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How to Build a Robot for Children

What makes robots so fun to build? Is it the many different shapes and sizes that you can have, or is it the thrill of creating something? Whatever the reasons may be, here's a fun and simple design to build your first robot.

Things You'll Need

2 large wheels
5V to 8V motor
NiCad batteries
PIC controller

Instructions

- 1
  Get two wheels of the same size so they will move at the same speed.
- 2
  Choose the motor for your robot. For a beginner, you won't need to do many calculations to decide what type of motor you should have for the robot of your choice. When you get more experienced, you will have to do calculations to ensure that you have the proper motor. For now, choose a motor that has 5V to 8V.
- 3
  Choose a source of power. There are many types of batteries to choose from, but for now choose the NiCad batteries for your robot.
- 4
  Buy the controller for your first robot. Buy the PIC microcontroller--it will make it a lot easier to make your first robot run correctly (see Resources below).
- 5
  Begin designing your robot. There is not a specific design that you have to follow. You can use Legos, pieces of wood or plastic--anything will do, really, as long as you add some of your own creativity to the design and use the above-mentioned components as you basic building blocks.

Childrens Toys