avoidance, PID line following, and environmental robotics.
8. Autonomous Obstacle Avoider (Ultrasonic vs. IR)
Advanced · Arduino · 8 HoursSide-by-side engineering study comparing Time-of-Flight ultrasonic sensors (HC-SR04) with infrared distance sensors (Sharp GP2Y0A21YK) for mapping indoor obstacles, glass reflection issues, and acoustic blind spots.
9. Stair-Climbing Robot (Stair Master)
Mechanical Design · 10 HoursDesign and test rocker-bogie or tri-star wheel mechanisms capable of scaling standard household stair steps without tipping over. Focuses on center of gravity and torque multipliers.
10. Self-Balancing Robot Waiter
Inverted Pendulum · 12 HoursTwo-wheeled inverted pendulum robot using an MPU-6050 6-axis IMU running a complementary filter and a closed-loop PID controller to balance a payload tray upright.
11. Underwater SeaPerch / ROV
Marine Robotics · 15 HoursSubmersible Remotely Operated Vehicle built from waterproofed PVC pipes, bilge pump thrusters, and tethered joystick control for underwater exploration and buoyancy testing.