Robots have become popular in today’s world. By looking at how they impact our daily lives both economically and socially, it’s clear that parents need to make their kids technologically prepared for the present and future. Through robotic projects, kids can learn the basic concepts of engineering, science, and physics.

Almost all tasks require rudimentary items, although you should keep a watchful eye if you have younger kids. Here’s are 11 amazing robotic projects that will enhance the patience, creativity, and ingenuity of your kids.

1. Leaping Robot Frog

Introduce your kid to basic engineering with this easy-to-implement and fun project. They’ll need readily available items like four AA batteries, a DC motor, one pop can, one battery holder, and popsicle sticks.

No coding skills are required, making it ideal for kids with little to no experience with computers. However, it’s best to supervise younger kids since they’ll use tools like scissors and an X-Acto knife to cut the pop can. The robot leaps and jumps like a frog, something that will amuse young makers.

2. Robot Car

Allow children to understand the simple mechanics behind their toy cars with this project. Some materials required include two skewers, a firm block of foam, two AAA batteries, straws, and four bottle lids for wheels.

Kids can mount googly eyes and a pipe cleaner as a mouth to add more life to the car. Tools like a hot glue gun, butte knife, scissors, and X-Acto knife may injure younger kids, so it’s best if they have adult supervision. The results are incredible, giving kids a sense of confidence and accomplishment.

Related: Easy Electronics Projects for Beginners

3. Wobblebot

Young robot enthusiasts will love this project. Apart from being easy and fun, the task doesn’t take too long to complete, even for young kids. They’ll need two batteries, cardboard, one battery holder, five corks, two googly eyes, and a DC motor of 1.5-3V. There are various wobblebot designs, so you can try different versions with your kid during the weekend.

The materials are kid-friendly and will only require minimal supervision when using the hot glue gun and scissors. Young stars will enjoy watching the wobblebot jump and dance around.

4. Mini Robot Bug

Children can transform a clothespin into a mini robot bug in a few simple steps. They’ll need two LEDs for glowing eyes, a coin cell lithium battery, one vibrating motor, wires, and paper clips. All materials are easily accessible and cheap, so you won’t spend much on one project.

The mini robot bug moves around quickly when placed on smooth surfaces. Adults can take the soldering part entirely or allow older kids to do it under their supervision. Don’t be surprised if your kid makes several mini robot bugs because the results are impressive.

5. Four-Legged Walking Robot

A four-legged walking robot project may sound like a complicated one for kids, but it isn’t. Every step is easy to implement, so kids won’t give up in the middle of the process.

The supplies required are a DC motor, glue, battery pack, and a battery holder. It’s advisable if kids have the same length for all legs to give the robot maximum stability when moving around. This project helps kids understand leg and body motion control, among other engineering concepts.

This project has probably inspired your kid to try other DIY stuff. Check out these stunning LED projects suitable for beginners.

6. Propeller Car

Fun and engaging, the propeller car project is a must-try for kids who are enthusiastic about cars. You can pick between a foam board, bamboo sticks, balsa, stiff cardboard, or anything light but stiff for effortless acceleration. Additionally, lightweight and small wheels are better than bigger ones since they let the car move around at maximum speed quickly.

The process is straightforward, plus children can paint their favorite colors to give it a premium look.

7. Bipedal Robot

Children intrigued by robots will love crafting this project as it proves that not all bipedal robots are complicated. Get your kid tools like a mini breadboard, cardboard, Arduino, micro servos, wires, glue, and a hot glue gun. Beginner adults can also participate since the process isn’t overly technical.

Wrapping any excess wires ensures the robot is well-balanced for fast movement. It’s best to create a well-labeled diagram to make the process painless and fun.

8. Robotic Arm

The robotic arm project is an excellent way for kids to learn about mechanical processes. Gather some strong cardboard, straws, hot melting glue, sizeable thread, elastic, and other stationery items.

Carving the cardboard into a palm-like shape is enjoyable. You can allow older kids to cut the straw into small pieces using a pair of scissors but supervise them when using hot glue. A robotic arm can grab many sizeable things like balls and water cups.

9. Brushbot

Kids with no experience can quickly hack the brushbot project since it takes less than 20 minutes. Materials required include one vibrating motor, one toothbrush, two craft eyes (optional), double-sided tape, one battery, and pipe cleaners.

Although children don’t need the eyes for the brushbot to function properly, they make it look more lifelike. A group of friends can make several brushbots and have them run against each other for a fun experience. If your kid loves the project, you can allow them to make another brushbot but with a larger brush.

10. Wigglebot

The best thing about this project is that everything is available from local stores and at friendly prices. You’ll need two AAA batteries and holders, one disposable cup, one clothespin, a DC motor, one popsicle stick, and three markers. Googly eyes are optional, so you can let kids draw them out using a marker pen. The satisfaction children get once they see the robot wiggling around is incredible.

11. Robot Bank

With this project, kids will make a robot bank from plastic containers and other readily available materials. Large containers make an excellent pick since they provide more room for children who save money frequently.

Parents should supervise kids when using a hot glue gun and cutting tools like scissors and utility knives. Once kids peel the label on the container, they can paint the outer part to make the robot cute. Apart from being an intriguing build process, the final product encourages kids to save more.

Support Your Child's Learning

Understanding the basics of robotics at a tender age will help kids become future innovators. The above projects are the jumpstart that children need to develop an interest in robotics. Whether your kids are experts or beginners in the robotic field, the projects promise to spice up their day with exciting challenges.