How to Build a Robot With an Erector Set

Plan out your robot construction. Decide on the type of robot you want to build. Consider whether it will have wheels, legs, arms, and how many of each. Plan on its shape and decide on whether it will be a traditional robot, animal- or insect-shaped, or a simple arm robot. Draw out your ideas, first by drawing lines and then by using the erector part shapes. Make your drawing large enough to tape to a wall in front of your workspace so you can refer to it.

Spread the pieces out on your work space in order of size and shape. Look at the diagram included with each set so you can identify the parts and understand what each does. In most sets you find wheels, axles, metal strips, pulleys, gears and angle girders. Compare the code printed on the part to that listed on the diagram to better identify them.

Analyze your drawn robot plan and start building certain robot sections such as feet, arms, legs, head or mid section, with the appropriately sized parts. Attach the screws, washers and nuts to the parts you assemble for each robot section.

Attach the different sections together using smaller erector metal pieces and screws. Attach these to interior sides of the sections so they are less visible.

Make adjustments to your drawing and your erector set robot when pieces don't seem to fit together well or when you need to make size and shape adjustments. Rely on your own creativity and sense of judgment as you build it.

Refer to other erector set robots to get a better idea of what you want or the adjustment you need to make.