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How to Make a Robot Out of an Umbrella

Although you might think of humanoid robots from Star Wars or the Jetsons when you think of robots, a robot is simply a machine that is able to perform a task. Robots work in factories around the world, doing simple repetitive tasks that allow the factories to make products quickly and efficiently. To make a moving robot that looks a little bit like a traditional robot, use the insides of an old umbrella.

Things You'll Need

Old umbrella
Safety goggles
Wire cutters
Metal nut
Small toy motor
Duct tape
Battery and switch assembly
2 AAA batteries

Instructions

- 1
  
  Remove the fabric from the tines of the old umbrella.
  
  Prepare the robot parts. Remove the fabric from the umbrella and discard it. Unscrew the handle from the umbrella and set it aside.
- 2
  
  Use goggles to protect yourself from flying metal.
  
  Put on the safety goggles. Use the wire cutters to cut four pieces of metal from the tines of the umbrella. The pieces should be at least 4 inches long. Cut an additional 8-inch-long piece of metal if you want your robot to have arms.
- 3
  
  Your umbrella should have a plastic unscrewable handle.
  
  Place the umbrella handle hole side down. Duct tape the four long metal tines around the umbrella handle. Tape them at an equal distance from each other to create metal legs for the robot.
- 4
  
  Use 2 AAA batteries to power the robot.
  
  Place the battery and switch assembly to the top of the umbrella handle. Tape a small toy motor to the top of the battery and switch assembly. Connect the two.
- 5
  
  A nut makes a good weight.
  
  Tape a weight to the motor shaft. This causes the entire robot to vibrate and move in interesting patterns. A small metal nut makes a good weight.
- 6
  Turn the switch and watch the robot move around on a flat surface. It will vibrate on the metal legs.

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